Powering Productions: Transitioning to Battery Technology for a Sustainable Future

The entertainment industry has successfully navigated several major technological shifts over the years, such as moving from Standard Definition (SD) to High Definition (HD) and transitioning from tape-based workflows to digital files. Both of which have been key milestones in my 30-year career working in film and TV. These changes, although challenging, were embraced because they promised a better end user experience with increased content flexibility and operational efficiency. So, why is the shift to battery power taking so long? 

The key difference lies in what drives the change. Previous transitions, like the switch to HD and digital files, were all about improving the viewing experience for consumers – better picture quality and faster content delivery. In contrast, the shift to battery power doesn’t directly enhance the consumer’s viewing experience. Whether powered by diesel or batteries, the content remains the same to them. However, today’s consumers are increasingly concerned about environmental impacts, making the transition to sustainable power sources equally important. 

Transitioning to batteries presents challenges, but it also offers opportunities for innovation and improvement. Classic change management issues such as confidence, knowledge, and understanding of new workflows are part of the learning curve. Existing structures and job roles on set are evolving, and with them, the industry’s capacity to adapt to new technologies. 

One challenge is the preference for hiring generators rather than owning them. Which means that hire companies need to invest in upgrading their diesel fleets to battery alternatives.

While this transition involves initial investment, it also provides an opportunity for long-term sustainability and market relevance. By planning carefully and embracing this shift, hire companies can avoid being left with obsolete assets and insufficient battery supplies, ensuring they are ready to meet the growing demand for eco-friendly solutions. 

There is a strong and growing push for sustainable practices from broadcasters, streamers, and productions. Their efforts are beginning to positively influence the broader supply chain. Productions are starting to see the reliability and sufficiency of batteries, especially when supported by hybrid solutions that combine batteries and diesel or HVO fueled backups. These hybrid solutions offer a practical and effective transition path, ensuring that productions can maintain their operational efficiency while moving towards sustainability. 

Government incentives and support for battery use are also areas ripe for improvement. Clarifying regulatory requirements can help dispel misconceptions that deter adoption. In reality, the regulatory considerations for battery use are no more stringent than those for any power source on set, and standard training such as BS7909 remains applicable. 

Adopting battery power requires some operational changes but doesn’t impact the creative vision of a production. Planning for charging needs and integrating batteries into workflows are new steps that teams must embrace. Batteries offer several advantages, such as shorter cable runs and due to their silent operation, allowing them to be placed closer to the action. They also provide intelligent live reporting and telemetry data, informing power needs for future projects. The transition to battery power is further supported by sustainability consultants and industry champions who provide the necessary expertise and guidance to implement these new ways of working. With their help, the move towards battery power is both feasible and advantageous. 

As the industry continues to evolve, the push towards sustainability will grow stronger. The transition to battery power is not just a technical change but a shift in mindset and practices. With a concerted effort from all stakeholders, from hire companies to production crews, the industry can significantly reduce its carbon footprint and pave the way for a more sustainable future in media production.  

What are we waiting for? 

– Lesley Marr, Director of Sustainability and Business Development, NXTGENbps