gaffer
The chief electrician on a motion-picture or television set, responsible for the execution of the lighting plan.
Refers specifically to the head of the electrical department, working directly under the Director of Photography to shape the light.
Word relationships
- chief electrician: A more generic term that lacks the specific cinematic heritage and industry-standard status of 'gaffer'.
Commonly confused with
- grip: A grip handles camera support and non-electrical light modifiers, while a gaffer handles the actual lighting instruments and electrical power.
Word family
- gaffing (verb): The act of setting up and managing the lighting on a film set.
Collocations
- chief gaffer
- gaffer's tape
- gaffer and spark
Example sentences
- "The director of photography worked closely with the gaffer to design the moody, high-contrast lighting for the alleyway scene." A description of the collaborative process on a professional film set.
Memory hook
Think of a 'gaffer' as the 'grandfather' of the lights on set, making sure everyone is illuminated properly. Gaffer: The Godfather of Lights.
When not to use
Do not use to refer to a general electrician or someone who merely plugs in lights; the gaffer is a senior creative and technical leader.
Fun facts
- The heavy-duty adhesive tape used on film sets is called 'gaffer tape' because it was originally used by gaffers to secure lighting cables.
Explore more words
cinematography, director, electric, bouncer, storyboard, journeyman
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