'Him' Harnessed The Power of the Sun while Filming in New Mexico

Through the NBCUniversal GreenerLight Program, with strong support from Monkeypaw Productions and the filmmakers, the team behind Him continued their legacy of innovative and sustainable filmmaking from previous films like Nope.

Notably, the film was the first Universal Pictures feature to trial an off-grid solar and battery system to power the production's basecamp with clean, quiet electricity sourced from New Mexico's sunshine.

A dedicated Eco Team oversaw sustainability efforts for Him throughout production from prep to wrap, with a focus on utilizing clean energy. The sustainable production standards implemented on Him resulted in a carbon footprint about a quarter below the industry average for a film of this size¹.

A Solar-Powered Basecamp

Five solar trailers – powering lead actors' spaces, hair and makeup stations, production offices, and wardrobe storage – were linked together to form a micro-grid that produced approximately 4,500 kWh of solar power.

Equipped with battery storage, the system allowed the production to run off-grid on stored energy, even during nighttime shoots in remote desert locations. 

Additional battery units – including six small and three large batteries – powered equipment from grip and electric teams, a crafty trailer, props trucks, and nighttime lighting. Approximately 90% of lighting used on set was LED, and two solar light towers helped to reduce electricity demand on set. 

EVs Behind the Scenes and On Screen

The production utilized clean transportation alternatives, with over a third of their passenger vehicle rentals being electric or hybrid vehicles. The team also supported crew mobility with two Level 2 mobile chargers and one DC fast charger.

Through a partnership with Rivian, two electric SUVs were also featured in Him, in an effort driven by the filmmakers to highlight these new vehicles both within the film itself as well as behind the scenes. 

Reducing Waste, Reusing Materials

On set, sustainability efforts extended beyond energy. Single-use plastic water bottles were eliminated in favor of refill stations, and reusable and paper-based dishware reduced waste. A three-stream bin system enabled composting and recycling, minimizing waste to landfill.

At wrap, set materials and costumes were donated to New Mexico nonprofits –  including a large donation of set walls to a community college theater program. Leftover catering food was donated to local charities, resulting in over 800 meals given back to the community.

Engaging Cast & Crew

To highlight the on-set efforts, cast, crew and filmmakers – including Tyriq Withers, Ian Cooper, Win Rosenfeld, and Jamal M. Watson – participated in a behind-the-scenes sustainability featurette. The video played in theaters ahead of the film’s release and was distributed online and across the film’s social channels. 

Him incorporated sustainable practices – using clean energy, reducing waste, and donating materials to local organizations –  leaving a positive impact on the New Mexico communities it touched.

¹ Industry average is based on film Scope 1+2 emissions published in the 'Carbon Emissions of Film & Television Production 2020-2022' by the Sustainable Entertainment Alliance.