The Gaffer is the senior electrician on the production and is responsible for the execution of its lighting plan.
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Working Life
The Gaffer is the senior electrician on the production and is responsible for the execution of its lighting plan.
Role and Responsibilities
- Plan and oversee all of the electrics and lighting as head of the electrical department.
- Design lighting plans from production design plans and drawings, providing detail about how the lighting requirements, rigging, and construction will be best realised on location and in studio.
- Provide costings for all designs and create a working schedule and budget.
- Identify any creative or logistical issues which might arise.
- Responsible for ensuring the health and safety of all on a set, carrying out tests, risk assessments, and reports regarding the safe use of all equipment.
Works with
- Director of Photography
- All of the Lighting Department
Qualities - Gaffer
Is this role right for me?
For this role, you need:
Experience in film industry standards and set ups for this highly specialised and senior role.
Great technical skills and experience and relevant technical qualifications to high standards.
Strong understanding of the operations of a film set, ability to understand the creative needs of the project in terms of lighting, and the techniques, skills, procedures, and materials to achieve them.
Drawing and logistical skills in communicating plans to relevant departments.
Strong budgetary, scheduling, management, and interpersonal skills.
Strong understanding of, compliance with, and overseeing of all health and safety regulations.
Interests - Gaffer
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Entry / Progression - Gaffer
Education Route: You need to be a fully qualified Electrician in order to work on a production.
Career Path to Gaffer: There are no usual career paths for the Gaffer. Often, they would have worked their way through the lighting/electrical department. Working your way up through the electrical department is essential with lots of on-set experience on productions.
Career Path from Gaffer: Director of Photography, Lighting Designer, Cinematographer.
