English singer and songwriter Ellie Goulding recently performed at the renowned Kew Gardens in London, the largest and most diverse botanic garden in the world. Her performance was captured in the Freevee docuseries titled “Monumental: Ellie Goulding at Kew Gardens,” which not only showcased her talent but also promoted environmental sustainability. This unique approach earned the documentary an Environmental Media Association (EMA) Award, a first for Amazon.
In addition to receiving the EMA Award for its sustainability efforts on camera, Amazon was also recognized with 65 EMA Green Seals in 2024 for its sustainable production practices. This marked a significant increase from the 20 EMA Green Seals the company received in 2022, showcasing its commitment to implementing more sustainable practices in its productions.
Amber Mundinger, the producer of “Monumental: Ellie Goulding at Kew Gardens,” shared insights into the significance of winning the EMA Award, the choice of Kew Gardens as the filming location, challenges faced during production, and more.
The decision to feature Kew Gardens in the documentary was a deliberate one, as it provided a fitting backdrop for Ellie’s advocacy for environmental activism. The location, known for its scientific research on plant evolution, diversity, and conservation, offered a platform to showcase the critical work being done by scientists and botanists. The production team made efforts to ensure sustainability on set, aligning with Ellie’s commitment to environmental causes, making the EMA Award all the more meaningful.
The documentary captured various aspects of Kew Gardens, including interviews with Ellie Goulding and TV personality Roman Kemp near David Attenborough’s time capsule. The team also filmed in iconic locations like the Princess of Wales Conservatory and the Temperate House, highlighting the diverse climate zones and architectural marvels of the gardens. Drone footage of Kew Gardens and the sunrise over London added to the visual splendor of the production, reflecting the essence of the space and the important conservation work being undertaken there.
The choice to film at Kew Gardens was driven by Ellie’s preference, aligning perfectly with the grandeur and significance of the location. The rich history, beauty, and ongoing research activities at Kew Gardens made it a top choice for both the artist and the production team.
To ensure environmental sustainability during production, the team adopted several measures, including maintaining a small production crew, using digital-only resources, encouraging reusable items among the crew, minimizing food waste, and employing renewable fuel options. Additionally, recycled footage and on-screen messaging about environmental protection were incorporated to promote sustainability throughout the production.
“Monumental: Ellie Goulding at Kew Gardens” exemplifies Amazon MGM Studios’ commitment to sustainability, aligning with Amazon’s global initiative, The Climate Pledge, to achieve net-zero carbon by 2040. The studio has taken significant steps to reduce energy consumption, waste, and single-use plastic, emphasizing the economic and environmental benefits of sustainability to its cast and crew.
To learn more about Amazon’s sustainability efforts in film and television production, visit their sustainability page.
