Lighting is one of the most important parts of video production since it helps you to set the tone. Poor lighting can make a serious event appear lighter than it should be, or a humorous situation appear more serious than it should be. Directing viewers' eyes to specific items or persons encourages them to look in that direction, ensuring that crucial portions of the film are not overlooked.

Lighting can also be employed to bring colour and texture to surroundings and scenarios that are otherwise boring. People and items in a scenario can be made to appear innocent, evil, frightening, joyous, beautiful, or even ugly depending on how well the lighting is used.

The electrical department controls and operates the lights on the set of a film or television production. A person known as the "gaffer" heads up the electrical department.

What is a Gaffer and What Does He Do?

The gaffer is the head of the electrical department and the chief lighting specialist on a production. The gaffer's job is to lead a team of lighting professionals in carrying out a production's lighting strategy. In Hollywood, the term "gaffer" refers to an instrument called a "gaffe," which was a hooked metal pole used in theatres to adjust the stage lighting.

The best boy electric, who assists the gaffer in leading the lighting technicians, is his second-in-command.

What Do Gaffers Do?

During the pre-production and production phases of a film or television show, the gaffer's job description includes responsibilities.

1. Read the script and makes a mental note of any specific lighting requirements for the show.

2. To determine the director's, producers', and director of photography's vision for lighting meets with them.

3. Develops a strategy for putting that vision into action, including which lights and lighting equipment are best for the job, all while staying within the production's budget.

4. The lighting crew, which includes set lighting technicians, lamp operators, and the best boy, is assembled.

5. Gives the lighting plan to the best boy, who then supervises the lighting professionals as they set up the lights and electrical equipment. Lighting specialists employ specialized equipment, such as "gaffer tape," to attach electrical cords on set.

6. During filming, observe the lighting on the set of a movie or a television show and makes any necessary adjustments to ensure that the lighting is perfect.

What Is the Difference Between a Grip and a Gaffer?

During the filming of a motion picture, the gaffer collaborates with a large number of different crews and employees.

The grip crew is an example of such a group. The grip crew is in charge of all non-electrical equipment for the gaffer and camera operators, while the lighting technicians are in charge of setting up all electrical equipment. Rigging refers to any non-electrical apparatus that assists in the lifting or hoisting of other items. Camera rigs (for stabilizing camera movement and achieving precise camera angles) and lighting rigs are two of the grip department's specialities (to achieve specific lighting techniques and effects). The grip crew is led by a key grip, who, similar to the gaffer, manages all rigging needs on a movie set.

The grip crew also has a "best boy," also known as the "best boy grip," who is not to be confused with the gaffer's best boy, the best boy electric.

Lighting entails much more than merely directing light toward a topic. To generate the ideal lighting for a variety of circumstances and lighting settings, patience and experience are required. Understanding how to use directional lighting, three-point lighting, contrast, colours, and indoor and outdoor lighting correctly may assist ensure that your film looks precisely how you wanted it to. Because it was planned, the best lighting usually goes unnoticed, but if viewers notice bad lighting or contrast in a video, it may be all they can talk about. 

And how well you're able to achieve that comes down to the technical expertise of the gaffer.

Film District UK is an award-winning and creative film and video production company in the UK. The company started operations in Dubai and Mumbai in 2010. Film District UK is a Video Production Company that specializes in video production, film production, corporate video production, promotional video production, commercial and music video production, live event video streaming, live event video production, virtual event video production, social media video production, testimonial video production and animated explainer video production.