John Higgins, Supervising Gaffer
In your own words, briefly describe your job
''Most recently, I was Supervising Gaffer on "Harry Potter and The Philosophers Stone". It involved managing the entire Lighting Department and working with the Director Of Photography to get the results he requires.''
How did you get into the industry?
''I trained as an electrician and then progressed to Electrical Engineer through night school. I was working for Shell Exploration and I had eight weeks leave during which time I saw an ad in the paper for studio electricians and I never went back to Shell.''
Are there any other points / reality checks you'd like to make?
''It's very important to keep up with technical changes in the industry. Whilst many of the techniques used today have not changed since the start of the industry, the equipment and methods change all the time.''
What advice would you give to someone whose career needed a kick-start?
''Be sure of where you wish to go in whatever field you choose and be prepared to work very long and unsocial hours.''
How has the industry changed since you first entered it?
''There have been many changes in the past 20 years in all aspects of the industry from technology through to Health & Safety and employer/ employee relations.''
''Most recently, I was Supervising Gaffer on "Harry Potter and The Philosophers Stone". It involved managing the entire Lighting Department and working with the Director Of Photography to get the results he requires.''
How did you get into the industry?
''I trained as an electrician and then progressed to Electrical Engineer through night school. I was working for Shell Exploration and I had eight weeks leave during which time I saw an ad in the paper for studio electricians and I never went back to Shell.''
Are there any other points / reality checks you'd like to make?
''It's very important to keep up with technical changes in the industry. Whilst many of the techniques used today have not changed since the start of the industry, the equipment and methods change all the time.''
What advice would you give to someone whose career needed a kick-start?
''Be sure of where you wish to go in whatever field you choose and be prepared to work very long and unsocial hours.''
How has the industry changed since you first entered it?
''There have been many changes in the past 20 years in all aspects of the industry from technology through to Health & Safety and employer/ employee relations.''
