Gaffer Workflow: Integrating Power Planning from Scout to Prep?

Posted by Tomáš Kratochvíl in Cinematography 0 views · 0 replies

Hey everyone,

I'm Tomáš, a Gaffer, and I've been diving deeper into load calculations and tie-ins recently. It's got me thinking about my own pre-production workflow, especially on projects with more complex lighting, say, using multiple Orbiter fixtures, some Titan Tubes, and an amaran 150c setup for a key. When we’re shooting with an ALEXA 35 or V-RAPTOR XL, the camera department's power needs are solid, but it's the full lighting package that dictates so much.

Currently, I factor in a general power estimate after the tech scout, then refine it closer to prep, often just using spreadsheets I've built. I'm curious how you all integrate detailed power planning throughout your pre-production routine. From the initial scout all the way through to final equipment prep, what's your system? Do you have specific checklists or software you find indispensable for this? I'm looking to streamline my process.

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