The team of electricians who work under the Gaffer to set up, operate, and manage all lighting equipment on a film set – responsible for rigging lights, running power, operating dimmers and controls, and maintaining electrical safety throughout production.
What is the Lighting Crew?
The Lighting Crew is the team of electricians, led by the Gaffer, that sets up, operates, and manages all lighting equipment on set. They are responsible for rigging, power supply, and electrical safety.
Basic Structure
| Position | Function |
|---|---|
| Gaffer | Department Head |
| Best Boy Electric | Assistant/Logistics |
| Electricians | Crew Members |
| Rigging Electrics | Pre-work |
Hierarchy
| Level | Roles |
|---|---|
| 1 | Gaffer |
| 2 | Best Boy Electric |
| 3 | Board Op / Dimmer Op |
| 4 | Set Electricians |
Gaffer
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Function | Chief Lighting Technician |
| Reports to | DoP |
| Responsibility | Implement lighting concept |
| Leads | Entire Lighting Crew |
Best Boy Electric
| Task | Description |
|---|---|
| Logistics | Equipment coordination |
| Crew | Personnel planning |
| Paperwork | Timesheets, Reports |
| Representation | For Gaffer |
Set Electricians
| Task | Description |
|---|---|
| Rigging | Setting up lights |
| Power | Running cables |
| Operation | Operating lights |
| Strike | After wrap |
Crew Size
| Production | Typical Size |
|---|---|
| Low Budget | 2-3 people |
| Mid-Level | 5-8 people |
| Studio | 10-15 people |
| Big Budget | 20+ people |
Daily Tasks
| Phase | Activity |
|---|---|
| Call | Prepare equipment |
| Setup | Set up lights |
| Shooting | Adjustments |
| Wrap | Strike everything |
Equipment Responsibility
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Fixtures | All types of lights |
| Rigging | Stands, Ceilings, Pipes |
| Power | Generators, Distro |
| Control | Dimmers, DMX |
Collaboration with Grip
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Gaffer + Key Grip | Close coordination |
| Lights | Electrics |
| Modification | Grip |
| Together | Rigging |
Electric vs. Grip
| Electric | Grip |
|---|---|
| Lights | Light modification |
| Power | Mechanical setups |
| Dimmers | Flags, Diffusion |
| Safety Electric | Safety rigging |
Power Distribution
| Element | Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Generator | Power source |
| Distro Boxes | Distribution |
| Cable Runs | Wiring |
| Safety | Safety |
Rigging Crew
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Pre-Rigging | Before shooting day |
| Ceiling Rigs | Permanent |
| Strike | After production |
| Specialized | Often own team |
Dimmer Operator
| Task | Description |
|---|---|
| Board | Operate dimmers/DMX |
| Cues | Lighting changes |
| Live Adjustments | During takes |
| Programming | Complex shows |
Safety
| Area | Measure |
|---|---|
| Electrical | Proper grounding |
| Overload | Load calculation |
| Cables | Trip hazards |
| Heat | Fixture cooling |
Communication
| With Whom | About What |
|---|---|
| DoP | Via Gaffer |
| 1st AD | Scheduling |
| Grip | Coordination |
| Art Dept | Practicals |
Preparation
| Element | Activity |
|---|---|
| Prep | Check equipment |
| Load-In | Truck/Set |
| Pre-Light | Before shooting begins |
| Walkthrough | With DoP/Gaffer |
Tools
| Tool | Use |
|---|---|
| Gloves | Heat, handling |
| C-Wrench | Fastenings |
| Multimeter | Check power |
| Belt | Carry tools |
Career Path
| Level | Position |
|---|---|
| 1 | PA / Intern |
| 2 | Set Electrician |
| 3 | Best Boy Electric |
| 4 | Gaffer |
Qualifications
| Area | Required |
|---|---|
| Electrical | Basic knowledge |
| Safety | Training |
| Physical | Fit |
| Teamwork | Essential |
Challenges
| Situation | Handling |
|---|---|
| Time Pressure | Work efficiently |
| Heavy Setups | Teamwork |
| Weather | Protective measures |
| Long Days | Stamina |
Best Practices
| Practice | Reason |
|---|---|
| Safety First | Always |
| Communication | Clear |
| Preparation | Faster setups |
| Teamwork | Essential |
Today
The Lighting Crew is the backbone of any film production. From small independent projects to large studio productions, the team under the Gaffer technically realizes the DoP's lighting vision. Their work is often invisible but essential for every image that appears on screen.
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