What is a Gaffer?
If you’ve ever stuck around to watch the credits roll after a movie, you might’ve seen the title “Gaffer” scroll past and wondered—what the heck is a gaffer, and why does it sound like a pirate nickname?
Well, surprise: the gaffer isn’t swinging from the rigging. They’re the person making sure your favorite actors aren’t standing in the dark.
The Short Answer
A gaffer is the head of the lighting department on a film or video production. They work closely with the Director of Photography (DP) to shape the mood, tone, and visibility of every shot using light. If the DP is the eye of the film, the gaffer is the hand holding the flashlight.
But there’s a lot more to it than flipping a switch.
Gaffer = Lighting Artist + Technical Mastermind
A gaffer is responsible for bringing the DP’s vision to life—translating storyboards, lighting diagrams, and location logistics into a real-world lighting setup that is cinematic, consistent, and visually stunning. That includes:
Designing lighting setups that match the emotional tone of the scene
Managing and operating all lighting equipment (like Aputure, Arri, HMIs, LED panels, etc.)
Solving on-set power distribution and safety concerns
Directing a team of electricians and lighting technicians (grips often work alongside, but under a different department)
Wait, Isn’t That the Grip’s Job?
Good question. Gaffers handle the light. Grips handle support and movement—things like rigging lights, dolly tracks, and stands. If a gaffer tells the grip, “We need that 1200d on a menace arm through diffusion,” the grip makes sure it gets up safely, and the gaffer makes sure it looks right.
Why the Weird Name?
“Gaffer” is a British term, originally used to mean “old man” or “boss.” In the early days of film, the person in charge of lighting would carry a long pole (a “gaff”) to adjust lights from the ground. The name stuck.
Now, it's a badge of honor in the film world.
So What Makes a Good Gaffer?
A great gaffer isn’t just someone who knows lights—they know how to shape emotion with lighting. They can walk into a bare location and instantly see where the practicals should go, what needs diffusion, where the shadows will fall, and how to balance natural and artificial sources.
They also need:
Fast problem-solving skills (because no setup ever goes exactly to plan)
Solid knowledge of power draw, color temperature, and gear
Strong communication and team management skills
A sixth sense for “making it work” on tight schedules
How much does a Gaffer make a day?
The rate for a Gaffer is highly variable and depends on a few critical factors:
Project Scope: Is it a local corporate shoot, a national commercial, or an indie feature film? Higher budgets mean higher rates.
Union vs. Non-Union: Union Gaffers (IATSE) have minimum required rates based on the project's budget tier. Non-union rates are often lower but still vary widely by experience.
Location: Major film hubs like Los Angeles or New York generally have higher rates than smaller markets.
The Day Rate (Labor Only)
On average, a Gaffer’s day rate for labor alone typically falls in the range of $300 to $900+.
For small independent projects or favors, the rate may start around $300.
For experienced non-union professionals working on mid- to high-level commercial or corporate projects, the rate often falls in the $650 to $850 range for a 10- or 12-hour day.
Union rates for major studio or high-budget commercial work can be significantly higher, often surpassing $900 per day before overtime.
The Gear Package Fee
Crucial Note: Gear Package Rental
The day rate above is labor only. A Gaffer will almost always be expected to provide a Lighting & Electric Package (sometimes called a G&E Package). This package fee covers all the lights, cables, stands, distribution boxes, modifiers, and expendables (like gels and tape).
Depending on the size of the shoot, this package can add anywhere from $300 to over $1,500 per day to the total cost. If the Gaffer brings a full grip truck, the gear cost will dwarf the labor cost.
Why You Want One on Your Set
Even a simple interview shoot can go from amateur to professional with the right lighting. And in narrative or commercial work, a skilled gaffer can make your project shine.
They know how to work fast, stay safe, and elevate the look of your footage so your editor isn’t stuck fighting bad exposures in post.
The gaffer is your lighting MVP. They bring the look to life, keep the shoot moving, and make sure your vision gets captured the right way.
At Melo Multimedia, we bring more than cameras—we bring a full crew of creatives, including a top-tier gaffer who knows how to light it right. Whether it’s a commercial, brand film, or testimonial shoot, we make sure your story looks as good as it sounds.
