WHAT DOES A GENERATOR OPERATOR DO? (In the Entertainment industry. What Does A Generator Operator Do?)

Tow Generators / Photo Credit: Cinereps - Production Generators

WHAT DOES A GENERATOR OPERATOR DO? (In the Entertainment industry. What Does A Generator Operator Do?)

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What Does A Generator Operator Do?

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.

The Genny Operator, also known as a Generator Operator, is a specialist role within the Lighting Department. The Genny Operator's role is to maintain and operate the electricity generators used at some location sites. This is usually in places where an electricity supply is difficult to obtain, or where there isn’t enough power for the production, for example in a desert, in a field, on a bus or boat.

Generators are also used to supplement the electricity supply. This may be when a particular lamp requires more power than ordinary electricity mains can supply or for specific equipment, such as a satellite dish. Genny Operators work within the garage department of a lighting company, to get experience of the vehicles used to transport the generators.

The Genny Operator’s main responsibility is to load the generator and drive it to the required location. They make sure that it is set up and working properly, and that it meets the needs of the production. They clean and maintain the generator, and carry out some maintenance on the carrier vehicle.

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.

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, Truity, Production Hub, Producers Guild of America, Film Connection, Variety, Wolf Crow, Get In Media, Production Beast, Sony Pictures, Ella Laryen,

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Tow Generators / Photo Credit: Cinereps - Production Generators