Centered on bridging the gap between Greek audiovisual professionals and the contemporary challenges of sustainable filmmaking, the 2nd in-person workshop of the European project Green SCAP (Green Skills for Cinema and Audiovisual Production) was successfully completed. The event was hosted at the new Convention Center of the Region of Central Macedonia, Thessaloniki, from March 9–11, 2026.
The workshop was implemented under the Erasmus+ framework, with the primary objective of developing “green” skills for professionals within the European audiovisual industry. The 2nd Green SCAP workshop in Greece was co-organized by the Film Office – Central Macedonia and the Hellenic Film Commission of the Hellenic Film and Audiovisual Center (EKKOMED), actively contributing to professional training and the establishment of new sustainable standards for film and audiovisual production.
“With the successful organization of the 2nd Green SCAP workshop, the Region of Central Macedonia reinforces its role as a rising filming destination, strategically investing in sustainable development and the transition of the European audiovisual industry toward a more environmentally responsible operational model,” stated the Vice-Governor for Tourism, Vicky Chatzivasileiou.
She further noted: “Hosting professionals and young experts in Thessaloniki within the Green SCAP framework and interconnecting two European projects dedicated to sustainability confirms that Central Macedonia can serve as a hub for knowledge exchange, skill development, and the promotion of innovative practices in the audiovisual sector. We are highlighting Thessaloniki’s dynamic as a center of creation, collaboration, and extroversion. As the Region of Central Macedonia, we continue to support initiatives that promote sustainable film production and enhance the international presence of our region.”
European synergies for sustainability
During the three-day workshop, two major actions focused on sustainability took place:
Industry Event (AGORA Talk): Titled “From vision to reality: Unleashing the sustainability superpower in film production” (March 10, 2026), held with the support of the Agora of the 28th Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival. The session featured Green SCAP instructors:
- Julia Tordai, Sustainability consultant, Founder, and CEO of Green Eyes Productions.
- Serena Alfieri, Film producer (Italy).
- Linnea Merzagora, Green Film project manager / Trentino Film Commission (Italy).
Networking event: An event linking Green SCAP with the European project MINEV (Waste Management in Large Events), implemented by the Region of Central Macedonia. Participants from both projects exchanged experiences and best practices for sustainable resource management.
Additionally, the 2nd Green SCAP workshop in Thessaloniki is set to be presented as a “best practice in environmental literacy for cinema” at the upcoming 2nd Panhellenic Conference on “Audiovisual and Film Literacy” in Chania, Crete (March 27–29, 2026), highlighting the importance of institutional cooperation and environmental awareness in the sector.
Location scouting in the heart of Thessaloniki
The curriculum of the 2nd Green SCAP workshop was highly engaging and interactive. Twelve selected professionals from Greece, Italy, and Spain collaborated with international and Greek instructors to draft sustainability plans for film productions. A significant highlight was the contribution of invited Greek instructors who shared their expertise and presented cinematic case studies:
- Film producerDanae Spathara (Heretic), a graduate of the Green Film Lab Athens, discussed the integration of sustainability principles during filming, showcasing examples from recent productions in Greece.
- Director of PhotographyPanagiotis Salapatas, Professor of cinematography at the AUTh Film School and member of the Greek Society of Cinematographers (GSC), emphasized the cinematographer’s role in managing the environmental footprint of an audiovisual production.
- Location managerYiannis Sotiropoulos (LocationHound), Vice President of the Greek Society of Location & Unit Department, guided participants through a location scouting session, using various locations in Thessaloniki as live sets.
Participants explored Thessaloniki’s center—from the Port to Aristotelous Square—where they examined how to manage locations under sustainability terms during a shoot. The scouting was designed by Yiannis Sotiropoulos, with the participation of location managers Nikos Bozanis and Ioanna Douka, who elaborated on the critical role of their profession in the filmmaking process.
Institutional framework and partners
The Green SCAP program is implemented via Erasmus+ with funding from the European Union. The lead partner is the Veneto Film Commission (Italy), in collaboration with the Film Office of Central Macedonia, the Hellenic Film Commission of EKOME, and the Mediterranean Creative Hub of Mallorca (Spain), under the scientific supervision of the Green Film European network.
In Central Macedonia, the GREEN SCAP project is carried out through the cooperation of the Film Office-Central Macedonia, the Directorate of Tourism, and the Department of European Programs and Synergies of the Autonomous Directorate for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Support of the Region of Central Macedonia.
