SCENE 01 / COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS
Communication Systems
Professional on-set communication equipment keeping your production coordinated and running smoothly.
Production communication systems keep departments coordinated across sets, stages, and remote locations. Professional intercom systems, walkie-talkies, and wireless comms networks enable real-time coordination between directors, assistant directors, camera, sound, and production management throughout the shooting day.
We provide and configure communication system packages scaled to your production's crew size and location complexity. Our team handles channel planning, equipment distribution, and technical setup so your departments can communicate reliably from the first call to wrap each day.
Capabilities
Complete Communication Solutions
From basic walkie-talkies to full broadcast intercom systems, we provide communication equipment that keeps every department connected and coordinated.
01
Two-Way Radios
- Motorola digital systems
- Multi-channel radios
- Long-range units
- Waterproof handsets
- Repeater systems
Reliable Coverage
02
Headset Systems
- Production headsets
- Surveillance earpieces
- Noise-cancelling units
- Boom operator comms
- Director headsets
Hands-Free Comms
03
Intercom Systems
- Clear-Com systems
- Riedel artist series
- Wireless beltpacks
- Base stations
- Camera talkback
Pro Intercom
04
Specialty Comms
- IFB systems
- Video village feeds
- Multi-zone coordination
- Stunt coordination systems
- Crowd control comms
Specialized Solutions
On Location
ISED-licensed Motorola walkies, Eartec and RTS Bolero packages across Canadian units
Here is how the work lines up. Production comms in Canada have to cover everything from a single-camera Toronto Distillery District day where Motorola CP200d UHF signals bounce off heritage brick to a multi-unit Banff feature spread across the Icefields Parkway where line-of-sight breaks every few hundred metres. Our rental packages source Motorola CP200d, Motorola DP1400 and Kenwood TK-3140 walkies in the UHF 400-470 MHz band, scaled from 30-radio commercial packages through 80-plus radio feature rigs.
Eartec UltraLITE HD production headsets ship as standard, with RTS Bolero wireless intercom for the largest productions running multi-zone video village comms. William F. White inventory at Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal and Calgary hubs carries 100-plus units per major hub for short-notice scaling. Multi-channel UHF block allocation handles urban density in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal where neighbouring productions and broadcast users saturate the spectrum on busy weeks.
Frequency licensing routes through ISED (Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada), with TX/RX licensing via ISED permit-blocks for production use. We file applications well in advance — lead times stretch during TIFF September, Hot Docs April-May and the Calgary Stampede early July when RF demand peaks across the country. Banff and Jasper Parks Canada quiet-zone protocols rule out repeater placement near wildlife corridors and need surveillance earpieces over open-speaker walkies. Quebec heritage zones and Stanley Park Vancouver nature-protection constrain repeater siting.
IFB packages cover global director feeds when the brief involves remote viewing from LA, London or Tokyo. Cold-weather scheduling demands ARRI Cold Pack walkie batteries for Yukon, Quebec and Nunavut shoots from December through March — standard NiMH packs derate hard at -25°C and won't make a 12-hour day without the cold-rated chemistry. Pre-programmed equipment ships charged with backup units and on-site coordinator support from prep through wrap.
FAQ
Production Communication Expertise
What communication systems do you provide?
We supply complete communication solutions including two-way radios (Motorola digital and analog), production headsets, Clear-Com and Riedel intercom systems, IFB feeds for talent, and specialty coordination systems. Equipment ranges from basic walkie-talkies to full broadcast intercom installations.
How many radios do I need for my production?
Radio requirements depend on crew size and production complexity. Typical feature productions need 30-80 radios covering all departments. We help assess your needs and recommend appropriate quantities with backup units. We can add equipment as needed during production.
Can you provide coverage in remote locations?
Yes, we design systems for challenging locations using repeaters, long-range equipment, and multi-site coordination. We survey locations in advance when possible to identify coverage challenges and deploy appropriate solutions.
Do you handle frequency licensing in Canada?
We coordinate all frequency licensing requirements with Canadian authorities (ANFR). This includes temporary production licenses, frequency coordination, and compliance documentation. Lead time varies by location and spectrum availability.
What about intercom systems for video village?
We provide complete video village communication including director-to-set comms, camera talkback, script supervisor links, and department coordination. Systems can integrate with wireless video for comprehensive monitoring and communication.
How do you handle equipment for multiple units?
For multi-unit productions, we design coordinated communication plans with separate channels per unit, shared frequencies for key personnel, and cross-unit coordination capabilities. Each unit receives complete equipment packages.
Related Services
Productions in Canada that need this often pair it with Lighting Equipment Rental, Data Management Systems, and Monitoring Equipment Rental for full coverage. Most projects also draw on Wireless Microphone Systems and Monitor & Video Village.
On Set
Need Production Comms?
Tell us about your production and we'll design a communication solution that keeps everyone connected.