In the entertainment industry, the phrase “time is money” isn’t just a cliché, it’s an operational necessity. Every hour of production downtime translates directly into lost revenue, delayed schedules, and compounding costs that ripple across entire projects. For one of Hollywood’s original studios, that kind of vulnerability simply wasn’t acceptable.
That’s why they turned to FlexEnergy.
When Grid Power Isn’t Enough
The modern grid was never designed with today’s demands in mind. Power interruptions, price volatility, and the growing complexity of high-demand facilities have exposed a hard reality: for critical uptime operations, relying solely on the utility grid is a liability, not a strategy.
Studios and other facilities with 24/7 operations face unique energy challenges. Soundstages, production equipment, climate-controlled sets, and post-production infrastructure run around the clock. A single unplanned outage doesn’t just pause a shoot, it can derail an entire production timeline.
The question isn’t whether energy resilience matters. It’s whether you have a plan for it.
Self Generated Power That Performs When the Grid Can’t
At this iconic Hollywood studio, a battery of four Flex Turbines® deliver more than 1 MW of reliable, self generated on-site power – enough to keep operations running without interruption, independent of whatever the grid is doing at any given moment. That kind of capacity isn’t just a backup plan. It’s a foundational layer of operational confidence.
But reliability is only part of the story.
By pairing power generation with thermal recovery, the system captures energy value that would otherwise be lost. Heat that’s a byproduct of power generation gets put to work with an absorption chiller to provide cooling for studio operation, improving overall system efficiency and squeezing more performance out of every unit of energy consumed. The result is a smarter, integrated, and more complete energy strategy – not just a generator working away in a parking lot.
READ MORE: Case Study: Self Generated Power Generation at One of Hollywood’s Original Film Studios
Power Resilience as Competitive Advantage
The benefits extend well beyond keeping the lights on. Predictable energy costs give facility managers a clearer picture of their operating budget, eliminating the financial uncertainty that comes with fluctuating utility rates. Reduced grid dependence means fewer exposures to demand charges and supply disruptions. And when something does go wrong with the wider grid, productions keep rolling.
That’s not a luxury. For a facility where reputation and schedule integrity are essential – reliability is a competitive differentiator.
Reliable, clean power on demand isn’t just a tagline at FlexEnergy – it’s the promise we make with our self-generation solutions that consistently deliver, even at one of the most storied addresses in entertainment history.
READ MORE: FlexEnergy Solutions Secures CARB Recertification of GT333S Flex Turbine
Ready to Rethink Your Energy Strategy?
If your facility can’t afford downtime, it’s time to explore what on-site generation can do for you. Contact FlexEnergy today to schedule a consultation and find out how our turbines can deliver the resilience, efficiency, and cost predictability your operations demand.
Talk to an Engineer at FlexEnergy
Frequently Asked Questions About Self Generated Power
What is on-site power generation and why does it matter?
On-site generation means producing electricity directly at your facility rather than drawing it entirely from the utility grid. It matters because it reduces your exposure to outages, demand charges, and rate volatility – giving you greater control over both reliability and cost.
Is the FlexEnergy Turbine CARB certified?
Yes. FlexEnergy turbines are certified by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), meeting the state’s stringent emissions standards. This makes them an especially strong fit for California-based facilities — like Hollywood studios — where air quality compliance is a non-negotiable part of doing business.
How much power do FlexEnergy turbines provide?
Installations vary based on facility needs. At this Hollywood studio deployment, FlexEnergy turbines deliver over 1 MW of continuous power – enough to sustain full production operations independently of the grid. Flex Turbine models are available in generation capacities of 250 kW, 333 kW, and 2 MW. Flex Turbines are modular and can be seamlessly integrated into microgrids that can scale to your power needs.
What is thermal recovery, and how does it add value?
Thermal recovery captures heat generated as a byproduct of power production and repurposes it – for heating, process heat, or other facility needs. This dramatically improves the overall efficiency of the system, meaning you get more value from the same amount of fuel.
Is FlexEnergy’s solution only for large facilities like studios?
Not at all. While this case study highlights a large-scale entertainment facility, FlexEnergy’s turbine technology is adaptable to a range of commercial and industrial applications where reliability and efficiency are priorities.
How does on-site generation reduce energy costs?
By generating your own power, you reduce the amount of electricity you purchase from the grid – particularly during peak demand periods when rates are highest. Combined with thermal recovery efficiency gains, the result is more predictable and often lower overall energy spend.