The ‘no jet’ set: actors back campaign to cut climate impact of ‘celebrity riders’

Some stars insist on private jets, or a police escort to accompany their vehicles. George Clooney had a hot tub and beach hut installed next to his trailer. Rihanna demanded an animal print rug and “icy-blue chiffon” curtains. Many specify types of food, snacks, drinks and flowers.

But some of the UK’s best-known stars are now taking a stand against celebrity “riders” by backing a campaign to improve sustainability in the film and television industry.

More than 100 actors have agreed to consider and reduce the carbon impact of requirements or conditions attached to their contracts, known as riders.

They include Ben Whishaw, Mark Rylance, Harriet Walter, Juliet Stevenson, Gemma Arterton, David Harewood, Bill Nighy, Miranda Richardson, Paapa Essiedu, Bella Ramsey, Adrian Dunbar and Romola Garai.

Essiedu said: “This summer has brought into sharp focus the reality that climate disaster is not a problem of the future but one of the now. The accepted normal practices of the film industry are rife with waste and a lack of consciousness as to the damage we are causing our planet….