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Secuoya Studios has made a significant impact in television production by receiving the MIP SDG Award at the Mipcom Cannes event, recognized as the largest global marketplace for television and streaming content. This award, presented from October 13 to 16, underscores the studio’s commitment to sustainable practices aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Established in 2020, the MIP SDG Award aims to accelerate progress towards the UN’s SDGs by honoring exceptional editorial and business practices within the television sector. Previous recipients include prominent entities such as A+E Networks and Sky, highlighting the increasing significance of sustainability in media production.
Secuoya’s sustainable initiatives
The award acknowledges Secuoya Studios’ continuous efforts to reduce the environmental impact of its productions. This commitment stems from the studio’s extensive portfolio of large-scale Spanish productions, including popular titles like Montecristo and Zorro.
Secuoya has broadened its sustainable practices across various projects, such as the recent series Shades (Matices), a collaboration with Stellarmedia that premiered on SkyShowtime earlier this year.
Innovative tools and partnerships
A key element of Secuoya’s sustainability framework is the Secuoya Foundation’s Sustainable Filming Protocol, known as the Greenbook.
Developed in partnership with the Mrs. Greenfilm eco-management consultancy, this extensive guide includes over 120 actionable steps and procedures. Since its launch in 2022, the guide has become an essential resource for all productions under the Secuoya umbrella, promoting environmentally responsible practices.
Furthermore, Secuoya has collaborated with TÜV SÜD, a global leader in safety and sustainability solutions, to introduce the Sustainable Management Seal. This initiative represents the first audited certification in the audiovisual industry, reinforcing Secuoya’s commitment to high standards in sustainable production.
Education and awareness
Understanding the role of education in nurturing a culture of sustainability, Secuoya Studios has created an internal department focused on Sustainability in Production. Each production now includes an eco manager, highlighting the importance of environmental stewardship at every stage of content creation. Additionally, Secuoya’s executives participate in teaching at the Core School University, where they incorporate sustainability themes into the curriculum, preparing future production professionals.
Industry impact and recognition
Caroline Petit, the deputy director for the UN Regional Information Centre for Europe, is set to present the award to Secuoya Studios during a session at the MIP Creative Hub on October 15. She expressed appreciation to Mipcom Cannes for its role in promoting sustainability in the industry. Petit stated, “Secuoya Studios’ commitment to sustainable production practices is commendable and reflects a broader trend within the industry towards aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.”
Lucy Smith, director of Mipcom Cannes, shared this sentiment, emphasizing the potential for television to create a positive impact in both content and production processes. She stated, “We are committed to showcasing tangible, measurable actions that can mitigate the environmental effects of production. Secuoya Studios stands at the forefront of this movement.”
Brendan Fitzgerald, CEO of Secuoya Studios, highlighted that sustainability is central to the studio’s operational philosophy. He stated, “We regard sustainability as a foundational commitment that influences our creative processes and content distribution. This award not only honors our current initiatives but also provides a platform to demonstrate how these practices can be adopted universally across the industry.”