SPARK

ELECTRICIAN

• Also known as lighting technician, is the person that together with the other sparks, forms the lighting crew and his responsibilities vary according to the size and the type of the production: from supervising the power supplies options on a small documentary right to handling gigantics lights in blockbuster productions.

• A good spark is an incredible save of time and money and in the same way it happens for a lot of positions in the film industry, even though it seems a quite easy and physical job, it requires way more than an healthy body and a leatherman multi tool knife.

• He needs to know perfectly how each and every piece of gear works, keep it clean and in order so the production can be as fast as it gets.

• Plus, and maybe more important, they are the ones that deal with electricity on set so they have top responsibility in matter of safety, specially when shooting on real locations, where it is paramount to be careful and aware of every possible danger related with power supply.

• We can provide full spark crews or single lighting electricians so you can complete your own crew, and we can vouch for the experience and the reliability on each and every one of them.

• A spark is a member of the lighting department who works under the direction of the gaffer and best boy electric. Their main responsibility is to help set up and operate the lighting and electrical equipment needed to achieve the desired visual effects for each scene. Here are the key functions of a spark:

• Positioning lighting equipment: Sparks are responsible for setting up lighting fixtures on set according to the gaffer’s and director of photography's (DP) instructions. This includes placing lights in specific positions to create the desired mood, tone, and atmosphere for each scene.

• Assembling light stands and rigs: They handle the physical assembly of lights, stands, and other rigging equipment needed to position lights at different heights, angles, and distances.

• Handling light modifiers: Sparks may work with equipment like diffusers, gels, and reflectors to soften, change the color, or control the direction of the light.

• Running cables: Sparks lay out and manage power cables, ensuring all electrical equipment, including lights, is properly connected to power sources without causing a hazard.

• Ensuring safe power supply: They help distribute power across the set, connecting lighting fixtures to the power grid or generators, ensuring proper voltage levels are used, and avoiding overloading circuits.

• Maintaining tidy cable setups: Sparks manage cables carefully to avoid creating tripping hazards or tangles that can interfere with the crew’s movements on set.

• Adjusting lights during filming: Once the lights are set up, sparks may be required to adjust their position, focus, or intensity during the shoot to accommodate changes in the scene or direction from the DP or gaffer.

• Handling dimmers and lighting controls: They may be tasked with operating dimmers or other control panels to modify the brightness or color temperature of the lights in real-time during a take.

• Equipment maintenance: Sparks ensure that all lighting equipment is functioning correctly. This includes replacing bulbs, fixing fixtures, and ensuring that everything is in working order before, during, and after the shoot.

• Troubleshooting issues: If a light or electrical component fails, sparks are responsible for quickly diagnosing the issue and making necessary repairs or adjustments.

• Special lighting setups: Sparks often assist in creating special effects with lighting, such as flickering lights, simulating natural effects (like sunlight or firelight), or using practical lighting sources within the scene.

• Ensuring consistency in lighting: Sparks help maintain continuity in lighting from shot to shot, ensuring that light levels and positions remain consistent throughout a scene, even during multiple takes or changes in camera position.

• Coordination with the gaffer and best boy: Sparks follow the gaffer’s instructions to implement the lighting plan. They may also work closely with the best boy electric to ensure all equipment and crew are where they need to be.

• Supporting the camera team: Sparks often assist with the setup of additional lighting or rigging equipment needed to support the camera, such as lighting for close-up shots or tricky camera angles.

• Ensuring electrical safety: Sparks are responsible for making sure all lighting setups are safe, ensuring that cables are not frayed, power sources are appropriate for the equipment being used, and that safety protocols are followed when dealing with electricity.

• Setting up in adverse conditions: If the set is outdoors or in challenging locations, sparks ensure that equipment is safely installed, grounded, and protected from environmental factors like rain or wind.

• Packing down lights and cables: After the filming for the day or scene is complete, sparks help strike (take down) all lighting setups. This includes safely disassembling lights, wrapping cables, and packing everything away in an organized manner.

• Transporting equipment: Sparks may assist in transporting lighting equipment to and from locations, ensuring that everything is packed and handled carefully to avoid damage.

• The spark is an essential member of the lighting department, responsible for the hands-on work of setting up and maintaining the lights that bring the film’s visuals to life. They play a crucial role in ensuring the technical aspects of lighting run smoothly and safely on set.