The art of making movies is creating an illusion. Lighting technicians change day to night with a flick of a switch. The have to keep careful notes for continuity’s sake in case the director decides to re-shoot a scene. One of the biggest challenges is the spaghetti of electric cable draped all over the set. That was, of course before they had portable, battery powered lights.
Transforming Movie Making with Battery Powered Lights
Phil Rhodes explained to Red Shark News on January 13, 2020 how this works. The cinematographer, technologist, and writer was enthusiastic about doing a film shoot without the risk of electric wires appearing in the movie.
He described not needing cables and sockets as a massive time saver. He also believes the time is getting closer when we will no longer need expensive arc lights out of reach of modest budgets. Sure this only applies to small intimate scenes at present. But then, with the current rate of battery research who knows what the situation could be a year on.
Batteries Have Become a Major Driver of Social Change
Battery powered lights, phones and computers have revolutionized our social fabric. Quality information is now available far beyond the narrow confines of the wealthy west. Two youngsters can shoot a film and win international awards. A student can charge their laptop during the day at school.
Then they can study far into the night by candle power for a qualification that could immeasurably benefit their lives. However, most us take portable electricity for granted as we watch movies on our phones. An electric transport revolution is already making inroads, and there is much, much more to come.
Let’s spare a moment for battery researchers developing better, safer batteries in sterile laboratories. And also remember Alessandro Volta, who made the first battery in 1799 from zinc, copper, sulfuric acid and saltwater brine.
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Preview Image: Movie Set (Greg Men)
