The title of Gaffer is given to the person who is in charge of the electrical department on a production. This person oversees the electric needs of a project, especially as it pertains to the lighting needs on a film set.

The Gaffer works with a team of Film Electricians to ensure that the intended lighting scheme devised by the Director, Director of Photography, and other involved creatives is executed according to plan. The person who is second-in-command under the Gaffer is the Best Boy Electric.

This detailed breakdown of what a Gaffer does offers a great overview of the job.

A Gaffer usually onboards a project during the pre-production phase and remains with it until principal photography wraps. They work closely with the Director, Cinematographer, and Key Grip during these phases of production.

The Gaffer’s responsibilities include:

• Determining the lighting vision and plan in collaboration with the Director, Cinematographer, and other involved parties.
• Noting special lighting needs upon reading the script.
• Deciding what kind of lighting and associated equipment should be used for principal photography within the confines of the production’s budget.
• Choosing the rest of their electrical team and providing them with the lighting plan.
• Overseeing the execution of the lighting plan on set and providing any necessary adjustments to what the rest of the electrical team implements.

To learn more about building a career as a Gaffer/CLT, we spoke to lighting professionals in different markets around the US and in the UK, including:

• Bob Bates (Stranger Things, Mudbound, Trumbo)
• Harlon Haveland (No Time to Die, Solo: A Star Wars Story)
• Paul McIlvaine (Saving Mr. Banks, Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story, Little Miss Sunshine)
• Andrew Mueller (Hell’s Kitchen, Legion)
• Jaim O’Neil (Renfield, Bottoms, Claws)
• Cole Pisano (music videos for Olivia Rodrigo, Billie Eilish, Nick Jonas)

According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for a Gaffer based in Los Angeles is $62,410. The salary range for Gaffers runs from approximately $32,837 to $102,342.

However, these salary ranges can vary further based on where a Gaffer lives, how much they work in a given year, the type of projects for which they are hired, and their union status.

Non-union Gaffers set their own day rates, which will typically be less than those of union Gaffers. The Gaffer union – IATSE – sets a pay scale for its members with which union productions must comply.

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Some specialties like acting or directing can be learned on the job, but a Gaffer must come to a project equipped with the skills expected of them. As a result, competent Gaffers are always in demand.

Because a Gaffer must have comprehensive know-how of not only the technical aspects of electricity and lighting, but also the creative implications of how those tools are used for film, a Gaffer with an established reputation can likely have a long and successful career.

Gaffers work closely with Cinematographers, and this video explains that collaborative process through the eyes of the DPs.

As with most other specialties, though, Gaffers are still reliant workwise on the number of films in active production. For this reason, they may work on only one or two projects a year.

Key to staying employed as a Gaffer is being open to opportunities outside of film. Television shows and commercials also require the services and skillsets of a Gaffer, which make them complementary fields to film that Gaffers should consider pursuing as well.

A general film school education may be part of an aspiring Gaffer’s career. There they can learn the responsibilities of a Gaffer and gain on-set experience with student films.

However, getting a degree in film isn’t requisite for a successful career. If film school isn’t desired or an option, an aspiring Gaffer can begin to learn the skillsets required of them by joining crews as a Production Assistant – specifically, a PA working in the lighting department on a film.

What would happen if there was no Gaffer on set? This video demonstrates exactly why this position is a must during principal photography.

The importance of working on films no matter the size cannot be overstated. Even through student films, short films, and low-budget films, an aspiring Gaffer can both learn the trade and make connections that may lead to being hired for future and more prominent projects.

And while creativity is part of a Gaffer’s job, the technical knowledge of how to work with lighting and electricity is paramount. That’s why aspiring Gaffers should consider going through formal Electrician training to build those skillsets.

The decision to go through a film program can be useful for an aspiring Gaffer, as it offers some opportunity to gain on-set experience. As mentioned, though, it’s hardly a requirement to become a successful Gaffer.

What is important, though, is gaining the very concrete knowledge and skills of how lighting and electricity needs must be safely and creatively managed on set. As a result, getting some form of Electrician training certification can be immensely helpful for a Gaffer’s career.

Gaffer Julian White describes how those in his role use filters and diffusion.

No aspiring Gaffer can make the leap from PA to Chief Lighting Technician without considerable experience and expertise. For this reason, they must be proactive in getting onto projects to gain those skills.

If an aspiring Gaffer is interested in getting a formal education in film, they should consider one with a strong production program – as opposed to film studies – so that they’ll have the chance to work on student films and gain that experience.

On account of how closely Gaffers work with DPs, an aspiring Gaffer may specifically want to go through a cinematography program to boost their expertise in the field.

What’s on a Gaffer’s belt? This video explains the many tools of the trade.

Otherwise, an aspiring Gaffer must search out what productions are happening locally and seek to become part of them – likely as a PA if they are just beginning their gaffing career.

If necessary, a move to larger production cities like Los Angeles, New York City, Chicago, or Atlanta might be needed to both gain experience and stay employed more regularly.

Aspiring Gaffers can also take advantage of alternate resources to learn their craft.

Recommended online sites include that of Cinematographer Roger Deakins. The IATSE Local 728 also offers classes.

Many industry books focus on either general filmmaking or popular specialties such as directing or cinematography. They can still be incredibly instructive for aspiring Gaffers.

However, one book that is a must-read for those wanting to learn the craft is Harry C. Box’s The Gaffer’s Handbook: Film Lighting Equipment, Practice, and Electrical Distribution.