Film Generator / Photo Credits: Duke Stevens - Ace Generators
GENNY OPERATOR IN MOTION PICTURE PRODUCTION…
(In the Entertainment industry. Genny
Operator)
Bruce
Bisbey…please follow me at: https://dumbdogproductionsllc.blogspot.com or https://www.facebook.com/DumbDogProductionsLLC/ thank you.
Genny Operator in Motion Picture Production
Most commonly referred to as the genny operator, this
technician works under the direction of the gaffer (chief lighting technician)
on films and television productions. His or her primary concern is the safe and
proper operation of all electricity generators that supply power to on-set
equipment and location trucks and trailers.
On a film set, the power source is usually managed by the
Electrical Department. Depending on where you are shooting and the volume of
power the production requires, many different power sources are used. Typically
you are either using Stage Power, House Power, A Tie-In, or a Generator.
Duties
As a member of the electrics department, the generator
operator works on set to install electricity generators to supply additional
power where existing circuits are insufficient, or on location where
electricity is otherwise unavailable. This person is tasked with ensuring the
generators are adequately fueled at all times, balancing the load of distributed
power among all output lines and running feeder cable to electrical service
points as needed. He or she must constantly monitor the electrical output of
the generator with a voltmeter to ensure that each leg of feeder is sending
equal voltage and that the power consumption does not exceed the generators’
safe operating limits. When necessary, the genny operator is responsible for
troubleshooting any mechanical or electrical problems associated with the power
distribution systems and making the appropriate repairs.
Skills & Education
A degree in film and television production is recommended
but not required. However, it is necessary to have formal training in generator
operation, maintenance and repair, as well as principles of electricity, high
voltage safety and power distribution. Courses in electrical engineering or
experience in commercial electrical contracting are applicable to this role.
There may be state and local laws concerning the operation of generators and
power distribution systems above a certain voltage, thus necessitating the
technician is a licensed electrician; therefore, certification is beneficial.
The genny operator must be familiar with local codes concerning temporary
electrical installations and work closely with fire marshals to ensure that all
standards for safety are met.
What to Expect
Generator operators are typically among the first to
arrive on set, as no one can start work until the genny operator has dropped
power for them. The first several hours will be a mad dash to get all of the
generators off the truck, in place, fueled, and running. Then there is the
backbreaking task of running hundreds of feet of feeder cable (usually weighing
one pound for every foot) to numerous trailers and department staging
positions. The rest of the production day is spent waiting for something to go
wrong. It is this person’s job to sit with the generators and monitor their
function closely, which essentially amounts to watching paint dry. However, he
or she is on call in the event that there is a loss in power somewhere on set
or additional lines must be run and is responsible for refueling generators as
necessary. Generator operators are eligible for membership in IATSE and
typically begin their careers as set production assistants and set wiremen.
Stage Power
When filming on a sound-stage large amounts of power are
typically provided as part of the facility, although this is not always the
case. Typically, power is provided in the form of 3-phase 110v with Cam-Lock
hook-ups.
House Power
House power refers to power that is already installed
within a location. For example, if you are shooting in a apartment, House Power
refers to existing power installed in the apartment. House power is generally
not preferred because: lighting equipment can require more power than is
available, circuit-boxes can be difficult to locate in the event of an
overload, a relatively large amount of power is usually used which increases
the power-bill for that cycle.
Tie-ins
A Tie-In is a method of tapping directly into the power that
feeds a building from the city power-grid, thereby bypassing the limits of the
circuits that are installed in the building.
A Tie-In is a dangerous activity which requires experience
and skill. Improper methods can result in damage to city power-grids and death.
Generator
Generators are used in Motion Picture Production to
provide power to all the departments of the production, the most demanding on
which is the lighting department. Typically generators are used when filming on
location, as power is normally provided when filming on a sound-stage.
How are portable generators different from a mains power
supply?
There are two major differences between portable
generators (or any generators for that matter) and the mains supply:
- You have to keep tabs on what you put in, mainly fuel and oil…
- You have to keep tabs on the kind of devices you plug in, or you won’t get all the power it is capable of…
Due to these differences, the generator becomes another
tool that you must know well in order to get the best out of it. It’s not as
forgiving as a mains supply.
Which portable generators are the best?
We cannot go into detail here without getting into
electrical engineering specifics, but to summarize:
- You need this if you’re running sensitive equipment like laptops, cameras, etc…
- Petrol/Gas or diesel generators are efficient. However, in some countries, these fuels are scarce, and might be illegal to buy separately. Kerosene generators are one viable replacement…
- A good generator should have more than one outlet, and preferably the option to choose between 120 V and 230 V…
- Silent generators are often critical for film productions, especially those that require production audio…
- The larger the fuel tank, the more fuel it can carry, and the more it can run on a full tank. This will save you trips to the gas station…
- It must be compact, light and portable…
- An electric start is easier to handle than pulling a rope cord…
- The most important thing: What is its power rating? The more the better, but only if you need it...
Sources,
References & Credits: Google, Wikipedia, Wikihow, WikiBooks, Pinterest,
IMDB, Linked In, Indie Wire, Film Making Stuff, Hiive, Film Daily, New York
Film Academy, The Balance, The Numbers, Film Maker, TV Guide Magazine, Media
Match, Quora, Creative Skill Set, Investopedia, Variety, No Film School, Daily
Variety, The Film Agency, Best Sample Resume, How Stuff Works, Career Trend,
Producer's Code of Credits, Production Hub, Producers Guild of America, Film
Connection, Variety, Wolf Crow, Get In Media,
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Film
Generator / Photo Credits: Duke Stevens - Ace Generators
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