Green Crew Hero, Anastasia King, Producer
Green The Bid Crew Heroes is a series that highlights individuals who bring sustainable practices on set and seek to inspire others to do the same. Production can’t happen without crew-members, and the same is true of their support of Green The Bid. Here Green The Bid’s Gabi Kay talks to Producer, Anastasia King.
G.K. Where did you grow up and how did it inform how you do your job today?
A.K. I grew up in the San Fernando Valley, just north of Los Angeles. When I grew up, we had days when we couldn't play outside because the smog was so bad. We lived in a dream state. In air so thick the light would change so distinctly. Back to school especially, in September, after the summer had been hot and dry, we arrived at the school yard in a dream. Eventually, the haze would clear, it would get darker earlier. Rain might sprinkle or pour and the clarity would be blinding. After emissions standards the skies cleared - a bit- and we all went on about our business. As if we had won the battle because the air was lemon yellow instead of tangerine brown.
I look back on that time and then through years of California's lemon yellow leadership on climate in the US. How small victories and smug disapproval of other lesser states came to replace common sense action. How, when Jimmy Carter was president, we had a chance to take a path that would have drastically changed our fate. Instead, we replaced him with Ronald Reagan, who removed solar panels from the roof of the White House. We can now see clearly how half measures have swallowed our options. It brings into stark relief the path we must take forward. As you would not bring a water pistol to a fight with the sun, we can no longer accept watered-down policy that kowtows to the corporatocracy. Radical solutions are needed. Now.
G.K. What are some things you do when producing to ensure a more sustainable shoot, what things would you love more production companies and crews to adopt?
A.K. I've been working on experiential and events primarily over the last few years. At the last festival I produced (January 2020), we hired composting toilets and a green stream company to ensure that we were making the most out of our waste. The art, signage and structures we built were all repurposed. We also reduced single-use plastic usage by almost 85% by offering free, filtered water and utilizing single-use cutlery, cups and plates made of biodegradable corn and potato and, we designed a parking fee structure that encouraged people to use ride share services and carpool. These efforts did not overcome the carbon footprint of the event (nor of the product it was selling) but I felt good about proving how significant shifts can be made without reducing participant experience nor increasing costs. Far from diluting the consumer experience, festival attendees loved the changes and they deepened consumer affection for the brand.
G.K. What are the things you have changed in your own life to be more environmentally conscious.
Where to begin?!?! Overall, I try to always remember that we are a part of the massive ecosystem that is the earth. Just because I can't see where my trash goes, doesn't mean that its out of mind. I am constantly making the invisible systems visible. Thus I use less water in every way - showering, washing dishes, brushing teeth - reusing water whenever possible, avoiding letting the tap run. If I owned my house, I would install a grey water system to utilize laundry, shower and kitchen sink water to irrigate landscaping, fruit trees and a veggie garden. Beyond eating organic and very little meat and fish, I try to support regenerative farmers whenever possible. I reuse as much as I can and recycle the rest. I drive a hybrid, try to keep kids toys to those made of wood or natural fibers, and I travel as little as possible. And I tell myself this glorious fantasy: Across the globe, there are enough people like me committed to these tiny measures and together our efforts will aggregate into a shift massive enough to keep Earth habitable for my grandchildren. Yes, it's a delusion but it keeps me functional.
G.K. Who most influences you and inspires you when it comes to being socially and environmentally responsible in your work life and your personal life?
A.K. My children, Onidine 5.5 and Kai, 3.5, for sure! I am not a follower of celebrities or "thought leaders" but i recently discovered Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Hers is an extraordinary voice, one that is much needed in the climate conversation. She has found an exquisite way to weave science, the wonder of Nature, Native American wisdom and philosophy into a road map for human participation in the healthy balance of spaceship Earth. Far from a preachy, dry polemic, her book is lush, personal, entertaining, and heart-breaking. This book has forever changed the way I see the world and every person over 12 should read it. Lastly, my creative partner, Ginny Galloway, has such a deep and abiding love for the world, her clear-sighted genius for finding pathways through culture to impact is truly inspiring.
G.K. If you could do any other job in production - what would it be and why?
A.K. I would love to be a production designer. I love design, textiles and building worlds.
----- Are you a crew hero or do you know one? We want to hear from you!
