The role of a Gaffer explained: what the Chief Lighting Technician does, skills, duties and smart budgeting tips.

What is a Gaffer

A Gaffer, also called the Chief Lighting Technician, leads the lighting department and turns the Director of Photography’s plan into safe, workable setups on set and on location. They translate creative notes into lighting diagrams, manage the team of electricians, plan power, and keep the whole unit safe and efficient. ScreenSkills describes the Gaffer as the person who plans the lighting for each location, runs the lighting crew, and carries responsibility for electrical safety as well as the health and safety of the department. 

At Crew Studio we work with a range of experienced UK Gaffers, best boys and sparks for film, television and commercials, and can package lighting, grip and power to suit your scale.

Skills that make a great Gaffer

1. Lighting craft and taste. From soft wrap to hard contrast, a Gaffer understands how to shape light so the DoP’s intent survives real world constraints. 
2. Electrical competence. UK productions expect temporary power to comply with BS 7671 and the dedicated entertainment code of practice BS 7909. A strong Gaffer knows how those standards affect distribution, earthing and protection on a shoot. 
3. Leadership and clear communication. Lighting crews are large, fast moving and often working under pressure, so planning, delegation and calm notes matter. 
4. Problem solving. Weather shifts, locations change, kit fails. The Gaffer adapts without compromising safety or image quality.

What a Gaffer actually does

During pre production

• Script and scene breakdown with the DoP, followed by lighting concepts and practical plans for each setup.
• Recces to assess daylight, access, rigging points, power and control. This is where temporary power choices and cable runs are agreed.
• Power planning that follows BS 7671 and BS 7909. This includes load schedules, suitable earthing arrangements, RCD protection and documentation for temporary systems.
• Equipment and crew lists. The Gaffer proposes fixtures, control, distro, generators where needed, and the staffing plan for shooting and rig days. 

On set

• Leads the lighting crew to rig, power and control the fixtures, then finesses levels and quality with the DoP.
• Manages electrical safety in daily practice, for example correct earthing, RCD use, tidy cable runs and safe working at height, in line with UK guidance for temporary systems.
• Maintains pace. The Gaffer balances speed with consistency so coverage matches across the day. 

After wrap

• Ensures safe de-rig and correct returns.
• Shares lighting notes and any amendments to help continuity and grade. ScreenSkills encourages good documentation as part of the Gaffer’s leadership role. 

Niche know-how that separates a good Gaffer from a great one

Temporary power that actually complies

UK shoots often rely on temporary electrical systems. BS 7671 is the Wiring Regulations and sets core safety requirements, while BS 7909 applies specifically to entertainment and similar events. Together they guide earthing choices, protection, inspection and paperwork. Local authority filming guidance frequently expects BS 7909 compliance for significant temporary power. A Gaffer who understands both standards reduces risk and keeps insurers and councils comfortable.

Practical example. Generator supplied systems should follow BS 7671 Section 551 and use suitable earthing and protective devices. On some sites a TT arrangement with dedicated earth electrodes is appropriate where a TN supply is unavailable. Choices are driven by the supply, structure and environment. 

Colour quality you can defend in the grade

CRI alone does not tell the full story. Broadcasters and many camera teams use TLCI, the EBU’s method that simulates a camera pipeline to score a light for television work. More recently, the Academy’s SSI compares a test light’s spectrum to a chosen reference, which helps when matching LED to tungsten or daylight with fewer surprises. A Gaffer who reads TLCI and SSI alongside creative intent tends to deliver cleaner skin tones and better intercutting. 

Flicker control for slow motion

Many LEDs dim with pulse width modulation. Cameras can see that pulsing even when the eye does not, which shows up as banding or flicker at certain frame rates and shutter angles. Good practice is to check the fixture’s driver behaviour and test at intended frame rates. Manufacturers and engineering bodies note that driver design and PWM frequency are the key variables. A cautious Gaffer confirms settings on the day rather than trusting spec sheets.

Studio shows are different

In unscripted television, the Lighting Director sets the look. The Gaffer works with that plan, supervises the team of electricians and integrates cameras, generators and rigging in multi camera environments. The role flexes with format, which is useful to know when you are hiring. 

How much a Gaffer costs in the UK

Rates depend on sector, scale, hours and responsibility. There is no single fixed fee, so productions usually reference union guidance and commercial terms, then negotiate.

• BECTU publishes ratecards and guidance that cover feature film, television drama, and factual or outside broadcast. These set expectations and provide a basis for negotiation.
• In advertising, the APA Recommended Crew Terms and Rate Card set out the continuous working day model, overtime rules and scheduled increases agreed with BECTU. Many commercials use these terms when budgeting crews, including lighting.

In practice you will agree a day or week for the Gaffer, then separate rates for best boy and sparks, and separate costs for lighting and distro packages. Clarify prep, rig and de-rig days, generator hire, fuel, overtime triggers and travel. Put everything in a clear deal memo at the start and you will avoid surprises later.

Getting started as a Gaffer in the UK

1. Build time in lighting teams. Most Gaffers begin as sparks, then become best boy before taking the lead. ScreenSkills outlines this path across scripted and unscripted profiles.
2. Learn the standards. A working knowledge of BS 7671 and BS 7909 protects crews and productions. Training that applies 7909 to temporary systems is widely available through industry bodies.
3. Test, document and share. Keep lighting plots, load schedules and photos. It speeds up reshoots and helps colourists. 
4. Stay curious about LEDs. Read TLCI and SSI, test for flicker at the frame rates you plan to shoot, and keep notes on driver behaviour across brands.
5. Network with the camera and art teams. The best results come when lighting, design and photography are in lockstep from the recce onward.

Final thoughts

A skilled Gaffer is both creative and meticulous. They protect image quality, keep people safe and help the schedule move. If you are planning a shoot in the UK and want lighting that is beautiful and compliant, Crew Studio can help you hire a Gaffer, best boy and sparks, and can package lighting, grip and power for your production.