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Landmark Clean Energy Fleet Enters Film

Dec 7, 2018

Big news to come out of the world of sustainable production this past month! Reel Green advocate Portable Electric and Reel Green partner, Sim International Inc. have joined forces to provide the first clean energy power station fleet to the motion picture industry.

Here is what Sim has to say about this milestone for sustainable production:

“Sim is committed to supporting the communities where its employees, clients and partners live and work,” said Eleanor O’Connor, President, Studios, Lighting + Grip, Sim. “In addition to introducing Portable Electric’s fleet of clean and reliable power stations, we’ve partnered with Creative BC and their Reel Green initiative to implement sustainable programs impacting the television and film communities in Vancouver. This summer, Sim will be officially launching a corporate-wide Sim Green initiative to develop and implement sustainable practices and leadership across our five major markets in North America.”

Fuel consumption is a big contributor a production’s carbon footprint. Having accessible alternative power sources is a game changer for the industry and a step forward to a more sustainable future. With 95% of available electricity in British Columbia being renewable, moving towards utilizing the grid and battery technology makes sense for BC productions. 

Cost savings are also a consideration for productions to move from the standard diesel generator to electric options. Green Spark Group President, Zena Harris, remarks “The cost of fossil fuel is rising so using more electricity (a less expensive power option) to power the circus, lights, etc. can save a production money just on fuel alone.”

Portable Electric is also excited about this news, with the Founder & CEO, Mark Rabin saying “This marks an incredible time for clean energy and for Portable Electric. We are driven to build a sustainable product that not only competes with, but also outperforms the incumbent fossil-fuel generators. Our VOLTstack power stations are quickly becoming the preferred power supply option. We are seeing professionals from power-intensive industries, like film and construction, try the VOLTstack power stations once and never go back. We are very excited for what the future holds.”

Welcome to a new era of film-making! 

Full Press release available here.

About Portable Electric

Portable Electric (PE) is a Vancouver-based tech disruptor that builds, rents and sells the VOLTstackTM power station, revolutionizing the way critical power is delivered. They provide film productions, event organizers, construction sites, disaster zones and more, an alternative to traditional noxious gas and diesel generators.

About Sim International Inc.

Sim is a leading supplier of studios, production equipment, workflow/dailies and post-production solutions. With offices spanning North America, Sim’s team and services have supported features such as “Deadpool” and Oscar-winning documentary, “OJ: Made in America,” and hit series “Game of Thrones,” “Mr. Robot,” “Stranger Things” and “Handmaid’s Tale.” Sim Studios supports TV series, feature films and commercial productions with over 400,000 square feet of first-class studio and production facilities in Vancouver. Sim Lighting & Grip provides services and equipment from hubs in Vancouver and Toronto; Sim Camera provides rental equipment and support from hubs in Los Angeles, Vancouver, Toronto, Northern Ontario and Atlanta. Sim Post provides an array of services from workflow/dailies, to online and offline editing, to final color/DI and visual effects, to sound editorial and mixing. Sim Hollywood is located in the former historic Eastman Kodak building, and provides the industry’s only camera-through-post services venue. Sim is backed by Toronto-based investment firm Granite Partners. For more information, visit siminternational.com or visit us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn @simcomplete.


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