Roles · role
Rigging Gaffer
Also known as Rigging Chief Lighting Technician, Rigging Electric Head.
A Rigging Gaffer leads the electric crew that installs power distribution, cable, dimming, practical circuits, and lighting infrastructure before the shooting unit arrives. They work from the Gaffer and Cinematographer’s plan, coordinate with rigging grip and construction, and leave safe, labeled systems ready for the set-lighting crew.
Advance rigging saves shooting time by moving complex infrastructure work outside the active setup schedule.
The Rigging Gaffer must plan both installation and strike, including access, loads, weather, inspections, labeling, energization, and handoff to the shooting crew.
Pre-production responsibilities
- Survey sets and locations and build labor, power, equipment, access, and strike plans.
Production responsibilities
- Install and hand off upcoming rigs while responding to changes from the shooting unit.
Post-production responsibilities
- De-energize, remove, inventory, and restore rigged systems.
Common questions
How is a Rigging Gaffer different from the Gaffer?
The Rigging Gaffer prepares infrastructure in advance; the shooting Gaffer leads lighting execution around the active camera setup.
What does a Rigging Gaffer do day to day?
Day to day, Rigging Gaffer work commonly includes Plan and supervise advance electrical and lighting infrastructure., Coordinate power sources, distribution, cable paths, dimming, and fixture positions., and Lead rigging electric labor, equipment, trucks, and daily assignments.. The exact balance changes with the production schedule, crew size, and the point at which the role joins the project.
What skills matter most for a Rigging Gaffer?
The most useful skills are Electrical distribution, Advance planning, Crew leadership, System labeling, and Rigging coordination. Together, they help the role make dependable decisions, communicate a clear handoff, and respond to notes or changing conditions.
Which tools and documents does a Rigging Gaffer use?
Common tools include Power distribution, cable, and test equipment, Rigging fixtures, dimmers, control, and practical circuits, Plans, labels, radios, lifts, and safety equipment, and Electrical carts, trucks, and inventory systems. The role also relies on Power plans, Rigging plots, Circuit schedules, and Equipment lists so decisions, approvals, continuity, and delivery requirements remain traceable.
How does someone build experience for a Rigging Gaffer?
Rigging Gaffers commonly advance through set-lighting and rigging electric roles with deep power, control, planning, and leadership experience.
How does a Rigging Gaffer vary by production?
The scope changes with format, budget, location, crew structure, and the production's technical method. The crew often works ahead of or behind shooting on unfinished sets, exterior locations, lifts, stages, and complex power systems.
Union and local practice notes
- Current agreements may use Rigging Chief Lighting Technician or related classifications. Jurisdiction and titles vary.
Sources
Educational reference only. Requirements vary by jurisdiction, employer, venue, and production context.