Winter power from IDX

Picture Canning gets involved with many multi-camera projects, currently including ‘Gordon Ramsay’s F Word’ (Optomen Television).
The shoot is a 12-hour day and there are five cameras and 28 batteries on site. As two of the cameras use LinkXP digital links, this adds to the power load but still Picture Canning are getting good run times with their IDX E-10 batteries.
Nigel Kemp, Head of Facilities, said: “Ideally we want the batteries to last up to a tape change. They were doing that. In productions like these they take the ENDURA Tower (ET-8) on site to charge and check all the batteries. On shoots, where technical equipment is often pushed into a corner, it provides a ‘charging bay’ in very little area." Kemp adds, “It’s ideal.”
Picture Canning has always seen reliable camera power as of major importance. Kemp says, “Without the battery it’s game over. If we are investing in a battery series it’s got to last. We’re running a hire company and equipment gets thrown around and handled so durability is a major consideration. Things like the rounded corners on the ENDURA E-80 seemed a very sensible design feature. If the runner drops it it’s hopefully going to survive. That was one of the main keys for choosing IDX.”
But Kemp emphasises that it’s not all about chemistry, technology and rounded corners. “The relationship with the supplier is very important and we get top-notch service out of IDX UK.
“We can work together and get good technical feedback immediately. If we send a battery back it is returned the next day.”
(GB)