The Chief Lighting Technician
The Gaffer is the official title for the head of the electrical department on a film or television production, also known as the Chief Lighting Technician. The gaffer is the crucial link between artistic vision and technical execution in the realm of lighting. They work directly under and in close collaboration with the Director of Photography (DP), who is responsible for the overall visual look and mood of the film.
This relationship is one of the most important on set. The DP conceives of the lighting design—the quality of the light, its color, its intensity, and the shadows it creates. The gaffer is the master craftsperson who takes that abstract vision and makes it a physical reality. A DP might say, “I want a soft, cool, moonlight effect coming through that window.” The gaffer will then draw upon their deep knowledge of lighting instruments, modifiers, gels, and electrical distribution to devise a practical and safe plan to achieve that specific look.
Responsibilities and Team Structure
The gaffer has a wide range of responsibilities:
- Managing the Lighting Crew: The gaffer is the supervisor of the entire electrical department, including their second-in-command, the Best Boy Electric, and the team of electricians, known as sparks or lighting technicians.
- Executing the Lighting Plan: During pre-production, they work with the DP to create a list of all necessary lighting and electrical equipment for the shoot. On set, they direct their crew in the placement and rigging of all lighting instruments.
- Problem-Solving: They are expert problem-solvers, figuring out how to power a massive lighting setup in a remote location or how to create a specific lighting effect in a cramped space.
- Safety: A primary responsibility is ensuring all electrical equipment is handled safely and that the power distribution on set is up to code to prevent accidents or equipment damage.
During a take, the gaffer is typically stationed next to the DP, making real-time adjustments to the light levels via dimmer boards at the DP’s request. The term “gaffer” is thought to originate from the “gaff,” a long pole with a hook that was once used to adjust stage lighting in the theater.