Wiktor Wise
The electrical setup for a movie is a complex process that involves the coordination of various professionals in the electrical department, such as the gaffer, best boy, rigging electricians, and on-set electricians. The gaffer, or chief lighting technician, is the head electrician responsible for executing and designing the lighting plan. They work closely with the director of photography or lighting director to bring the director's vision to life. The best boy, or best girl, is the gaffer's main assistant and oversees the operations of the electrical department. Rigging electricians work ahead of the on-set electricians to lay down temporary power networks and set up lights. On-set electricians handle lighting during filming, ensuring the safe and effective execution of the lighting plan. Together, these professionals ensure that the electrical setup for a movie is safe, efficient, and visually appealing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Job Title | Film Electrician |
| Team | Electrical Department |
| Team Leader | Gaffer |
| Gaffer's Assistant | Best Boy |
| Film Electrician Types | Rigging Electric, On-Set Electric |
| Rigging Electric Role | Prep the set |
| On-Set Electric Role | Handle lighting during filming |
| Qualifications | Aerial Lift training |
| Job Type | Freelance |
| Work | Laying cables, setting up lights |
| Lighting Techs | Also referred to as electricians or electrics |
| Grip Department | Responsible for securing and flying lights |
| Grip Equipment | Stands, flags, gobos |
| Power Sources | Generators, wall outlets |
| Safety | Keep power runs secured, use gaff tape |
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What You'll Learn
Rigging Electricians
The role of a Rigging Electrician is highly technical and physically demanding. They are in charge of running and connecting power cables to ensure all departments have electricity. This includes setting up generators, which may need to be positioned away from filming due to noise, and ensuring all equipment is rigged safely and securely. Rigging Electricians need to be able to follow detailed instructions and work neatly and efficiently as a team.
In addition to their technical skills, Rigging Electricians must also possess interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively. They need to be able to work as part of a larger team and coordinate with other departments. As most jobs are freelance, networking and building connections are crucial for Rigging Electricians to find work and get rehired.
Safety is a key priority for Rigging Electricians. They must have a solid understanding of electrical safety and be able to work with high-voltage sources. This includes following safety protocols and being aware of potential hazards to prevent accidents, fires, or equipment damage.
The Electric Department, of which Rigging Electricians are a part, is the backbone of any film production. Their work with electricity and lighting is critical to bringing the film to life. Rigging Electricians play a vital role in this process, ensuring the safe and efficient setup of electrical equipment and power distribution.
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On-Set Electricians
To become an on-set electrician, one typically starts as a Production Assistant or an apprentice to learn the gear and film set hierarchy. It is important for on-set electricians to have comprehensive knowledge of both the science and safety of electricity, so many choose to attend a technical or trade school to obtain the necessary certifications. On-set electricians must also be able to work well with others and follow directions closely to ensure a safe working environment.
The work of on-set electricians is physically demanding and requires attention to detail. They must be able to follow orders and work as part of a team to ensure the safety of everyone on set. Additionally, on-set electricians should be receptive to criticism and able to take direction from the Gaffer and Best Boy or Best Girl. Overall, the role of an on-set electrician is crucial to the film production process, ensuring that the lighting and electrical needs of each scene are met.
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The Gaffer
Gaffers work with a team of electricians, who lay cables and set up lights as per the gaffer's plan. The gaffer's assistant, known as the "best boy", oversees all operations of the electrical department, assisting with the execution of the lighting plan and standing in for the gaffer if they are unavailable. The best boy is also responsible for hiring and managing the electrical department.
Gaffers must have a comprehensive knowledge of both the science and safety of electricity and are usually qualified electricians. They work with many other film crews and personnel during a motion picture production, including the grip crew, who are in charge of all non-electrical equipment.
The role of the gaffer is a creative one, requiring an understanding of the production process and the ability to draw up and explain plans to the crew. They must also be able to work well under pressure and have good organisational skills, such as working within a budget and scheduling crew and equipment requirements.
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Grip Lighting Technicians
In the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, grips are camera support equipment technicians who work closely with the camera and electrical departments. They are responsible for building and maintaining equipment such as tripods, dollies, tracks, and cranes, as well as rigging needs on set. Grips also handle all the non-electrical equipment that modifies the light, such as setting stands that hold flags, nets, diffusing materials, or other gobos to control the quality, intensity, or shape of the light.
While grips in the UK, Australia, and most parts of Europe are not involved in lighting, their role in the US and Canada includes working with the electrical department to create lighting setups. Grip lighting technicians often begin their careers by shadowing other grips and gaffers in the industry, learning the language, equipment, and protocols on the job.
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Lighting Techs
Lighting technicians, also known as lighting techs, sparks, or juicers, are responsible for setting up and operating lighting equipment for films, TV shows, and concerts. They are part of the film crew's electrical department, which is led by the gaffer or chief lighting technician. The gaffer plans the lighting setup, and the lighting techs execute this plan, making it possible to get the desired shot. This involves choosing the right lighting equipment, bulbs, tracks, and other features to create shadows, lights, and movement on screen. They also work with other departments, such as Make-Up and Costume, to choose the correct lights and equipment to meet the production brief.
Lighting technicians need to have technical skills and knowledge of lighting design to achieve the director's vision. They also need to be able to work with electrical systems safely, following strict health and safety standards. Lighting techs often work as part of a team, handling specialist equipment and rigging lights at different heights to ensure smooth transitions between scenes.
Senior lighting technicians may transition into more specialised roles within the lighting team or other departments, such as sound operations, special effects, or production design. Lighting techs who are reliable, easy to work with, and adaptable are more likely to be rehired and build a successful career in the film industry.
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Frequently asked questions
The electrical setup for a movie is the responsibility of the film's Gaffer, who is the head electrician.
The Gaffer is responsible for the execution and sometimes the design of the lighting plan for a production. They manage lighting, including associated resources such as labour, lighting instruments, and electrical equipment.
The Gaffer works with a team of electricians, who are divided into two types: Rigging Electrics and On-Set Electrics. The Rigging team works ahead of the On-Set team, laying cables and hanging thousands of feet of cable. The On-Set team then checks the rig and makes any necessary lighting tweaks.
The assistant to the Gaffer is known as the 'Best Boy' or 'Best Girl'. They oversee all operations of the Electric Department and assist with the setup and rigging of lights and cables.
Most Film Electricians start as a Production Assistant or work in a rental house to learn the gear and film set hierarchy. They must obtain the right certifications, such as Aerial Lift training, and gain experience with electricity and electrical safety.
