Film Locations Glossary
Greens
What are greens?
Also called greensman, or greenery.
Greens are the living and artificial plants used to dress a location, and the greensman department that supplies, installs, and maintains them.
On location the work runs both ways: adding planting to build a look, and cutting back or screening existing growth so the camera can see. Anything cut on someone's property is a restoration obligation, so greens work is agreed in writing before a blade touches a hedge.
Example
A garden scene needs a mature hedge screened, two beds replanted for the season, and a tree branch tied back for the camera. Every cut is agreed in writing first, because the replanting obligation lands in the restoration budget.
Figures are illustrative, chosen to show the mechanics rather than to quote market rates.
Where you'll see it
Executed by the greens department during prep, within limits set by the location agreement.
Common mistake
Cutting back growth to clear a shot before the agreement covers it. Planting takes seasons to replace, so an unapproved trim becomes the most expensive restoration item on the list.
Related questions
- What does the greens department do on location?
- Supplies, installs, and maintains living and artificial planting, and cuts back or screens existing growth so the camera can see what it needs to.
- Who pays to replace planting cut for a shot?
- The production, under the restoration obligation, which is why every cut is agreed in writing before it happens.