(aka Chief Electrician, Supervising or Chief Lighting Technician)

Gaffers are in charge of all the electrical work on a production, leading the team of technicians who install the lighting equipment and arrange the power supply in order to create the designed lighting effects.  Gaffers work closely with the Director of Photography to visualise in a practical way the 'look' they are trying to achieve.  Several years' experience may be required in order to qualify for the role of Gaffer.  They may work on location, or on a film studio set.  On larger productions there may be more than one Gaffer, e.g., there may be a separate Rigging Gaffer who is solely in charge of the rigging team, in which case there will also be an overall Supervising or Chief Electrician.

Responsibilities
One of the Gaffers' key responsibilities is Health and Safety.  They conduct risk assessments and certify the electrical safety of the production.  They must keep control of the lighting budget, and oversee the work.  Gaffers help in the selection of the best lights and equipment for the production, ensuring that they are within budget.  They are in charge of the technical work of carrying out recces, and planning and preparing the lighting installations and equipment. 

Gaffers check the list of lighting with the Best Boy to ensure that the correct equipment is ordered, and mediate between the lighting crew and the DoP.  They must be able to suggest and interpret ideas, and have a thorough knowledge of a wide range of equipment, and of its operation.  They position the equipment, and operate the lights during filming.  Gaffers need to be committed to completing the job, often in difficult circumstances.  They choose the lighting team, and must be aware of the legal regulations relating to working with electricity, driving, and employment.  Gaffers act as the spokesperson for the lighting crew. There may be a considerable amount of travel involved in this role, and irregular, unpredictable working hours.

Skills
Gaffers must to be imaginative, and need high-level technical skills proven over several years of work.  They must have strong problem solving skills.  Excellent communication and team leadership abilities are required, plus the ability to quickly gain the respect of their crew.  The role requires self-confidence and assertiveness, as they may have to walk onto a set of 100 people and direct others in their team.  Fast decision-making is essential, as well as the ability to justify their decisions.  The role also requires patience and tact, plus the ability to compromise, and to balance differing opinions.

Qualifications/Experience
Gaffers are fully qualified electricians, and usually rise through the ranks of the Lighting Department, although some may have a degree in Electrical Engineering.  They may have gained additional qualifications during their career.  They work for several years in various lighting roles before becoming a Gaffer.  They need to attend trade shows to keep up to date with their knowledge of the available equipment.  Many Gaffers work freelance and are self-employed, although in practise they often work with the same few DoPs.

Individual course accreditation in certain subject areas is currently being piloted. As part of Skillset's and the UK Film Council's Film Skills Strategy, A Bigger Future, a network of Screen Academies and a Film Business Academy have been approved as centres of excellence in education and training for film.

Where to go for more information
Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries. The first sources of information for all jobs in the industry are the National Occupational Standards. Browse Skillset's website for links to our network of training partners, information about training and access to the comprehensive Skillset/BFI course database. Finally, Skillset Careers is UK's only specialist media careers advice service; for detailed media careers information and advice, visit www.skillset.org/careers.