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Generator Operator

Runs location generators and temporary power for unit and lighting: safe placement, fuel, earthing and load management on UK locations.

Duties

• Read the call sheet and sides before arriving
• Maintain radio/set etiquette and H&S
• Hand over notes/kit status at wrap
• Operate and maintain genny
• Safe fuel and earthing practice
• Liaise Gaffer / Best Boy on loads
• Quiet running and placement

Reports to

Gaffer / Best Boy (sometimes Facilities on smaller jobs)

Works with

Lighting, Locations, Transport, Production

Career path

Lighting Technician / facilities → Generator Operator

Day to day

Position genny with Locations/Gaffer; earth and cable out; monitor loads and fuel; keep quiet running; make safe at wrap; log hours and faults.

Call times

Lighting/pre-light call is often earlier than general unit; shoot sparks usually match unit call (commonly 07:00–08:00 on UK drama) and wrap after camera unless a lighting wrap is called. Night exteriors flip the day — always read the call sheet header.

What to wear

Matte blacks; steel toe-caps or production-approved boots; gloves for hot lamps; hard hat on rigs; hi-vis when Locations require; weather layers for UK exteriors; radio pouch.

Tools & kit

Personal PPE, multimeter, gloves, headtorch, multi-tool, gel clips; production supplies lamps/distro/desk.

Tips

Confirm title, agreement, budget band, prep/wrap and kit fee on the deal memo before accepting. We never invent Bectu figures — check bectu.org.uk ratecards / your branch.

Software

• Load sheets
• Call sheet power notes
• Lightwright / Vectorworks / CAD plot PDFs
• Shared call sheets (StudioBinder / Yamdu / PDF)
• ShotDeck / PureRef for look refs
• DMX desk familiarity (ETC Eos, grandMA basics)
• ChatGPT / Claude for quick gel/CCT notes (verify on set)

Related roles

Gaffer, Best Boy (Lighting)

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