From Foothills to LA: Using a SunCase 2025 for Off-Grid Film Production

Challenge

Filming a night exterior scene in difficult locations.

First location: San Bernardino Foothills – A night shoot requiring lighting for a large area, including a 5K LED. The area was inaccessible to vehicles, had a high fire risk, and required real-location sound recording for dialogue.
First test: SunCases were tested on a mountain road shoot where a centralized generator could not reach.
Production shoot: Two nights of filming with four actors.

Second location: Streets of Los Angeles at night.
First scene: Chinatown dialogue scene.
Second scene: Backstreets of Los Angeles with three separate lights. Two lights were fixed approximately 100 feet apart, each powered by its own SunCase 2025. The third light was mounted on the back of a truck alongside the camera operator. This light used the NUE 48-volt direct-connect power station. The truck, carrying the light and camera operator, led a motorcycle for a quarter of a mile to the designated meeting point. The two lights illuminated both the street and the actors, and the scene required real-time dialogue recording.

During the shoot, a ranger stopped by after noticing the large light in use, assuming it was powered by a gas generator. He was surprised to find that the lights were powered by the NUE power unit and allowed the production to continue.

If successful, the goal was to utilize SunCases for Dark Gospels in various locations requiring quick setup, minimal noise, and no compromise on creative ability.

Power Loads

• The shoot required professional-grade LED lighting, camera, and sound recording equipment.

Results

• The initial tests were successful. Multiple night shoots were completed in various locations, including complex live-action motorcycle shots with dialogue. Each setup was completed within minutes.
• The shoot would not have been possible without the SunCases and the direct-connect 48-volt power station, which provided untethered lighting, camera, and sound equipment in high-risk fire areas, including the mountainside, Chinatown, the backstreets of Los Angeles, and the camera truck.
• Cost Comparison: NUE power, the only costs were for talent and the Director of Photography. Traditional filming at the three locations would have required gas-powered generators, a fire marshal (if the location was permitted), a water truck, and a process trailer with a police escort—bringing the estimated cost to $15,000 – $35,000.
  

NUE Product Solution

SunCase 2025