Under the guidance of eco-entertainment organization Reality of Change and the environmental non-profit Rare, an advisory committee consisting of over 30 leading unscripted production companies announced a groundbreaking roadmap and pledge to support environmental sustainability both on-screen and behind the scenes.

Assembled in 2024 under the direction of Cyle Zezo, Reality of Change Founder, and Ellis Watamanuk, Senior Director of Rare’s Entertainment Lab, the advisory committee’s mission is to lead the unscripted industry by example to encourage positive environmental practices, respond to a changing business reality, and address the needs and demands of an increasingly engaged and informed audience.

Influential figures from across the unscripted community have pledged to evolve their practices in three key areas: production, programming and industry engagement. To address production needs, they will continue to evaluate and evolve their processes to reduce waste, minimize emissions and maximize efficiency. For programming, they will look for opportunities to incorporate entertaining sustainability themes and solutions on-screen that inspire positive behaviors and respond to the growing demands of audiences. By engaging with their peers and the industry at large, the producers will contribute to an overall culture of sustainability and support the health of the unscripted business sector in the U.S.

The advisory committee has identified key resources and outlined initiatives to be developed and rolled out to the unscripted sector by Reality of Change and Rare. These include shared written materials detailing guidelines and best practices for integrating sustainability into production and content; workshops and training programs; and avenues for on-going dialogue, collaboration and knowledge sharing to benefit the unscripted sector as a whole.

“Over the past year, we have had the privilege of working with an esteemed group of professionals who share an unwavering dedication to reimagining the systems that will sustain our sector’s future,” said Cyle Zezo. “Our advisory committee members recognize that the stories we tell, the realities we document, and how we work and engage with our communities, professional and otherwise, are our most impactful tools and most critical hope to promote and prioritize the collective health, safety and sustainable prosperity for all who share this planet. Guided by this roadmap, Reality of Change and Rare are committed to ensuring the unscripted television business has the resources and support necessary to set a path to lasting, positive change.”

“Increasingly frequent and extreme weather events around the globe present urgent threats to our health and safety, our economies, and the magnificence of our natural world,” said Ellis Watamanuk. “But we can act today to protect our livelihoods, our loved ones, our communities and the environment, now and for future generations. As we hurtle towards critical tipping points, it is vital to remember that the solutions we need exist and can be reflected in the stories we tell. No matter where you are, no matter what you do for a living, we can all find ways to help, which is why I am so inspired to collaborate with colleagues in the entertainment industry doing their part.”