8-LiveVideoProd-Sets-and-Locations-PowerNeeds.pdf

LIVE VIDEO PRODUCTION - SETS AND LOCATIONS

POWER NEEDS

In this video, ol’ Andy will show you how to effectively manage your cables

and power needs for a live shoot. Quick tip: Bring extension cables!

POWER NEEDS

• Alternating current that flows through our homes

• Hired Film set Electricians – manages power for lights & instruments

• Two sets of extensions

• Twice as many extensions cords as you think

• 300 Watt Light will pull 3 amps of a typical 15 amp house circuit

taking 1/5 of that circuit’s power

• Andy’s typical setup has maybe 2000-4000 watts going at once

• Fluorescent is more efficient and does not draw much current

• Tendency to blow circuit when put Three 300 watt lights on a

single circuit and something else turned on and needed power

HOW TO PREVENT CIRCUITS FROM BLOWING

• Could get bigger circuits (not practical)

• Rent a generator (again not practical) – Done on film sets

• Get multiple 75’ extension cords

• Run cords from other rooms in the home on different circuits

• Plugged in extension cords bring clean power to MAKE-SHIFT studio

• 90 AMPs: Equal approx. six 75’ extension cords (6 circuits)

• Six different circuits, 90 amps, 10,000 watts of light

• We don’t want to overtax circuit

 Power surges & circuit tripping can damage to light bulbs

 Go to Home depot – Get 4 of 5 of 75’ extension cords

 Get 4-5 powers strips

PROPER SETUP OF LIGHTS and CABLE MANAGEMENT

• Lights themselves have SHORT cords

• Make sure light CORD runs straight down the pole

• Plug in extension cords and

• leave excess slack CURLED at wall

• Leave excess slack CURLED at light’s base

• Make sure the cord is laying flat on floor in between

• WHY? The CURL of cord will absorb the tripping person’s foot

 it will not pull down the light nor

 unplug it from the wall

• Better safety: Tape down cord to floor where persons walk

• Better safety: Place throw rug over cord where persons walk

• Spend a little extra time to address the area for safety