# Film and TV Professionals Demand More Climate Storytelling Despite Industry Barriers Global survey reveals creative desire for climate narratives hindered by structural and financial obstacles. - **Source:** [Deadline](https://deadline.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-11 - **Topic:** [entertainment](https://brifing.si/c/entertainment) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/6b63b7ec-938e-461d-88b3-0e4a5dca2ff5 ## Global Industry Survey Findings A first-of-its-kind international survey conducted during COP 31 reveals that 71% of film and TV professionals want to incorporate climate themes into their work. The study, which gathered responses from 78 countries, highlights a significant disconnect between the creative aspirations of writers, directors, and producers and the current industry output. ## Structural Barriers to Entry Despite high interest, 55% of respondents reported encountering major barriers when attempting to include climate-related storytelling. The data indicates a notable lack of enthusiasm among commissioners, who hold the power to greenlight projects. This suggests that creative intent is currently being stifled by decision-makers who prioritize traditional content over climate-focused narratives. ## Scope and Regional Focus The survey was available in 15 languages to ensure a truly global perspective on media production. While the reach was international, the study placed an extra focus on India, Bangladesh, Brazil, Nigeria, the UK, and the US. This diverse geographic spread captures how climate storytelling challenges vary significantly across different global markets. ## Creative Vision for Content Approximately 74% of participants believe that film and television can effectively raise awareness regarding urgent climate issues. Most creatives expressed a strong preference for producing solutions-focused content. They aim to weave climate conversations into the fabric of everyday life rather than relying solely on disaster-based tropes or purely scientific documentaries. ## Financial and Distribution Hurdles The report identifies severe financial barriers that are particularly difficult to overcome in regions like Africa and South America. Recommendations include providing better funding and distribution channels for independent producers who prioritize climate themes. Without specific financial support, these creators struggle to bring their climate-conscious visions to a wider global audience. ## Call for Institutional Engagement The survey results emphasize the need for studios, broadcasters, and streaming platforms to become more deeply engaged with climate storytelling. Experts suggest that support must be specifically tailored for different regional markets to be effective. Engaging funders is seen as a critical step toward normalizing climate themes within mainstream entertainment media. ## Organizational Backing and Management Futerra Solutions Union commissioned Ipsos to manage this extensive research project on behalf of the Entertainment Culture for Climate Action Film Television Alliance. This alliance is convened by UN Climate Change to support the industry's contributions to global climate action. Their collaboration underscores the institutional push to integrate environmental awareness into storytelling. ## Future Outlook for Media As the scientific consensus on global warming remains clear, the pressure on the entertainment industry to reflect these realities is mounting. The transition toward climate-relevant storytelling depends on overcoming current funding gaps and commissioner resistance. Future success will likely require a shift in how studios value and distribute locally rooted, solutions-focused narratives. ## Sources covering this story - https://deadline.com/2026/11/film-tv-climate-storytelling-survey-results-ecca-cop-31-1237220555/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._