Award winning lighting for Claris Corp.
The term "Gaffer" usually applies to the production
crew member responsible for lighting. His or her job is to work with the
Director of Photography to achieve the desired "look" determined
by the DP and the Director. The Gaffer is typically an electrician as well,
responsible for the distribution of electrical power needed for lighting.
On larger film shoots; however, the Gaffer will typically have a Best Boy
and several Grip/Electric crew members who do the physical work necessary
for power requirements. This frees up the Gaffer to work on the lighting
itself, that is, the design, placement and control of the lighting instruments
and grip equipment. The Gaffer on larger film shoots will typically have
a Key Grip and several Lighting Grips who perform much of the physical work.
There are two primary differences between a Gaffer and a Lighting Director.
While the Gaffer works primarily on film shoots and single camera style
video shoots, the Lighting Director works on stage and multi-camera television
productions. However, it is important to note that sometimes the distinctions
are blurred. For example, I was the Gaffer on the 3 COM shoot below. However,
because we were shooting on a soundstage with studio grid lighting and a
lighting board with light cues, the term Lighting Director is probably more
fitting. The second main difference between a Gaffer and a Lighting Director
has to do with the production crew hierarchy. The Gaffer works below the
DP, and is one step removed from the Director. The Lighting Director; however,
works directly with the Director; primarily because on multi-camera television
productions (shot on video) there usually is no DP. In essence, the LD becomes
the DP responsible for the "look" and "feel" of the
production. Because of this Lighting Directors can often have higher day
rates that Gaffers.
Award winning lighting for 3 COM Corp.
