In movie-making shows or movie advertisements, people almost always mention directors, actors, and producers. But few people know about another very important part of the show, the gaffer. So what is a gaffer, what position does it hold, and what jobs does it do? Let's find out with Viewfinder Media!
1. What is a gaffer in filmmaking?
What is a gaffer in the film industry? This is understood to be a person who plays an important role in the industry of making movies and advertising videos. They are the ones who lead and manage the team that performs the tasks of providing power, arranging equipment, lighting positions such as reflectors, lights, lights and accessories to create picture frames. complete, most beautiful. For a few small shows, the gaffer also works with the small film production team to perform lighting design. In short, the chief lighting technician is the person who monitors images, executes lighting plans, sets up equipment and shoots.
What is a gaffer? What is their job like?
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2. The gaffer's main job
What is the gaffer's main job in filmmaking? This is a job related to lighting, the person responsible for directing and building lighting during filming. Gaffer is the head of the crew's lighting team, who directly works with the director, production team and cameramen to create unique lighting effects suitable for the scene. In short, the gaffer's main job is to plan, set up, provide and adjust lighting to achieve the goals set by the manufacturer.
Gaffers are the leaders of the lighting team, working directly with directors and producers
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3. Professional requirements of a lighting technician
So what are the requirements to become a gaffer? You need to comply and meet some of the following basic requirements:
- Knowledge about lighting: To do this job you need to learn knowledge about lighting and how lighting devices work. As a gaffer, you need to have knowledge of techniques for using light bulbs, lighting adjustments, and lighting accessories.
- Management and creative skills: Gaffers need to be able to manage the lighting team and coordinate with members to create appropriate, satisfactory shots. in the production team, director and cinematographer. Creative skills are also an important factor to create lighting effects that match the intention of the work.
To become a professional gaffer, you need work experience
- Work experience: Work experience is also emphasized, because when you are familiar with or have worked on previous film projects, you will easily and quickly fulfill the requirements set by the producer.
- Communication skills: What is a Gaffer? They are the leaders who work directly with directors and producers. Therefore communication skills are necessary. You should be able to communicate ideas, guide and connect team members.
- Flexibility and ability to handle situations: During the filming process, there will be unexpected situations so the gaffer needs to handle situations flexibly and quickly.
- Ensure good health: The job of a chief lighting technician mostly requires being on set and installing lighting equipment, so you need to be in good health to meet the requirements.
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4. What is the difference between grip and gaffer?
In the filmmaking industry, many people will confuse grip and gaffer. So what is the difference between grip and gaffer? Let's find out:
- Gaffer: Gaffer is the head of the lighting team, responsible for building and adjusting lighting during the editing process. The chief lighting technician has in-depth knowledge of lighting equipment, working directly with directors and producers to come up with creative ideas for the filmmaking process.
How are Gaffer and Grip different?
- Grip: Grip is the person in charge of providing, setting up and maintaining the structure, suspension frame and lifting devices to create suitable rotation positions. Grip supports and controls devices such as gimbals, cameras, gimbals, and more.
In short, the Gaffer typically focuses on providing and adjusting the lighting and the Grip sets up and maintains the supporting fixtures and equipment.
5. Who will the Gaffer work with on the crew?
As the head of the lighting team, who will the chief lighting technician usually work with in the crew? Let's find out below:
5.1 Lighting technician
Lighting technicians are responsible for setting up lighting, performing tests and fixing equipment, and ensuring the light bulbs work properly. Technicians will work under the direction of the gaffer and perform logistical tasks.
A lighting technician is someone who works under the direction of a gaffer
5.2 Logistics people
Logisticians also play a very important role in the film crew. These are the people who decide whether light is used at the right time, in the right place and by the right people. In addition, they are also responsible for resolving related issues such as order documents and other risks.
The logistics person is responsible for related issues
5.3 Console operators
The Gaffer will also work with this department a lot. The console operator's job is to operate and control to adjust lighting and smart lighting systems. The console operators also work very hard to set up lighting, programming and operations to meet D.O.P's visual requirements.
Console operators are also the people who work with the gaffer
5.4 Other locations
Besides the above positions, the chief lighting technician also works with a number of other positions in the film editing process such as: cinematographer, director, D.O.P, intern, script supervisor, electrical technician, …
Gaffer can also work with positions such as D.O.P, intern, ...
6. Future career of chief lighting technician
So what is the future of gaffer and what is the direction ? The future career of a chief technician in the filmmaking industry is extremely promising and has many opportunities. In any film or advertising project, the technique and expertise of a chief lighting technician is needed.
With the rapid growth in film and television, as well as the rise of live platforms, gaffers are expected to be heavily recruited. Competition for head lighting technicians can be fierce, but if you have experience and good technical skills, you will definitely have an advantage.
Gaffer promises to be a welcome profession in the future
Regarding salary, this is a freelance job, so you can negotiate depending on your experience. However, it depends on the location and scale of the project. Currently, in the market for people without experience or those with little experience, the salary for firing can range from about $30 - $50 (USD) per hour. So if for an experienced person, what number do you think it would be?
So Viewfinder Media has provided you with information about what is a gaffer, the main job and its requirements. If you have any questions, please contact us immediately to have our staff answer your questions!
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