SCENE 01 / PORTABLE POWER SOLUTIONS
Portable Power Solutions
Professional power solutions for film production anywhere in New York.
Portable power solutions keep productions 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 generators and battery systems are essential for the city's demanding permit conditions.
We source portable power solutions matched to your production's load requirements and NYC's unique regulations. Whether you're filming on Manhattan streets, in Brooklyn warehouses, or at Long Island estates, our team evaluates MOFTB permit requirements, 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-protected distro on the electric side — and scales outward to the generator and battery solutions productions actually deploy on five-borough locations. Whisper-quiet film generators in 20kVA, 40kVA, 100kVA and 200kVA classes are open through Cinelease, CSI Rentals, Hello Bro and Aggreko NY, with op included as standard on anything above 40kVA.
Tier-4 low-emission units are now mandatory 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.
NYC location work layers exact safety, noise and permit constraints on top of the technical spec. NYC DOB high-rise generator permits are needed for rooftop tie-ins above the fifth floor, an FDNY film safety officer attends any deployment blending power above 50 feet with SFX, and NYPD details cover street-level lock-ups around live generators. Power assessments are run against the gaffer's equipment list — ARRI SkyPanel and HMI loads pull very differently 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 and the Made in NY permit covers the tap. IATSE Local 52 generator ops stay through wrap handling refuelling, load management and troubleshooting. The same depots and crews back NYS Film Tax Credit-eligible productions 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 requirements are calculated from your equipment lists—lighting draws the most power. We'll help you assess total wattage, account for startup surges, and recommend appropriate generator capacity with safety margins. Typical small shoots need 20-40kVA; larger productions may need 100kVA+.
What's the difference between film generators and standard generators?
Film generators (also called whisper generators) are specifically designed for quiet operation—typically 60-70dB at distance versus 80-90dB for standard generators. This is essential when recording sound. They also provide cleaner, more stable power for sensitive equipment.
Can you provide power for remote locations without road access?
Yes. We offer helicopter-transportable generators, portable battery systems, and solar solutions for remote locations. Planning for remote power requires advance coordination to ensure adequate capacity for your production needs.
Do generators come with operators?
Generator operators are available and recommended for larger productions. They handle startup, monitoring, refueling, load management, and troubleshooting. For smaller generators, trained production crew can operate with proper briefing.
What battery options are available for silent shooting?
We provide 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 requiring zero generator noise.
How is power distribution handled on set?
We provide distribution boxes, proper cable runs, and connection hardware. Distribution is managed to balance loads, protect circuits, and ensure safe power delivery to all departments. Our electrical team or generator operator monitors distribution throughout 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.