The Problem with Traditional Generators
Location filmmaking has long depended on the diesel-powered generator, or ‘genny.’ While essential for powering lights, cameras, and production vehicles, they come with significant drawbacks. They are noisy, which creates major problems for the sound recording department and often requires them to be placed far from the set. They also produce harmful exhaust fumes, including CO2, nitrogen oxides, and particulates, contributing to both global climate change and local air pollution.
A Clean and Silent Alternative
A battery-powered genny (also known as a mobile power unit or electric generator) is a direct solution to these problems. These units are essentially industrial-scale batteries on wheels, using high-capacity lithium-ion cells to store a large amount of electrical energy. They can be charged from the grid—ideally using renewable sources—and then deployed on location to provide clean power.
Key Benefits on a Film Set
The adoption of battery-powered gennies offers transformative advantages for a production:
- Silent Operation: The most immediate benefit is that they are virtually silent. This is a game-changer for sound mixers, who can now record clean dialogue without the pervasive hum of a diesel engine in the background. It also allows the power source to be positioned much closer to the set, reducing the need for long, heavy cables.
- Zero On-Site Emissions: Because they produce no exhaust, these units can be safely used indoors, in environmentally sensitive locations like national parks, or in residential areas with strict noise and pollution ordinances.
- Reduced Carbon Footprint: When charged using renewable energy, they offer a truly zero-carbon power source, making a significant dent in a production’s overall carbon footprint.
- Hybrid Systems: For productions with massive power needs, battery units can be used in a ‘hybrid’ setup alongside a smaller, more efficient diesel generator. The battery handles the base load, and the diesel generator only kicks in to handle peak demand or to recharge the battery, drastically reducing overall fuel consumption and emissions.