SCENE 01 / PORTABLE POWER SOLUTIONS
Portable Power Solutions
Professional power solutions for film production anywhere in New York.
Here is how this works in practice. Portable power solutions keep shoots operational in locations without reliable mains electricity. In New York, where shoots frequently take place on city streets with strict noise ordinances, in residential neighborhoods, and at iconic landmarks, whisper-quiet power packs and battery systems are key for the city's demanding permit conditions.
Here is the short of it. We source portable power solutions matched to your production's load needs and NYC's unique rules. Whether you're filming on Manhattan streets, in Brooklyn warehouses, or at Long Island estates, our team reviews MOFTB permit needs, noise restrictions, and power availability to recommend the right package.
Capabilities
Power Solutions
From whisper-quiet film generators to high-capacity battery systems, we provide reliable power for productions of any scale in any location.
01
Generators
- Whisper quiet film generators
- Tow-behind and vehicle-mounted
- Various capacity options
- Single and three-phase power
- Operator included
Primary Power
02
Battery Systems
- High-capacity lithium packs
- V-mount and Gold-mount
- Cinema camera batteries
- Cine tape and accessories
- Solar charging options
Mobile Energy
03
Distribution
- Power distro boxes
- Cable runs and connectors
- Load management
- Circuit protection
- Multi-phase distribution
Safe Distribution
04
Remote Location
- Off-grid power solutions
- Portable solar systems
- Long-duration battery banks
- Silent power options
- Helicopter-transportable
Anywhere Power
On Location
Tier-4 silent power tuned to NYC permits and ConEd standards
Here is how the work lines up. Power on New York shoots starts from a 120/208V US Edison baseline — bates and tweco connectors on the lighting side, NEC-compliant cable runs and RCD-covered distro on the electric side — and scales outward to the power packs and battery solutions shoots actually deploy on five-borough locations. Whisper-quiet film power packs in 20kVA, 40kVA, 100kVA and 200kVA classes are open through Cinelease, CSI Rentals, Hello Bro and Aggreko NY, with op had as standard on anything above 40kVA.
Here is how the picture comes together. Tier-4 low-emission units are now required in the NYC congestion pricing zone south of 60th Street. Standard diesel sets get turned away at the perimeter, so rental houses stock hybrid and battery-bridge gennys sized for Midtown and SoHo street work. Lithium battery packs. V-mount and Gold-mount cinema batteries plus larger portable battery banks — cover interview interiors, sensitive Brooklyn brownstone shoots and the run-and-gun documentary slate, and solar charging and helicopter-transportable kits are open for Hudson Valley and Long Island Sound estate locations.
Here is what we have to work with. NYC location work layers exact safety, noise and permit constraints on top of the tech spec. NYC DOB high-rise power packs permits are needed for rooftop tie-ins above the fifth floor, a FDNY film safety officer attends any deployment blending power above 50 feet with SFX, and NYPD details cover street-level lock-ups around live power packs. Power assessments are run against the gaffer's gear list. ARRI SkyPanel and HMI loads pull very in new ways from Aputure 600x or Astera Titan tubes — with proper headroom for startup surge and lighting cues.
ConEd grid tie-ins are arranged when a building's electrical room can carry the draw. The Made in NY permit covers the tap. IATSE Local 52 power packs ops stay through wrap handling refuelling, load management and troubleshooting. The same depots and crews back NYS Film Tax Credit-eligible shoots running tight schedules across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island.
FAQ
Professional Power Services
How do I calculate power requirements for my production?
Power needs are calculated from your gear lists—lighting draws the most power. We'll help you check total wattage, account for startup surges, and recommend appropriate power packs capacity with safety margins. Typical small shoots need 20-40kVA. Larger shoots may need 100kVA+.
What's the difference between film generators and standard generators?
Film power packs (also called whisper power packs) are specifically designed for quiet operation—mostly 60-70dB at distance versus 80-90dB for standard power packs. This is key when recording sound. They also give cleaner, more stable power for sensitive gear.
Can you provide power for remote locations without road access?
Yes. We give helicopter-transportable power packs, portable battery systems, and solar solutions for remote locations. Planning for remote power needs advance planning to make sure adequate capacity for your production needs.
Do generators come with operators?
Power packs operators are ready and recommended for larger shoots. They handle startup, tracking, refueling, load management, and troubleshooting. For smaller power packs, trained production crew can operate with proper briefing.
What battery options are available for silent shooting?
Here is the breakdown. We give high-capacity lithium battery systems for completely silent power. These range from portable packs for small setups to large battery arrays for full lighting packages. Battery systems work well for interview setups, sensitive location work, and situations needing zero power-pack noise.
How is power distribution handled on set?
Here is what that looks like on the ground. We give distribution boxes, proper cable runs, and connection hardware. Distribution is managed to balance loads, protect circuits, and make sure safe power delivery to all departments. Our electrical team or power packs operator monitors distribution across the shoot.
Related Services
Productions in New York that need this often pair it with Grip Services, LED Lighting Systems, and Gaffer & Lighting Services for full coverage. Most projects also draw on Power Distribution Systems and Wire Cam Systems.
On Set
Need Production Power?
Share your equipment list and locations, and we'll design the right power solution for your production.