Behind the glamor of movie sets and the excitement of music festivals lies a crucial yet often overlooked element: power. In the world of film and event production, access to reliable electricity can make or break a shoot or a show. That’s where generator rentals step into the spotlight.

From powering high-wattage lighting rigs to keeping live music stages, catering setups, and mobile editing suites running, generator rentals are the backbone of modern productions—delivering mobility, performance, and reliability in even the most remote or unpredictable locations.

In this article, we’ll explore the essential role of generator rentals in the film and event industries, the types of generators used, and why choosing the right rental partner is key to success.

Why Power Is a Priority in Productions

Whether it’s a blockbuster film shoot, outdoor wedding, corporate gala, or multi-day festival, today’s productions require massive amounts of electricity. Power is needed for:

• Lighting and sound systems
• Video monitors and production trailers
• Catering and refrigeration
• Camera rigs, drones, and editing suites
• Restrooms, heaters, air conditioning units
• Emergency lighting and security systems

In many outdoor or off-grid venues, utility power simply isn’t available—or reliable. That’s why production managers turn to trusted generator rentals to guarantee consistent, mobile power on demand.

How the Film Industry Uses Generator Rentals

Film productions often shoot on location—rural farms, deserts, city streets, and forests. In such environments, access to a grid is impossible, and hauling a full generator setup is often impractical.

Key Power Applications in Filmmaking:

• Lighting Units: Film sets use extremely powerful lights that consume hundreds to thousands of watts each.
• On-Site Trailers: Makeup, wardrobe, and production trailers need HVAC systems, outlets, and lighting.
• Cameras & Tech Gear: High-end digital cameras and monitors are delicate and need clean, uninterrupted power.
• Sound Recording: Background generators must be low-noise or positioned with long cables to prevent audio disruption.

Our generator rentals include silent-running and towable units ideal for sound-sensitive shoots.

Powering Events, Festivals, and Concerts

Event productions—from weddings to outdoor music festivals—are high-energy affairs with complex technical needs. Every component, from speaker towers to champagne chillers, demands reliable electricity.

Common Generator Rental Uses at Events:

• Stage Equipment: Audio, video walls, lighting grids, and mixing consoles
• Food Vendors & Bars: Refrigerators, freezers, ovens, coffee machines, and blenders
• Tents & HVAC: Large tented events need climate control systems
• Mobile Office Trailers: Backstage staff, security, and ticketing teams require laptops, routers, and lighting

Generator rentals ensure the entire event can function—even when it’s hosted at a beach, forest, vineyard, or mountain resort.

Need to rent for your next event? We offer customized generator rentals to match every venue and layout.

Types of Generators Commonly Rented in Production

At BC Generators, we offer a variety of diesel and hybrid generator rentals tailored to film and event professionals.

Silent Generators (Low-Noise)

Ideal for use near cameras or crowds, these models feature sound-dampening enclosures. Essential for any shoot with on-location audio capture.

Towable Generators

Mounted on trailers for easy transport and placement. Useful for large events with multiple zones or mobile sets.

Inverter Generators

Provide clean sine wave power, crucial for sensitive electronics like LED lights and soundboards.

High-Capacity Diesel Generators

Heavy-duty units used when large-scale power is required (e.g., festivals or stadium concerts).

Explore our catalog of generator diesel generator models available for rental today.

Why Diesel Generators Are the Industry Standard

Most production companies prefer diesel motor generator systems due to their:

• Fuel efficiency over long runtimes
• High power output
• Reliability in extreme weather
• Long operational life

Diesel also provides safety and logistical advantages over propane or gasoline—making it the top choice for professional event planners and film producers alike.

Need help selecting the right size? Our generator rentals team can help you estimate your load needs.

Event Locations That Rely on Rentals

You’ll find generators supporting productions across:

• Outdoor wedding venues
• National parks and reserves
• Rooftop concerts and city streets
• Private islands and remote lodges
• Campgrounds and forest clearings
• Sporting events and races

For mobile productions, we also recommend our generator enclosures to protect units from rain, mud, or theft.

Things to Consider When Renting a Generator

Not all rentals are equal. Here’s what to look for in a trusted partner:

Factor	Why It Matters
Noise Level Ratings	Essential for film and live audio events
Load Testing and Inspection	Verifies reliability before deployment
Fueling Service Options	Ensures uninterrupted operation during long events
Cabling and Distribution	Prevents overheating and simplifies setup
24/7 Technical Support	Immediate assistance in case of failure

Our generator sales and rentals include full service packages with setup, teardown, cabling, and support.

Powering Hybrid Events and Broadcasts

With the rise of hybrid events and live streaming, event planners are now powering:

• Streaming servers
• High-resolution broadcast cameras
• Backup power for uninterrupted digital feeds

In these cases, clean, stable energy from a high-quality generator rental is non-negotiable. Downtime can mean lost viewers, income, or damaged reputation.

Final Thoughts

In both the entertainment and event worlds, the spotlight doesn’t shine without power. From film crews working in remote canyons to concert lighting engineers controlling 100-foot rigs, generator rentals provide the energy to bring creative visions to life.

If you’re planning your next production or event and need scalable, silent, and reliable power, BC Generators has your back.