So you rent out everything you need... Where do you get on-location power?

Ironman

Ironman

Active member
Hay all Forgive my noob question but I'm looking to rent out shooting equipments (lights, cameras etc), what solutions are there for on location power?

How do I get access for electricity to power up say the lights? Do I need to rent out generators too or do the equipments come with batteries etc? Again, apologies for my noob question Cheers
 
Most equipment will need so much power you can't provide it with batteries, aside from cameras. Lights means you need generators unless you have plugs.

Then if you're in a residential area you may need to get a special more expensive silent generator...

If you don't know you need generators, then you prob don't know much about electricity, wattage, etc... so before renting out generators do your homework about that stuff or you may blow something.
 
Some high capacity solar panels could get your cameras, monitors, and some lights covered. But more than likely anything over 200 watts would require generators.
 
What types of locations will you be shooting in? If residential or commercial (like
an office building), you can just plug your lights into wall sockets.

Of course, that's assuming you're using a basic lighting package (500W - 1000W).
Like in a Lowel DV Creator Kit http://tinyurl.com/yldegxb

If you have bigger lighting requirements (2000 W +) you may indeed have
to get a generator. But considering your a self proclaimed newbee, I think you'll
be fine with wall outlets. Just make sure not to plug too many lights into a single
outlet or you'll blow a fuse! I run extension cords from different rooms in a home
or office to avoid that. Every location is different, but as a general rule I don't
run more than 1000 W per outlet.

Peter
 
Nowadays most anyplace you shoot will hopefully be on circuit breakers...but MM&I brings up a good point: if you plan to shoot anywhere that power comes in via a fusebox, be sure to bring along a handful of replacement fuses of the correct rating to replace any that might blow. You do *not* want to be sending crew out on a panic-stricken fuse-finding mission while your cast stands around looking gorgeous.
 
Sad Max said:
Nowadays most anyplace you shoot will hopefully be on circuit breakers...but MM&I brings up a good point: if you plan to shoot anywhere that power comes in via a fusebox, be sure to bring along a handful of replacement fuses of the correct rating to replace any that might blow. You do *not* want to be sending crew out on a panic-stricken fuse-finding mission while your cast stands around looking gorgeous.
Click to expand...

This has unfortunately happened before... and I was just a PA on a biggish feature film...
 
Hi everyone

Okay so while I was gone, I was did some research and there are some transport services that do supply generators as well as trailers and I think this may be a service I'll go for.

Would the gaffer be the person responsible for this electric task to go smoothly?
 
Genny Operator is usually a position unto itself. On a compact crew, seems like something you would assign to the Key Grip, for him (her) to delegate.
 
Sad Max said:
Genny Operator is usually a position unto itself. On a compact crew, seems like something you would assign to the Key Grip, for him (her) to delegate.
Click to expand...


Maybe the best boy electric instead? Just because grips and plugs don't usually mix...
 
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