aka: Chief lighting technician
The gaffer is the head of the electrical department on a film or TV set and works closely with the director of photography. Their job role is a mix of both technical and creative expertise.
Learn more about what makes the gaffer such a critical role, how to become a gaffer, and tips for getting started.
What Is a Gaffer?
The gaffer, or chief lighting technician, leads a film or television set’s lighting department. The team consists of many specialists, such as sparks, console operators, and genny operators. The gaffer’s second-in-command is known as the best boy.
Gaffer is still used in British slang to mean boss or old man. However, the film terminology comes from when people used lamplighter gaff poles to adjust stage lighting. The term was popular in Hollywood during the 1930s and filmmakers still use it today.
The gaffer takes orders from the director of photography (DOP). One of their main tasks is to help the DOP create lighting plans for every scene and location within the film. This work starts prior to production when they read the screenplay to familiarize themselves with lighting changes throughout the film or TV show.
As the head of the department, the gaffer is responsible for hiring the lighting team before shooting begins. At this stage, they also attend technical scouts and gather equipment for the shoot.
On set, the gaffer and their team set up the lights. Gaffers also have an important role in electrical health and safety. During filming, they watch over the lighting setups and make sure that everything is safe.
What Does a Gaffer Do?
| Pre-production | – Create a script lighting breakdown – Attend meetings with DOP – Create lighting plans for each scene – Hire a lighting team – Rent equipment |
| Production | – Work with the DOP to light the film – Lead the lighting team – Manage electrical safety |
| Post-production | – Strike sets – Return all equipment |
How to Become a Gaffer
Essential gaffer skills:
- Physical endurance
- Electrical work
- Creative lighting knowledge
- Communication
- Leadership
- Strategy
- Health and safety know-how
The gaffer is the chief lighting technician. This isn’t the kind of knowledge or skill set that comes naturally to someone nor is it something you can attain solely through on-the-job experience.
In fact, gaffers are electricians. Depending on the complexity of the set and the production company requirements, many gaffers are required to have an active electrician license and certification. Relevant safety training may also be necessary.
In addition to this formal education, gaffers need to complete relevant training. In film or TV, that means working as a spark or lighting assistant. This gives them the chance to watch how gaffers fulfill the requirements of the job.
It also gives them a good sense of the other job skills needed. For example, the gaffer needs to be a strong communicator and leader. They also need to be comfortable with heights, lifting heavy equipment, doing repairs, and working long hours.
It might also be beneficial to do an apprenticeship that provides on-the-job paid training or to work in a theater.
Finding Gaffer Jobs
You need to become a fully qualified electrician to find professional work in this role. That said, if you haven’t yet completed your education, you can start doing entry-level work while you attain your license.
The good news is that once you’re certified and have sufficient on-set experience, this is an in-demand job role with a lot of opportunities to grow.
Whether you’re at the start of your career or simply looking for new job opportunities, refer to film job sites to find work. It might be a good idea to start with low-budget film projects so you can hone your skills and gain more hands-on practice before moving up to bigger budget jobs.
How Much Money Do Gaffers Make?
Minimum pay rate for gaffer: $44.88/hour
There are numerous ways to earn more money as a gaffer. Working on bigger budget projects is one way. Another is by your experience level not only as a gaffer but as an electrician. Also, joining a union like IATSE can help you negotiate higher pay.
Find more tips on how to get paid fairly for the work you do on our production crew rates page.