Session Leads: Johnny Mann Scenic Services and Macfarlanes

Session Overview

As the creative industry actively seeks lighter, more sustainable, and cost-effective alternatives to traditional materials, cardboard is emerging as a highly robust contender in set construction. This interactive session provides a guided tour around the Johnny Mann Scenic Services and Macfarlanes packing stand.

Attendees will explore how top-tier film and theatre productions are successfully implementing cardboard engineering for large-scale builds.

The transformative potential of cardboard

The shift toward cardboard engineering represents an innovative change in production methodology. Already tested on major feature films and theatrical productions, this approach offers a practical alternative to the heavy environmental impact of standard builds.

Industry data highlights the profound benefits of this material:

• It costs 80% less than traditional wood or MDF sets.
• It generates a carbon footprint that is 90% lower than conventional builds.
• It is completely recyclable, enabling a truly circular life cycle.

When enough individuals commit to minor, practical shifts in how they source and build, the collective impact irreversibly changes the industry horizon.

This tour will be repeated throughout the day at 11.30am, 1.15pm and 3.00pm

 Sustainable Design and Emerging Technology Content Strand sponsored by Amazon MGM Studios.