The Silent Green Revolution in Entertainment

4/22/2023 6:00:00 AM

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The Power of "Green Riders"

Discover the secret contract clause A-list stars are using to force change.

💡 Before reading the text, familiarize yourself with the vocabulary list below.

🧠 Now, let's test your memory. Check your vocabulary retention with the quiz below.

Read and do the following tasks.

The Silent Green Revolution in Entertainment

Imagine a blockbuster movie set. The cameras roll, explosions light up the sky, and A-list celebrities sip coffee between takes. It looks glamorous, yet beneath this polished surface lies a profligate reality. For decades, the entertainment industry has been a massive generator of waste, from diesel-consuming generators to temporary sets that are demolished and dumped into landfills immediately after filming wraps. However, a significant cultural shift is underway. As climate anxiety rises, filmmakers and event organizers are beginning to take a stand, rewriting the script on how entertainment is produced.

The environmental cost of a single major film production is staggering. It is estimated that one blockbuster can produce as much carbon as a small village does in a year. In light of this, industry leaders are now viewing sustainability not as an option, but as a moral imperative. Studios are increasingly recruiting "eco-managers" whose sole job is to supervise waste reduction. These professionals ensure that productions cut down on single-use plastics and phase out diesel generators in favor of solar-powered battery units.

Furthermore, the impetus for change is also evident in the contracts of the stars themselves. Previously, actors might have demanded lavish trailers or exotic foods. Today, many are incorporating "green riders" into their contracts. These clauses insist on sustainable practices, such as requiring crew meals to be locally sourced or ensuring that costumes are recycled rather than discarded. This trend assists the industry in its effort to clean up its act regarding its reputation for extravagance.

Conversely, outdoor festivals face an uphill battle. Unlike a controlled movie set, a festival is a temporary city that springs up and vanishes within days. To combat the trash left behind, organizers are implementing "Leave No Trace" policies. They represent a feasible solution where attendees are incentivized to clean up their own campsites. Some events have even introduced compostable toilets and banned glitter, which is essentially microplastic.

While these measures are promising, critics argue that the industry still has a long way to go. Purchasing carbon offsets is often seen as merely a band-aid solution rather than a genuine cure. True change requires a systemic overhaul. Nevertheless, the momentum is undeniable. By paving the way for greener technologies and influencing public opinion, the entertainment sector is attempting to prove that it can captivate audiences without destroying our home. Ultimately, the hope is that these green practices will become the norm, ensuring that the magic of entertainment stands the test of time.

What is the main idea of the passage?

The environmental impact of film productions has increased as blockbuster movies become more common.
The entertainment industry is undergoing a shift toward more sustainable practices in response to climate concerns.
Outdoor festivals face greater environmental challenges than film productions due to their temporary nature.
Industry leaders believe carbon offsets are the most effective solution for reducing entertainment-related pollution.

In the first paragraph, the author describes the scene of a blockbuster movie set primarily to _____.

highlight the glamour and excitement that attracts young people to the film industry
contrast the visual appeal of movies with the wasteful reality of their production
illustrate the lifestyle and working conditions of famous actors on set of a film
explain the technical difficulties involved in filming explosions and action scenes

The word "profligate" in the first paragraph is OPPOSITE in meaning to _____.

generous
economical
destructive
artistic

According to the passage, what is the function of "green riders" in actors' contracts?

To limit actors’ personal demands in exchange for higher production budgets.
To encourage environmentally responsible practices during film production.
To promote local businesses by prioritizing regional suppliers and services.
To improve actors’ public images by highlighting their influence in the industry.

The word "imperative" in the second paragraph is CLOSEST in meaning to _____.

suggestion
burden
necessity
preference

According to the passage, what is a key similarity between the new approach in film production and modern outdoor festivals?

Both are focusing on banning plastic regardless of the cost.
Both are relying on government regulations to enforce changes.
Both are taking steps to cut waste and environmental impact.
Both are eliminating the use of electricity to conserve energy.

According to the passage, why are carbon offsets viewed critically by some observers?

They are regarded as a short-term fix that fails to address deeper systemic issues.
They are considered an expensive option that many companies cannot afford.
They are thought to weaken public support for stronger environmental policies.
They are believed to depend too much on emerging and uncertain technologies.

What is the author's outlook on the future of entertainment?

Deeply pessimistic
Largely indifferent
Cautiously optimistic
Overly confident

Complete the summary using the list of words below. Write the correct letter, A-H, in each blank.

A. fragile

B. excess

C. viable

D. obligation

E. investment

F. devices

G. restructuring

H. compensation

For a long time, the movie business has been criticized for its wasteful habits, such as discarding elaborate sets immediately after use. Nowadays, environmental protection is viewed as a central 9.1 rather than just a choice. To achieve this, specialists are being hired to replace traditional power sources with cleaner, renewable 9.2. Additionally, actors are promoting sustainability through contract clauses to improve the industry's reputation for 9.3. Challenges remain for large outdoor events, but encouraging attendees to tidy up after themselves offers a 9.4 way to manage waste. Although some view current efforts as superficial, proponents believe a total 9.5 of the system is necessary to ensure the industry can thrive without harming the planet.

🚀 VOCABULARY BOOSTER

Build your vocabulary by learning these intensive idioms used in the text The Silent Green Revolution in Entertainment.

Josh: Everyone is complaining about unfair rules at work, but nothing is changing.

Tom: Then someone needs to _____ and speak up for the whole team.

keep his head down
turn a blind eye
sit on the fence
take a stand

The government plans to _____ coal power plants gradually over the next decade to reduce carbon print.

bring in
phase out
rely on
set up

Choose the sentence that is CLOSEST in meaning to the sentence given.

Although the patient is stable, his recovery has a long way to go after such a major surgery.

Since the patient is stable, his recovery is expected to progress quickly and smoothly.
Although the surgery was serious, the patient has already regained most of his health.
While the patient is no longer in danger, he still needs considerable time to recover.
Though the patient remains under observation, his condition is unlikely to improve further.

Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first one, using the word in brackets. You must use between TWO and SIX words, including the word given. Do NOT change the word given.

Stricter environmental rules are pressuring large industrial facilities to improve their environmental conduct. (CLEAN)

=> Large factories are being by stricter environmental regulations.

The ancient Roman aqueducts are remarkable for their ability to endure through the centuries. (STOOD)

=> The ancient Roman aqueducts are a marvel because .