Film Studio Power Checks Before You Book

James Duffy
Nov 13
4 min read

What studio power checks should you do before booking a film studio?

Before you lock in a studio, it’s important to make sure the space can actually support your production’s electrical demands. That includes understanding the power phase, voltage compatibility, amperage limits, layout of the circuits, backup options, and whether the power supply is clean and stable. Overlooking these essentials can lead to delays, damaged kit, or serious safety concerns.

Potted plant next to a wall with wooden panels. A socket marked "MAMMOTH" is mounted below. A terrazzo surface is visible.

1. Check the Studio's Phase and Voltage Setup

Using professional lighting and grip gear means your studio needs the right electrical setup. Most UK studios offer three phase 230 or 400 volt systems, however always ask.

Single phase might be fine for smaller kit, but high draw equipment needs the reliability of three phase power. Large rigging setups with electric winches or powered grip gear often push these systems to their limits. Ask directly: “Is this running on three phase 230 or 400 volt power?” If they don’t know, that’s a warning sign.

When voltage or phase doesn’t match your gear, things stop working. Worse, you could blow a unit. Checking this early protects both time and equipment.

2. Are There Dedicated Circuits for High Load Equipment?

Studios need need safe distribution of power. Dedicated circuits help isolate sensitive kit and prevent overloads. Ask which outlets have their own breakers. A RED camera and a 2K Fresnel shouldn’t ever share the same ring. Lighting, camera, and audio gear should each have their own isolated feeds.

Clear circuit maps and good labelling show the studio knows its setup. If answers are vague or incomplete, think twice.

3. How Much Amperage Can the Studio Provide?

Voltage is one part of the equation. The other is how much current the studio can safely provide at once. This is where amperage comes in.

Here’s a simple formula: Watts ÷ Volts = Amps. For example, a 2000W Fresnel on a 230V line draws around 8.7 amps. Now multiply that across multiple lights and accessories, and it adds up quickly.

To make things easier, here’s a quick guide to the power draw of common equipment. This can help you estimate the total current needed for your shoot:

Table listing equipment with columns for power draw in watts and amps. Includes Arri Skypanel, RED Komodo, and tungsten light.

Add up all your key gear and compare the total amperage to what the studio can deliver per circuit. Your total electrical load capacity needs to match what the studio can handle safely. Don’t forget to account for margin and potential surges.

Studios should be upfront about their capacity. As a rough guide:

Small setups: 20 amps
Medium shoots: 32 amps or more
Large productions: 63 amps and above

Photographer shoots a woman in white in a studio with a white backdrop, large lights, and various equipment, creating a professional mood.

4. How Is Power Distributed Around the Studio?

Electricity needs to be where your team needs it. Poor distribution often leads to long cables, overloaded zones, or tripped fuses.

Ask for a breakdown of where sockets are located, the studio electrical layout showing zones, breakers, and isolated feeds, which ones are isolated, and where the breaker panel is. You don’t want the hair and makeup team fighting for access with the DIT station.

Check if prep areas, green rooms, and backstage sections have their own circuits. Good studios build their power layout around workflow, not as an afterthought.

5. What Backup Power Options Are in Place?

If the power goes out, what happens next? That’s the question every producer should ask.

Some studios will have UPS units to keep cameras and drives alive. Others might have a generator ready or an agreement with a hire firm. Make sure to ask what’s available and what’s included in your rental.

Not all sockets are backed by UPS or generator feeds. Find out which ones are safe to use for essential gear.

6. Does the Studio Supply Clean and Stable Power?

Flickering lights or buzzing audio gear can be signs of poor power quality. Just because power is present doesn’t mean it’s reliable. Ask if the studio has run tests for noise, voltage fluctuation, or ground loop issues. Studios that carry out PAT testing and follow IEC standards are safer choices.

Bringing a multimeter or audio analyser during your recce is also a smart move. You might catch faults before they cost you. Voltage drop on long runs can also cause flickering or unexpected power cuts during a take.

Stage lighting equipment suspended from a metal truss; cables hang above. The backdrop is a dark curtain. Text reads "560 C."

7. What Are the Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore?

Some studios are visually impressive but electrically risky. Here are some warning signs:

No technical documents or specs
Exposed wiring or missing labels
Socket strips daisy chained together
Casual responses to power questions
No up to date PAT certificates

If you notice two or more of these, it’s best to consider alternatives.

Final Checklist: Ask These Questions Before You Book

Is the studio on three phase 230 or 400 volt power?
Which outlets are on dedicated breakers?
What is the total amperage available per room?
Where is the breaker panel and is it accessible?
Is there any backup power (UPS or generator)?
Has the studio tested for noise, flicker, or unstable supply?
Are PAT certificates available for review?

Studios that can answer all of these confidently are usually better prepared to support your production without a hitch. Solid production power planning starts with asking these questions before you commit.