SCENE 01 / COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS
Communication Systems
Professional on-set communication equipment keeping your production coordinated and running smoothly.
Production communications gear keeps every department connected across sets, stages, and remote locations. Pro intercom systems, walkie-talkies, and wireless networks link directors, assistant directors, camera, sound, and production management. These tools work in real time across the shooting day.
We supply and set up communications packages sized to your crew and to each location. Our team handles channel planning, gear handout, and tech setup. Your departments stay connected from the first call to wrap each day.
Capabilities
Complete Communication Solutions
From basic walkie-talkies to full broadcast intercom systems, we provide communication equipment that keeps every department connected and coordinated.
01
Two-Way Radios
- Motorola digital systems
- Multi-channel radios
- Long-range units
- Waterproof handsets
- Repeater systems
Reliable Coverage
02
Headset Systems
- Production headsets
- Surveillance earpieces
- Noise-cancelling units
- Boom operator comms
- Director headsets
Hands-Free Comms
03
Intercom Systems
- Clear-Com systems
- Riedel artist series
- Wireless beltpacks
- Base stations
- Camera talkback
Pro Intercom
04
Specialty Comms
- IFB systems
- Video village feeds
- Multi-zone coordination
- Stunt coordination systems
- Crowd control comms
Specialized Solutions
On Location
Motorola, Clear-Com and Riedel comms tuned for NYC RF density
Production communications in New York have to survive one of the most crowded RF settings on the planet. Midtown high-rises block line-of-sight. MTA subway tunnels swallow signal between exterior holding and underground sets. The FCC range is already packed with broadcast, public-safety, and DAS traffic from Comcast, Verizon, and Spectrum setups.
Our rental team builds packages around Boland Communications and Stray Angel inventory. That covers Motorola digital handhelds plus Clear-Com FreeSpeak and HelixNet beltpacks. Riedel Artist mainframes handle multi-unit features. We add surveillance earpieces, IFB receivers, and director headsets, handed out by department on a set channel plan. Each radio ships pre-programmed for the production's frequency, charged and serial-tracked. Backup units and spare batteries come built into the package, so a missing PA radio at a 5am call doesn't pull the second AD off the set.
Coverage planning is what separates seasoned NYC rental houses from generalists. Manhattan canyons need repeaters placed on rooftops or interior building risers. Work at Hudson Yards, World Trade, and Brooklyn Navy Yard lines up with building DAS managers. That keeps radios from fighting existing public-safety bands. Remote unit work in the Catskills or out on Long Island leans on long-range UHF and crossband repeaters to reach base camp.
We handle FCC planning through the production's frequency coordinator. On commercial work, our team also layers in IFB feeds for talent. Radio comms then tie into Clear-Com video village. The director, script supervisor, and DIT bay at Light Iron NY or PostWorks all stay on one talkback bus. Battery management, mid-day gear swaps, and channel reprogramming for surprise location additions stay with our coordinator through wrap.
FAQ
Production Communication Expertise
What communication systems do you provide?
We supply full communication setups. That includes two-way radios (Motorola digital and analog), production headsets, Clear-Com and Riedel intercom systems, IFB feeds for talent, and specialty coordination systems. Gear ranges from basic walkie-talkies up to complete broadcast intercom installs.
How many radios do I need for my production?
Radio needs depend on crew size and how complex the shoot is. A typical feature needs 30-80 radios to cover all departments. Our team reviews your needs and suggests the right counts with backup units, and we can add gear as the production runs.
Can you provide coverage in remote locations?
Yes. We design systems for tough locations using repeaters, long-range gear, and multi-site planning. When we can, our team surveys the location in advance to spot coverage gaps and set up the right fix.
Do you handle frequency licensing in New York?
We handle all frequency licensing with the FCC, which covers short-term production licenses, frequency planning, and compliance records. Lead time varies by location and how much range is free.
What about intercom systems for video village?
We supply full video village communication. That covers director-to-set comms, camera talkback, script supervisor links, and department coordination. The systems can tie into wireless video for full tracking and communication.
How do you handle equipment for multiple units?
For multi-unit shoots, we build communication plans with separate channels per unit, shared frequencies for key staff, and cross-unit coordination. Each unit gets its own full gear package.
Related Services
Productions in New York that need this often pair it with Lighting Equipment Rental, Data Management Systems, and Monitoring Equipment Rental for full coverage. Most projects also draw on Wireless Microphone Systems and Monitor & Video Village.
On Set
Need Production Comms?
Tell us about your production and we'll design a communication solution that keeps everyone connected.