Hire local talent already on location:
Journalists, Camera Operators, Fixers, Translators…
Save time, costs and carbon dioxide.
From urgent stories to in-depth projects, we’re enabling smarter journalism & media production – why send your own crew when professionals already are on location. It is faster, more cost-effective, and environmentally conscious.
Discuss project details directly in chat &
agree on timing, scope and costs
Issue the assignment and be very clear
in your instructions
The freelancer makes sure they have all the needed info, accepts and gets to work.
Once the work is completed, you will receive
a link for simple credit card payment.
You review and approve the hours and any expenses,
then pay securely through the platform.
Finally, rate the freelancer’s work –
so others can gain trust from your experience.
Read these tips to make sure you get to use the sustainalists most effectively.
To encourage productions and freelancers to run assignments directly through Sustainalists, the platform fee is temporarily reduced for bookings made in 2026. For 2026 project-bookings Sustainalists charges a 5% service fee (plus standard payment processing fees). The network already connects hundreds of media professionals across more than 100 countries and regions. This allows productions to coordinate and complete assignments with local crew...
We are happy to announce that we have updated Sustainalists with new features: – Payments after completionFollowing industry standard, payment is now to be made after the freelancer marks the job complete. – Book multi-day assignmentsMedia companies can select several dates in one request. – Overtime & expensesOn completion, freelancers can add overtime and expenses befo...
In the rush of production deadlines, sending your own team abroad can feel like the safe choice. But before booking flights and hotels, pause and ask yourself these five questions: Is there qualified local talent?Chances are, there are experienced freelancers already on the ground. Often with skills, networks, and cultural knowledge your team can’t match even if they flew to the location. What’s the real cost of travel?Flights, h...
In global journalism, trust is fragile. Readers and viewers increasingly question “parachute reporting” – when outsiders arrive briefly, collect a story, and leave. What they value instead is depth, context, and authenticity. That’s where local freelancers make the difference. They don’t just report what happens, they understand why it matters. They know which voices re...
Every assignment has a footprint. Flights, hotels, and ground transport quickly add up, often becoming the largest source of emissions in a single production. The most effective way to cut this impact doesn’t require new equipment or offsets — it comes from rethinking who delivers the work. By hiring freelancers already on location, production companies can avoid long-haul...
We’ve started producing short videos to show how Sustainalists works. The first one is now ready! In this video, we guide you through the sign-up process and explain how to set up your profile as a local media producer. You’ll see how easy it is to highlight your skills and make yourself visible to companies looking for talent in your area...
Listening to your feedback, we’re happy to introduce several new features: – Easier Listings: Freelancers can now list themselves more easily, making it simpler for media companies to find and hire talent. – Improved Search Results: We’ve added badges indicating whether a local freelancer is directly on location, nearby, or further away. Additionally, freelancers in t...
Last Wednesday, we opened our doors to welcome friends, collaborators, and supporters for a special open house event at Sustainalists. It was an inspiring day with some engaging conversations and new connections.Guests had the opportunity to explore our workspace, meet the team, and dive deeper into what we do. We got the chance to discus...
For decades, flying in a crew has been standard in journalism and production. It ensured consistency and control. But as budgets tighten and costs rise, is it still necessary? Beyond financial strain, the climate impact must not be ignored. The Hidden Costs of Flying in Your Team Flights, hotels, and logistics quickly consume a project’s budget. But the cost i...
Journalism is at its best when it’s fast, accurate, and connected to the realities on the ground. For remote journalists covering international stories, collaborating with a local journalist offers unmatched access, deeper insights, and logistical ease. Here’s how a local Sustainalist can enhance your reporting. Insider Knowledge & Access...
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