Aronofsky gives 'Black Swan' a green tint

(2010 Fox Searchlight Pictures. All Rights Reserved.)

Director Darren Aronofsky took steps to minimize the environmental impact of his latest film Black Swan starring Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis.

In order to minimize environmentally harmful waste, the director of the drama/thriller made sure that the cast and crew drank and ate out of eco-friendly containers rather than the usual plastic water bottles and Styrofoam trays.

With large casts, crews' tight schedules and frequently changing locations, Hollywood movies have in the past generated a great deal of non-bio-degradable waste, but the industry appears to be waking up to the ecological impact of its actions. In an April press release the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) outlined its commitment to recycling, noting that in 2009 it diverted 66 percent of solid waste away from landfills, reduced on-set food wastage and made increased use of video conferencing to minimize air travel.

Disney has also made significant recycling efforts, increasing its rate of recycling from 55 to 85 percent. MPAA states that by shooting popular hits such as Alice in Wonderland with digital technology the studio has reduced emissions associated with film usage equivalent to removing 55 cars from the road.

Black Swan focuses on the relationship between a ballet dancer and her rival and is due to be released in theaters on December 3. A trailer for the much anticipated film can be viewed online at http://www.foxsearchlight.com/blackswan/.