Electricity Basics for Film Sets

In this video I talk about Ohm's law and what you need to know to count your amps so you don't trip a circuit breaker on your film set.
Tools used:
Klein RT250: amzn.to/3cWjVwE
Fluke 323: amzn.to/31TEUK0
Follow me on social media:
Instagram: loganonthelens
LinkedIn: / logan-reynolds-gaffer
Blog: www.LoganReynolds.me

[@veraaxoo]

I’m genuinely just about to apply for an electrical engineering course. Watching this helps. Keep sharing. Thank you

[@PancakeLighting]

That's awesome! You'll be teaching the rest of us in no time ;)

[@IanSPeterson]

This is the best on set electricity explanation. Thank you!

[@PancakeLighting]

Thanks for the feedback Ian!

[@LunaScopeJustin]

More Portland filmmaking channels are a great thing... great job!!!

[@PancakeLighting]

Thanks LunaScope!

[@DallascurriePro]

This is great man, as a DP that hasn’t gaffed I’ve always felt like ignorant about GE and wanted a good way to get educated, excited to follow!

[@PancakeLighting]

That’s awesome dude! Let me know if you have more specific questions.

[@stevenkralovec]

Your channel is a goldmine. Thank you, Logan!

[@PancakeLighting]

Thanks Steven! I’m glad you find it useful. I’m always open to suggestions on how to improve the channel. Let me know if you feel anything is lacking.

[@rodrigo8269]

Really good series! People dont know how this knowledge is important

[@PancakeLighting]

Thanks Rodrigo! I appreciate the kind words :)

[@imdanielmart6700]

Great video man, a friend just turned me on to your channel the other day and I've been soaking it all in the last few days.

[@PancakeLighting]

Thanks so much! Happy to share some knowledge I wish I had starting out.

[@imdanielmart6700]

@@PancakeLighting Yeah man, looks like your in my neck of the woods too. I'm down here in Eugene. Rad film scene down here man if you haven't checked it out. We are a small but growing group!

[@mattwolcott3266]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@fpssebastian]

Thank you so much for this one, I watched the meet the gaffer’s vid on in house electricity but this helped answer more doubts I had.

[@PancakeLighting]

That video was my first introduction to MTG!! Glad I could help clarify a few things.

[@benbach]

Fantastic dude! Super clear, excellent breakdown.

[@PancakeLighting]

Thanks brother!

[@ETenebrisEntertainmentllc]

I'd love to see a video on setting up larger lights (60A etc.) on gennies etc.

[@PancakeLighting]

That’s a good idea! Are you referring to tow plants or specifically Honda 6500s for running new 2400/2600 LEDs?

[@ETenebrisEntertainmentllc]

@@PancakeLighting Well, on second thought it might not be the most popular video topic for your channel, what I need as far as tutorial info. So I've assembled a bunch of classic HMI arc lights, 3x Arrisun 12+ and most recently a Desisti 2340 (and also a mixture of par/fresnel 400's, 8 I think... or 10). The Arrisuns are at the limit of plug-and-play for a 20A house circuit (which has been suitable so far) but the 2340 is a 4000 watt fixture with a bates plug and it's totally going to need a genny... AFAIK at least. I'd love to have some insights on how to go about this for an indy guy, from renting to buying, what to look out for, I'm kinda new to exploring the G/E side. I've been shooting 35mm b/w on 90's era MovieCams through old anamorphic glass since 2011 so I'm something of a unicorn here. I need the punch and point-source of HMI's also because I tend to go for that chiaroscuro hard-key look. A tut on genny selection and laying electrical pipe to and from would be super helpful to me at least... Will a 6500 put out enough juice for a 4000 watt lamp? Thanks for considering my questions!

[@PancakeLighting]

The deeper you get into power distro, the more variables arise that can effect your decisions. For example, do you want to run your lights at 120v or 240v (if capable). How far do you need to keep your generator from set? Does your location have access to a dryer plug? There’s lots Involved, feel free to send me an email ([e-mail]) that’s likely a more streamlined communication. To answer your question directly, yes you can run a 4k off a Honda 6500. You could either build a twist lock to bates adapter or change the bates on your ballast to twist lock. Same difference. You will have to choose if you’re working it to 120V (hot, neutral, ground) or 240v (hot, hot, ground). Personally I would go 240 just to keep the generator balanced and amperage lower.

[@JillieUA]

I work in art department but I really enjoy your vids. I hope you keep making them!

[@PancakeLighting]

Thanks for that Jillie! I always feel like the more you know about every other department the better for everyone

[@shadowshapers]

Useful video dude. Today I learned what paper amps are.

[@PancakeLighting]

Awesome! Glad you found it useful

[@Mickbo21]

Quality work, as always. Super knowledgeable and helpful. Subbed!

[@PancakeLighting]

Hey Mickey! Hope you’re well bud

[@danielharris6687]

Awesome video! Great for a green electric like me who doesn't wanna blow fuses on set

[@PancakeLighting]

Thanks!! What other topics would you like to seek covered?

[@nicjustice]

great resource, thanks for putting it out into the wild.

[@PancakeLighting]

Happy to share. Thanks Nic

[@TheDman510]

I absolutely love your channel!

[@PancakeLighting]

Thank you Moe! I appreciate the feedback and the sub ❤️

[@mrharlemike28]

Thank you for this very well detailed video on WVA. I learned important information here today. Subscribed! 😎

[@PancakeLighting]

Thank you for the support! Let me know if you have any questions for an updated electricity video

[@jonlongstaff4059]

This is super helpful. Subscribed and looking forward to more!

[@PancakeLighting]

Thanks for the sub Jon. There’s some big plans for future episodes.

[@danielharvey1472]

I'm glad you're doing this series Logan. This is the kind of knowledge I've been lacking and searching out for!

[@PancakeLighting]

You got it Daniel! Glad it is helpful

[@moyosorejimba]

Loved it

[@PancakeLighting]

Thanks I appreciate the feedback

[@ZanethMedia]

I graduated from film school a couple years ago and just started pursuing becoming a best boy/gaffer. I didn’t know the details about “paper amps” or that sweet DIY stinger. SO HELPFUL!

[@PancakeLighting]

Awesome Zane glad you found it helpful. I’m here for you! ❤️

[@photographyandthecreativeyou]

For a Canadian it would be P=EI, Prince Edward Island.

[@PancakeLighting]

I’ve never heard that before! Thanks for sharing