GAFFER

GAFFER

• The gaffer is a very important figure on set, not only because he cooperates with the director of photography to achieve what he has planned, but also as head of the lighting department he has a great responsibility for everything related to safety on set.

• If you ask any DOP about their gaffer, they will all answer that without their gaffer they are lost and everyone who has been on a shoot knows what we mean. Especially when the film director comes from abroad and doesn't have a lot of pre-production time, that's why it is essential to have the figure of the gaffer, as he is an experienced person who takes care of each and every one of the key aspects.

• At Camaleón Rental we have experienced chief electricians with languages, this will allow a perfect communication with your director of photography. Our technician will actively collaborate in advising on pre-production: locations, personnel, power supply, lighting equipment, suppliers, etc.

• The chief electrician in film, also known as a gaffer, is the main person in charge of the electrical and lighting department in a film production. He works closely with the director of photography (DP) to design and execute the lighting plan that helps create the desired visual atmosphere. His main duties are detailed below:

• Interpreting the lighting plan: working alongside the DP to understand and execute their lighting vision, providing technical expertise to ensure ideas can be realised in a practical way.

• Equipment selection: Deciding what types of lights and electrical equipment are required for the production, selecting specific lights, diffusers, gels, reflectors and other lighting elements.

• Lighting set-up: Overseeing the set-up and positioning of lights on set, ensuring that light sources are positioned correctly to achieve the desired visual effect.

• Team supervision: Direct and coordinate the team of electricians (best boy, electricians, assistants) so that the tasks of setting up, adjusting and dismantling the lights are carried out efficiently and safely.

• Task distribution: Assign roles and responsibilities to team members, ensuring that each person is working in the assigned areas properly.

• Troubleshooting: Troubleshoot technical problems related to lighting and electrical equipment during the shoot.

• Electrical power management: Ensuring that there is sufficient power on set to power all lights and electrical equipment without overloading circuits.

• Generator installation: Supervise the installation and use of power generators in case the set is in a remote location or where there is inadequate access to power sources.

• Electrical safety: Implement safety measures to prevent electrical accidents on set, ensuring that cables are properly managed and equipment is installed safely.

• Supervision of equipment use: Ensuring that electricians use equipment correctly and safely, ensuring that safety regulations are followed.

• Liaising with the DP: Working closely with the DP to adjust lighting according to the needs of each scene. This may involve changing the type of lights, intensity, lighting angles or colour temperature.

• Collaboration with the art and camera department: Coordinate with other departments to ensure that the lights do not interfere with the set design, camera equipment or the action in the scene.

• Dimming and directional adjustment: Adjusting the intensity of lights, changing their direction or modifying their characteristics by using diffusers, colour filters (gels) and reflectors to create different lighting effects.

• Shadow and light control: Playing with shadows, contrast and tone of light to achieve the visual look that the production requires, such as hard or soft lighting, dramatic or natural lighting, etc.

• Location scouting (recce): Accompanying the production team on location visits to plan lighting and energy needs, assessing site conditions.

• Dismantling and storage: Supervise the dismantling of lighting equipment at the end of each shooting day and ensure that all electrical equipment is properly stored and transported.

• Quick problem solving: Being able to adjust lighting quickly and efficiently in response to unexpected changes during the shoot, such as variations in weather conditions, camera movements or creative decisions by the director.

• Lighting innovation: Providing creative solutions when budget or physical limitations of the set require unconventional approaches to lighting a scene.

• In short, the gaffer is responsible for designing, implementing and supervising the lighting for a film production, working closely with the cinematographer and other departments to create the right visual environment. In addition, he or she manages the electrical crew, ensures safety on set and ensures that all lighting equipment runs smoothly and without technical problems.