ROUND TABLE
James Denyer Key account manager, Hawk-Woods Ltd
Lesley Marr Director of sustainability & business development, NXTGENbps
Koji Tsukada Director, IDX Europe
LM: The use of high-kilowatt-output tungsten lighting draws more power than similar LED lights, and a common DOP creative debate is whether the look of tungsten can be matched with LEDs. But trends are changing, and DOPs with sustainability ethics are moving towards LEDs, which have reduced power draws and therefore enable smaller batteries to be deployed – reducing the use of large diesel or HVO generators. Battery manufacturers have listened to the production community, bringing out mobile units with power levels in the sweet spots of 3, 5, 10 and 15kWh. These are more desirable and affordable for rental companies than larger, non-mobile options, and can be daisy-chained to create bigger power banks. It just requires more planning and monitoring, which is a shift from the one- size-fits-all generator typically used. DEF: WHAT STRIDES ARE BEING MADE IN BATTERY TECH AND MANUFACTURING TO REDUCE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT? KT: Reducing environmental impact is a crucial issue for the industry as
manufacturers but essential to reassure users. There’s also the logistics challenge as, instead of one large diesel generator, crews might need to move multiple batteries. Balancing portability, power and weight is crucial – but using the right batteries can reduce cabling and carbon output and improve crew wellbeing. DEF: HOW ARE EVOLVING CAMERA AND LIGHTING TECHNOLOGIES INFLUENCING THE DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS OF BATTERIES? JD: The rapid evolution of camera and lighting technologies is significantly affecting battery design. As new kinds of equipment demand more power, we’re constantly exploring how to meet that need within the environmental and spatial constraints of a set. Batteries now have to deliver more efficient power at higher capacities, and we’re also working closely with accessory manufacturers to support these technologies. KT: The latest cinema cameras and LED light sources are becoming more powerful and more efficient. As a result,
batteries need to supply higher currents and operate for longer periods. In particular, the spread of 48v LED lighting and 28v cameras means that a more diverse product range is required. IDX recognises that higher-voltage and higher-capacity solutions are essential for improving convenience in film and TV production, so it has introduced 28v solutions as well as taking steps to develop products that can keep up with the ever-changing technical landscape. MOBILE BATTERIES with solar compatibility ARE MORE cost-effective ”
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DEFINITIONMAGS
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