No matter if you’re working on a small indie film or a big Super Bowl spot, shooting in remote locations comes with challenges that every filmmaker can relate to. It always seems that the most visually stunning places are also the hardest to access—and this never fails to hold true. Thankfully, technology is stepping in to help.
One of the biggest hurdles in remote locations is power. Sets require reliable power, yet there are places where towing a generator simply isn’t feasible—or desirable. In some cases, fire safety regulations even prohibit the use of traditional generators. That’s where alternative solutions come into play, helping productions overcome these challenges.
Enter: Battery Generators
Battery-powered generators are becoming indispensable on film sets. Lights have become much more power-efficient (although not necessarily lighter), yet they still need an AC power source. On the other hand, cameras and their accessories have become increasingly power-hungry, with many reverting to 24V power systems. Add to this the high-brightness monitors scattered across the set, the DIT cart equipped with high-speed systems, and wireless video transmitters and receivers, and it’s clear that power demands are at an all-time high.
Of course, other departments also need power for their daily operations. While many can set up closer to base camp, where hard power is accessible, certain scenarios demand portable solutions. This post focuses on the usefulness of large DC battery power systems on set.
Portable Power Systems
Several companies have recently entered the portable power space, including EcoFlow, Jackery, Anton Bauer (with their new “Salt-E Dog” system), and Instagrid ONE. When considering battery-powered generators, here are the key factors to evaluate:
- Durability and set-readiness
- Overall output power
- Physical connection options
- Runtime under full load
- Recharging time
- Physical size and weight
Our Experience in Croatia
We recently filmed in Croatia, specifically on the island of Krk and in the coastal towns of Lovran and Opatija, during September and October 2024. Our locations were either rural and difficult to access or within ancient cobblestone hilltop towns with roads too narrow for traditional set vehicles. These challenges required us to find innovative ways to deliver power for both general set needs and lighting.
Our gaffer and lighting team decided to use 5–8 Instagrid units. Two units were dedicated exclusively to set operations, powering:
- Monitors
- The sound cart
- Battery charging stations
- Vanity and craft/coffee support
The remaining units powered all our exterior lighting needs. For this, we relied entirely on LED fixtures, including:
- Nanlux 2400B
- 2x Nanlux 1200B
- 2x Aputure 600x
- 2x Aputure 300x
- a few LiteMats
- set of Titan & Helios Tubes
Performance in the Field
These battery systems were invaluable, ensuring efficient and reliable power delivery across the set. Remarkably, we never ran out of charge during production. Our gaffer implemented a “save mode” between setups and shots, which undoubtedly helped conserve power.
For its size, the Instagrid system is impressive. Comparable to a carry-on suitcase in size, it’s robust enough to handle the rigors of set life. Whether strapped to an ATV speeding down a bumpy trail or surviving the occasional fall, these units are built to endure.
Instagrid ONE Specs:
- Output voltage: (switchable) 120 V AC / 60 Hz or 240 V AC / 60 Hz
- Rated power output: 3.6 kW (2 x 20 A)
- Rated battery capacity: 2.1 kWh
- Charge duration: < 3 h to 100%
- Output socket: 2 x Nema 5-20 / Insta Accessories Outlet capable of 240 V / 60 Hz.
- Weight: 46 lb
- Dimensions: 6.7 x 8.3 x 16.5 in
- Noise emission: < 10 dB(A)
To give you a practical (set operation) idea of their capacity:
- A single unit can run a Skypanel at full brightness for 5 hours.
- It can power a Technocrane for 3 hours.
- It can charge 10x 200Wh camera batteries from 0 to 100%.
The Verdict
While these battery generators don’t entirely replace hard power, they offer an invaluable alternative in locations where running cables or using traditional generators isn’t possible. They empower filmmakers to shoot in places that were previously off-limits, giving teams the freedom to explore more creative options.
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