A gaffer is the lead lighting technician on a film set and oversees the electrical department.

Their primary responsibility is managing a team of lighting technicians to bring the production’s lighting design to life.

The term “gaffer” originates from British slang and refers to the “gaff,” a hooked metal pole once used in theaters to adjust stage lights.

Gaffer Duties

A gaffer is involved in every stage of the filming process: pre-production, production, and post-production.

Pre-Production:

• Collaborating on the Lighting Plan — Works with the director of photography (DP) to design the film lighting setup for each scene
• Scouting Locations — Assesses shooting locations for natural light, available power sources, and potential challenges
• Creating Equipment Lists — Determines the necessary lighting gear, including lights, cables, power sources, and modifiers
• Hiring and Organizing Crew — Assembles a team of set lighting technicians and electricians
• Coordinating with Other Departments — Works with the art and camera departments to ensure lighting complements set design and cinematography

Production:

• Setting Up and Adjusting Lights — Oversees the installation and positioning of lighting equipment according to the shot list
• Managing Power Distribution — Ensures all lights are powered safely and efficiently
• Supervising the Lighting Team — Directs electricians and best boys to execute lighting changes as needed
• Making On-the-Fly Adjustments — Tweaks film lighting in response to camera movements, actor positioning, or director feedback
• Ensuring Safety on Set — Maintains safety protocols for handling electrical equipment and rigging lights

Post-Production (Minimal Role, but Some Involvement):

• Consulting on Color Correction — Occasionally advises the post-production team on lighting continuity for color grading
• Providing Reports — May document lighting setups for future reshoots or reference
• Returning and Inventorying Equipment — Ensures all rented or borrowed lighting gear is accounted for and returned

Who a Gaffer Works With

A gaffer collaborates with multiple departments to ensure the lighting setup aligns with the production’s visual goals.

Here are the main people a gaffer works with:

• Director of Photography (DP) — The gaffer’s main point of contact, executing the DP’s vision for set lighting and cinematography
• Best Boy Electric — The gaffer’s right-hand assistant, responsible for managing the electrical crew and equipment logistics
• Lighting Technicians (Electricians) — The team that sets up, adjusts, and maintains the lighting gear under the gaffer’s direction

Other people a gaffer works with include:

• Key Grip — Works alongside the gaffer to rig lights, use diffusers, and shape lighting with grip equipment
• Camera Crew — Ensures lighting supports camera angles, lens choices, and exposure settings
• Production Designer & Art Department — Coordinates to make sure lighting complements the set design and color palette
• Director — Occasionally consults with the gaffer to ensure lighting aligns with the director’s creative vision
• Post-Production Team (Colorists & Editors) — In some cases, provides input on maintaining lighting continuity for color grading

A Day in the Life of a Gaffer

A gaffer’s workday is fast-paced and demanding, requiring technical skill, problem-solving, and teamwork.

Their schedule varies depending on whether they are on a film set, TV production, or commercial shoot, but here’s a general breakdown of a typical day:

• Arrives on set before most of the crew to review the day’s schedule and shot list
• Meets with the Director of Photography (DP) to confirm lighting plans and any last-minute changes
• Coordinates with the Best Boy Electric to ensure all lighting equipment and power sources are ready
• Leads the film lighting team in setting up lights, rigging gear, and running power cables
• Works closely with the DP and camera crew to fine-tune the lighting setup for each scene
• Supervises the lighting team to ensure quick and efficient adjustments between shots
• Collaborates with the Key Grip to position diffusers, reflectors, and flags for light control
• Troubleshoots power issues or unexpected lighting challenges on the fly
• Stays alert for changes in weather (for outdoor shoots) or unexpected reflections and shadows
• Takes a short break, but often uses this time to check in with the DP about upcoming scenes
• Continues adjusting and refining lights as the shoot progresses
• Ensures consistency in lighting for continuity between shots
• Keeps an eye on safety, making sure all electrical setups remain secure
• As shooting wraps for the day, supervises the breakdown of lighting setups no longer needed
• Helps organize and store gear, ensuring everything is accounted for before heading out
• Confirms with the DP if any reshoots or lighting modifications are needed for the next day
• Checks in with the Best Boy Electric to plan equipment needs or maintenance

Gaffer vs. Key Grip: What’s the Difference?

It’s easy to confuse a gaffer and a key grip. So let’s talk about how they’re different.

A gaffer focuses on creating and controlling light using electrical equipment. While a key grip focuses on shaping and modifying light using rigging and grip tools (like flags, diffusers, and C-stands).

The average gaffer salary in the United States is $60,059 per year. The typical range of a gaffer’s annual income can range from $21,000 (or $0 if you’re just starting out) up to $91,500¹.

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.

Union gaffers, particularly those in IATSE Local 728, can earn between $50 and $75 per hour on major productions, while independent projects or commercial shoots may offer daily rates ranging from $250 to $750, depending on budget.

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The career outlook for a gaffer in the film industry is steady but competitive, with demand largely influenced by the health of film, television, and streaming productions.

Streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ have driven an increase in content creation, which benefits set lighting professionals. However, work as a gaffer is often freelance, meaning income and job stability depend on networking and reputation.

Most gaffers begin their careers as lighting technicians or best boys before progressing, often working closely with directors of photography to secure regular gigs. While the job can be physically demanding, with long hours on set, it offers a clear path for advancement, with some gaffers eventually transitioning into cinematography.

Success in this field depends heavily on industry connections, as well as financial planning to manage the inevitable downtime between projects.

The best locations for gaffers include major production hubs like Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, Vancouver, and London, while states like Georgia, Louisiana, and New Mexico have become attractive due to tax incentives that draw more productions.

One of the best ways to become a gaffer is to start as a lighting technician, but there are a few ways to launch your career.

Here’s how to become a gaffer in the film industry…

Entry-Level Path: Lighting Technician to Gaffer

One of the most common paths to becoming a gaffer is starting as a lighting technician or electrician on film sets.

This role involves setting up lights, running cables, and handling power distribution. By gaining experience with film lighting equipment and working closely with more experienced professionals, a technician can move up to the role of best boy electric, who is second-in-command to the gaffer and manages the lighting crew.

From there, after proving technical skills and leadership ability, a best boy can be promoted to gaffer, responsible for executing the director of photography’s (DP) vision and managing all lighting decisions on set.

Film School or Technical Programs

Another way to break into the field is through film school or technical programs that offer hands-on experience with lighting.

Many film programs provide opportunities to work on student productions and build a portfolio, which can help in landing freelance jobs or apprenticeships on professional sets.

However, formal education is not required—many gaffers learn entirely through on-set experience.

Theater and Live Event Lighting

Some aspiring gaffers start by working in theater lighting or live events before transitioning into film and television.

Stage lighting designers and technicians develop a strong understanding of lighting design, rigging, and power distribution, which translates well to film production.

Similarly, working in corporate events, concerts, or live television can provide technical experience with lighting equipment and control boards.

Freelancing and Independent Productions

Freelancing is a major part of a gaffer’s career, so some individuals choose to start with indie films, music videos, or small commercial productions to build credits and connections.

This approach requires networking with directors, cinematographers, and producers to land more significant projects over time.

Joining a professional organization, such as IATSE Local 728 (for those in the U.S.), can also provide access to union jobs with better pay and job security.

Starting a Grip and Lighting Rental Business

For those with an entrepreneurial mindset, another path is starting a grip and lighting rental business.

Some gaffers invest in lighting equipment and rent it out to productions while also working as gaffers. This approach can create a more stable income stream and increase demand for their services.

Advancing to Cinematography or Lighting Design

Over time, experienced gaffers can move into higher positions such as cinematographer (DP) if they develop a strong eye for lighting and camera work, or they may specialize in high-end productions, such as feature films, television dramas, or commercials.

Some may transition into lighting design consulting, working on architectural or event lighting projects.

What skills are needed to be a good gaffer?

The most important thing for an aspiring gaffer to do is gain concrete knowledge and skills of how set lighting and electricity needs must be safely and creatively managed on set.

Here are the main skills and experience you will need…

Understanding Light and Color

A gaffer must have a deep knowledge of different light sources, such as HMI, LED, tungsten, and fluorescent, and how their color temperature affects a scene. You also need to understand how light interacts with different surfaces to create shadows, highlights, and textures.

Shaping and Controlling Light

Gaffers use tools like diffusion, flags, barn doors, and bounce cards to control the intensity, direction, and softness of light. Mastering techniques such as three-point lighting, high-key vs. low-key lighting, and motivated lighting is essential for achieving the director of photography’s (DP) vision.

Lighting for Different Genres and Environments

A gaffer must be able to adjust their lighting approach based on the production. Cinematic dramas often require moody, naturalistic lighting, while commercials and music videos may call for more stylized, high-contrast looks. Understanding how to work with natural light in outdoor settings and blend it with artificial light is also crucial.

Lighting Control Systems

Proficiency with DMX controllers, dimmer boards, and wireless lighting systems is necessary to adjust brightness, color, and special effects in real-time. Many productions use programmable lighting setups, so experience with lighting software and smart LED fixtures is an advantage.

Power Distribution and Electrical Safety

Since gaffers manage the electrical needs of a production, they must understand circuit loads, amperage, voltage calculations, and breaker panel management to prevent power failures. Knowledge of battery-powered film lighting solutions and generators is also important for remote shoots.

Adapting to Changing Conditions

Film sets are unpredictable, and gaffers must adjust lighting quickly when weather conditions change or a director alters a scene’s composition. Being able to improvise lighting setups with limited resources is a valuable skill.

Troubleshooting Equipment Issues

From burnt-out bulbs to faulty dimmers or flickering LEDs, gaffers need to diagnose and fix problems quickly to avoid production delays. Having a solid understanding of lighting maintenance and repair can make a gaffer more valuable to a production.

Balancing Creativity and Budget Constraints

Not all productions have large budgets for expensive lighting setups. A gaffer must find creative alternatives to achieve high-quality lighting with affordable or DIY solutions, such as repurposing available lights or using practical sources like lamps and windows.

An aspiring gaffer — the chief lighting technician in film and television — doesn’t necessarily need formal education, but training and hands-on experience are crucial.

Here’s a breakdown of the education and training paths that can help…

Formal Education

Though not required, attending film school or a technical college can provide a strong foundation in lighting and cinematography. Degree programs in film production, theater lighting, or cinematography often cover essential topics like lighting theory, power distribution, and set safety.

Trade schools and apprenticeship programs can also be useful, especially for those looking to develop electrical skills, which are crucial for working with power on set. Some gaffers even start as licensed electricians, which can open more doors in the industry.

On-the-Job Learning

Most gaffers start from the bottom and work their way up through different roles in the lighting department.

The typical career path looks like this:

1. Production Assistant (PA) – Assisting on set and observing the grip and electric teams
2. Set Electrician or Grip – Handling lighting setups and power distribution
3. Best Boy Electric – Managing the electrical team and assisting the gaffer
4. Gaffer – Leading the lighting department and working closely with the cinematographer

Working on independent films, student productions, and small commercial shoots can be a great way to gain experience and build a network in the industry.

Certifications & Safety Training

Since working with electricity and heavy equipment can be dangerous, certifications are often required or highly recommended:

• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 Certification – Covers workplace safety regulations
• Entertainment Technician Certification Program (ETCP) – Focuses on electrical safety and rigging

Many professional productions require crew members to have safety training before working on set.

Networking & Continuing Education

Building relationships with industry professionals is essential for landing jobs. Attending film festivals, workshops, and networking events can help aspiring gaffers connect with cinematographers and other crew members.

Shadowing an experienced gaffer or joining a union (such as IATSE Local 728 or Local 52) can provide valuable training opportunities and access to larger productions.

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.