Combining creativity and sustainability

A report by The Shift Project indicated that online video generates 306 million tons of CO2 each year, equivalent to 1 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, or as much as Spain. “So we want to start being a solution to a real problem,” explains Pauline Michel, founder of Eclos Production, based in Paris, which creates video content with a focus on sustainability in their production methods.

After a bachelor degree in management in her native France, Pauline's creative path took off with the MSc in Economics and Management in Arts, Culture, Media & Entertainment at Bocconi.” I was interested in the creative industries and also wanted to gain an international experience. The program gave me a very good overview of the industry and I did very interesting internships in various branches - fashion, design and the arts.”

And already during her studies Pauline created a small association with friends in Paris that began producing documentaries and short films. While after graduation came a work experience in cultural communication at the French Academy in Rome's Villa Medici. “And that's where I decided I wanted to work using audiovisuals for communication.”

In 2021 Pauline decided for the big step, combining her passions for films and for the topic of sustainability, founding Eclos Production, with the goal of creating audiovisual content - advertising videos, brand content, animations, trainings, event filming, and more - that is eco-responsible. Their ‘green’ productions pay particular attention in the working practices to aspects such as the use of transport, waste management or the electronic equipment. Another key point is writing scenarios with an eco-responsible approach because communication changes behaviors. The company has signed a ‘Contrat climat’ with the French Ministry for Ecological Transition and recently received the maximum 3-star Ecoprod rating for its tourism promotion film for the Paris Est Marne & Bois area, assigned by Ecoprod, the association in France that promotes sustainable film.

“Our philosophy is to create films for companies, associations, and institutions in a sustainable way, optimizing all stages from pre- to post-production and limiting carbon emissions. We achieve carbon balance in every content. We are a great young group of creatives who want to put eco-responsibility at the center of their artistic approach.”

Finally, a simple piece of advice for all girls: “don't be afraid to bring your project to life.”