How to Be a Gaffer - Advice from the Field -  747 days ago

 

Knowing the tricks and skills of a gaffer is a great way to get your foot in the door in the industry, as well as being a good skillset for any indie video producer. Here is some advice that I culled from a thread at the CML Lighting forum by experienced gaffers on what it means to be great at your job:

- Stay close to the DP, and listen to the conversations between him and the director

– Watch some of his prior work so that you know the DP’s style

– Balance between lighting on your own and taking instructions.
Part of this depends on your relationship with the DP. What kind of person is he? If the director hears your suggestions and loves them, but the DP doesn’t like them, you might have problems.

– Along those lines, no one likes a gaffer to be a DP. Let them formulate their plan first. Then you can offer up suggestions and discuss the lighting needs.

– Don’t be discouraged if the DP doesn’t take your suggestions 99% of the time. Be there as a second set of eyes, and when he needs you and you’re ready, he’ll be glad he’s got you on his team.

– Always think ahead, and try to be prepared with equipment that might be needed in the next 20 minutes.

– Be calm and cool. The DP doesn’t need to deal with your stress too.

– Learn to light and to be able to “see” the lighting needed for a situation. Study lighting, and get to know styles and looks. When a DP knows he or she can trust your judgement, they’re much more likely to give you added freedom.


-Make sure you have more equipment than you need before you need it.

– Make friends with the key grip immediately. You need the grips on your side.

– Go on all location scouts, even if they don’t pay you for it. You’ll save yourself trouble on the shoot.

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