ROUND TABLE
ROUND TABLE
Experts from IDX, Hawk-Woods and NXTGENbps discuss industry trends and challenges, emerging technologies and the next big disrupter
DEF: WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES FACING BATTERY MANUFACTURERS RIGHT NOW WHEN IT COMES TO MEETING THE DEMANDS OF FILM AND TELEVISION PRODUCTION? KOJI TSUKADA: Compared to previous years, the cameras, monitors and lighting equipment used in film and TV production have become much more diverse, and product cycles have become much faster. We’re required to respond to the growing demand for high-capacity, highly durable batteries in line with the increase of high-power equipment that also demands support for long hours of shooting, as well as environmental impact, cost and safety aspects. IDX has a long track record in the global market, and is developing batteries that meet the needs of the field, comply with strict safety regulations from the industry and are manufactured under a rigorous quality control system. JAMES DENYER: As everything in our industry becomes more digitally advanced and intelligent, the battery market has seen significant changes
LESLEY MARR: The industry is now warming to the obvious benefits of more consistent, cheaper, cleaner, quieter power supplies – but location hire companies and studios face a major challenge. The initial investment, while existing fossil fuel stock is still functional, leads to a current lack of demand. This is despite battery generators being far cheaper to run and maintain than petrol or diesel ones. Manufacturers and distributors face a conservative attitude toward integrating new technology into familiar workflows – perhaps more so than in other industries. Some operators are also reluctant to move to lower-power-consuming kit (lighting is a good example) instead of the higher-draw equipment they’re used to. Lower-power kit enables more efficient battery use and reduces the production’s carbon output. Safety concerns, often due to uncertified batteries – like e-bike cells – have given batteries bad press. Li-ion types can pose risks if damaged or mishandled. At NXTGENbps, our use of LiFePO4 and solid-state chemistries helps reduce this risk. All our batteries carry CE certification and markings – it’s a costly process for
in a short period of time. While the benefits of these innovations on-set are fantastic, they place a burden on battery manufacturers to cater to increasingly power-hungry equipment. This means all our designs must focus on the amperage demands and how we can provide that efficiently, within typical set constraints. It’s been a great challenge, which has pushed us to get more creative, not just within the batteries themselves but also with accessories like plates and cables.
ON THE MOVE NXTGENbps’ Goat (above) and an IDX B-Mount unit (top right) on location
24
DEFINITIONMAGAZINE.COM
Powered by FlippingBook