Voltstack® in the field
Voltstack 5k saves the day for Captain Marvel subway scene
In partnership with
Hollywood Portable Power
The production of Captain Marvel, a 2019 Marvel superhero film, posed a unique challenge in terms of providing off-grid power for a pivotal action sequence that took place on a subway train. The need for silent and emission-free power was essential to maintain the scene’s authenticity while adhering to environmental standards. To address this challenge, the lighting team turned to the Voltstack 5k electric generator, made available through Hollywood Portable Power.
The Solution
The lighting team used a stationary subway car to film most of the scene. The team used dynamic lighting effects designed to simulate motion outside the window. The challenge was filming the introductory and concluding parts of the fight scene. Those specific portions of the scene required filming on a practical train in the City of Los Angeles. However, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) train lacked available house power, and logistical constraints ruled out the option of towing a traditional combustion engine generator due to track configuration inconsistencies and safety concerns.
After considering various alternatives, the lighting team utilized the Voltstack 5k electric generator. Working in collaboration with Hollywood Portable Power, rigging gaffer Jason Fitzgerald strategically concealed the generators within the set itself. A creative approach involved constructing a faux subway seat to house the Voltstack 5k, seamlessly integrating it into the set design. This innovative solution allowed the team to provide power discreetly without compromising the visual integrity of the scene.
“We had two Voltstack 5k power stations and used them to power the shoot for the whole day,” Jason says. “The first one did most of the work. We only needed the second one for about two hours.”
The lighting team overcame a challenging power requirement scenario by harnessing the capabilities of the Voltstack 5k electric generators. It demonstrated the potential of off-grid clean electric generators to provide a reliable and inconspicuous power source. It allowed the team to maintain the cinematic integrity of the subway fight scene while adhering to the MTA’s environmental standards and safety regulations.
The Result
To learn more about how the Voltstack ecosystem can provide clean, quiet power for your film production, contact an Energy Consultant today!