Actor Cumberbatch criticizes the film industry, calling it excessively wasteful
Benedict Cumberbatch, the 49-year-old Hollywood star, is using his platform to bring attention to the environmental impact of the film industry. In a recent interview on the podcast "Ruthie's Table 4", he criticized the industry as "extremely wasteful" and highlighted areas such as transportation, catering, and accommodation as particularly problematic.
Cumberbatch is currently filming a remake of the novel "The War of the Roses" with Olivia Colman, and he has also signed on to star in Wes Anderson's new film "The French Dispatch". However, he is not just focusing on his acting roles. As a producer, he is actively working to promote sustainability on film sets.
One of his main concerns is the massive energy consumption required to generate daylight and consistent light in a studio environment. He has also pointed out waste from other sources, such as transport logistics, food provision, and housing arrangements associated with filmmaking.
To combat these issues, Cumberbatch is advocating for practical changes. He is encouraging the elimination of single-use plastics on set, such as water bottles, to reduce waste. He acknowledges the challenge actors face in speaking out on these issues due to accusations of hypocrisy, given actors' often lavish lifestyles and resource usage. However, he continues pushing for greener methods.
Cumberbatch's commitment to sustainability is evident in his own actions. For example, during his preparation for the role of Marvel's Doctor Strange, he ate five meals a day, along with snacks like boiled eggs, almonds, and cheese. However, he finds it problematic to have to eat beyond his appetite, especially for sustainability reasons, as the amount he eats could feed a family.
Cumberbatch is not alone in his efforts. In Germany, a film titled "The Rose Battle" is set to hit cinemas on August 28, and its production team is also focusing on sustainability. Cumberbatch is doing his part by avoiding plastic bottles on his film sets and encouraging others to do the same.
Cumberbatch recognizes that the problem of waste in the film industry is systemic and emphasizes the need for industry-wide studies and efforts to identify where waste can be effectively reduced. He hopes that by raising awareness and advocating for change, he can help make the film industry more sustainable for future generations.
- Benedict Cumberbatch, while working on his new films, is utilizing his producer role to advocate for sustainability in film sets, focusing on reducing energy consumption, eliminating single-use plastics, and identifying systemic waste issues in the industry.
- As a committed proponent of sustainable living, Cumberbatch incorporates environmentally-friendly practices into his own lifestyle,such as eating a balanced diet and avoiding unnecessary food waste, even when it requires overcoming challenges related to his high-profile career.
- Cumberbatch's efforts to make the film industry more eco-friendly extend beyond his own productions, as evidenced by his support for projects like "The Rose Battle" in Germany, which share his commitment to reducing waste and promoting sustainable practices on film sets.
