GENNY OPERATOR IN MOTION PICTURE PRODUCTION… (In the Entertainment industry. Genny Operator)

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:

 An inverter generator produces the cleanest electricity with the most stable voltage. 

• 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