SCENE 01 / POWER SOLUTIONS
Power Solutions
Professional production power for your New Zealand production.
Power solutions for film production encompass portable generators, battery systems, solar rigs, and hybrid setups that deliver reliable electricity in any location. Choosing the right power approach depends on load requirements, noise restrictions, environmental considerations, and the logistical constraints of each shooting environment.
We assess your production's power needs and source appropriate solutions from local providers, whether that means quiet generators for dialogue scenes, high-capacity units for large lighting setups, or battery systems for remote locations. Our team manages delivery, fueling, and technical support throughout your shoot.
Capabilities
Power Equipment
Complete power solutions from generators to batteries and distribution.
Professional Power Solutions
Capabilities
Our Process
Power Assessment
Calculating your total power requirements based on lighting, equipment, and location constraints.
Solution Design
Designing the right power solution—generator, tie-in, or combination—for your production.
Setup & Testing
Professional installation and testing of all power systems before production begins.
Production Support
Ongoing monitoring, fuel coordination, and technical support throughout your shoot.
On Location
Generators, Solar/Battery Hybrids & Mains Tie-Ins For DOC-Permitted Remote Shoots
Here is how this works in practice. Production power options across Aotearoa span Aggreko NZ, Cummins NZ, and Caterpillar NZ generator fleets — Stage 5-rated quiet-run units in 20kVA through 500kVA — alongside solar/battery hybrid packages for sensitive Fiordland, Aoraki/Mt. Cook, and Mackenzie Country UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve deployments where diesel emissions and night-noise are restricted. Battery stock runs Anton/Bauer Cine VCLX-NM, Hawk-Woods Mini V-Lok 290Wh, and Bebob Cube fleet-cycled through Lemac New Zealand, Mediatech NZ, and Filmworx Auckland.
Here is how this works in practice. Solar arrays integrate with EcoFlow Delta Pro 3 and Goal Zero Yeti stacks for off-grid documentary and remote-site work. Mains tie-ins route through Vector Energy (Auckland). Wellington Electricity (capital). Powerco (Taranaki/central NI), with licensed NZ-registered electricians needed under WorkSafe NZ Electrical (Safety) Rules 2010 for any install above 10A. 230V/50Hz grid spec matches Australia and UK. North American gear needs step-down transformers + Hz conversion.
Here is the short of it. DOC permits cover generator placement in Fiordland, Tongariro, Aoraki/Mt. Cook, Westland Tai Poutini, and Mackenzie Country UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve, with fuel-spill containment plans and night-noise emissions caps mandatory. Heritage feature power deployments running through this infrastructure include the LOTR trilogy (Caterpillar banks at Stone Street, Tongariro Mt. Doom aerial location power 2001-2003), The Hobbit cycle (Hobbiton Matamata permanent set power infrastructure refit 2011-2014), King Kong 2005, Avatar Way of Water (Kumeu Film Studios + Manukau performance capture pool 2017-2022 with hybrid solar augmentation), Rings of Power (Amazon Prime Auckland multi-unit generator banks), and Jane Campion's The Power of the Dog (remote Otago hill-country solar/battery deployments 2021). ACC universal accident insurance covers all electrical crew auto. Iwi liaison under Te Tiriti o Waitangi applies to any rigging on culturally major ground.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What size generators do you provide?
We supply generators from small 20kW portable units to large 500kW tow-behind generators. Most narrative productions use generators in the 60-150kW range, depending on lighting requirements. We can calculate the right size for your needs.
Are your generators suitable for film sets?
Yes, we provide super-silent generators designed for film production. These units are baffled and housed to minimize noise, allowing them to be positioned closer to set without interfering with sound recording.
Can you coordinate tie-ins?
Yes, we can coordinate building tie-ins where appropriate and permitted. Tie-ins can be more economical for studio work or locations with sufficient electrical infrastructure. Our team handles all coordination with building management.
What battery systems do you offer?
We stock V-mount and Gold mount batteries from Anton Bauer, IDX, and others for cinema cameras and accessories. We also provide block batteries for larger equipment and complete charging solutions for multi-camera productions.
Do you provide electricians?
Yes, we work with qualified New Zealand electricians experienced in film production. Having local electrical crew ensures compliance with New Zealand regulations and efficient, safe power distribution.
What about remote locations?
We can power productions in remote locations throughout New Zealand. This includes coordinating generator support for remote locations throughout New Zealand, fuel supply, and technical support for locations without convenient grid access.
Related Services
Productions in New Zealand that need this often pair it with Power Distribution Systems for full coverage. Most projects also draw on Lighting Equipment Rental and Audio Equipment Rental.
On Set
Need Production Power?
Tell us about your power requirements and we'll design the right solution.