The project looks at the impact of the behemoth franchise on props & costume and UK locations

The Star Wars franchise is providing the basis for research on environmental practices and sustainability at Environmental Impact of Filmmaking (EIF).

The EIF Project’s partners are: Arts & Humanities Research Council, BAFTA albert and the National Science and Media Museum.

Launched in 2023 and based at the Open University, the EIF Project aims to assist filmmakers in adopting more eco-friendly production practices by examining the environmental impact of Star Wars in the UK via two strands: one on props and costume and the other on location shooting.

For around 50 years, the Star Wars films and spin-off shows have been associated with the UK, with many of them filming here and others using UK talent in their prop and costume design.

The team has also created two calculators for filmmakers to use to test their own practices – the first to assess whether a practical or digital make is more sustainable, and the second to assist in minimising the impact of merchandise.

The first three case studies trace prop and costume life cycles, with a look at R2-D2, the Throne Room dress and lightsabers, and the fourth exploring the impact of location shoots, including at Greenham Common, Winspit Quarry, and Ivinghoe Beacon.