Cinematography for Pilot

BlockReel; New York (NY); On-site; USD 28,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Meals on set

Local transportation

Job summary

BlockReel seeks a Senior Gaffer to lead the lighting department for an independent pilot production in New York. You will work closely with the DP to design and execute the lighting plan, lead a small electric crew, and ensure safe, efficient lighting on a 10–12 hour workday schedule.

The project runs approximately 10-12 days in late November 2026, with prep beginning 1–2 weeks prior. Compensation ranges from $150–$300 per day, with meals and local transportation provided.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of professional gaffing experience on narrative projects such as pilots or features.
• Own your basic gaff kit (meters, gels, smaller tools) though major lighting packages are provided.
• Submit a reel or portfolio showcasing your best work.

Responsibilities

• Lead the lighting department and collaborate with the DP to design and execute the lighting plan.
• Direct and mentor a small electric team on set.
• Ensure safe, efficient setup of lighting equipment and troubleshoot issues as they arise.
• Shape the visual mood of each scene through lighting choices.

Skills

Gaffing experience

Lighting design

Problem solving

Team leadership

Eye for composition

Tools

LED lighting

HMI lighting

Tungsten lighting

Gaff kit ownership

Job description

We need a Senior Gaffer to lead our lighting department from day one for an independent pilot production. This project is a gritty, character-driven drama with elements of psychological thriller, exploring themes of urban isolation and redemption. We're aiming for a dark, atmospheric tone, drawing inspiration from classic neo-noir. This is a fantastic opportunity to bring a unique visual style to a compelling story and make a significant impact on its overall aesthetic. Your key responsibilities will include working closely with our DP to design and execute the lighting plan, leading a small electric team, ensuring all lighting equipment is set up safely and efficiently, and troubleshooting any issues that arise. You'll be instrumental in shaping the visual mood of each scene. We're looking for someone with at least 5 years of professional gaffing experience on narrative projects, ideally pilots or features. You should have a strong understanding of various lighting techniques, an excellent eye for composition, and a knack for problem-solving under pressure. Experience with a range of lighting fixtures, including LED, HMI, and tungsten, is essential. We expect you to bring your own basic gaff kit (meters, gels, smaller tools), but major lighting packages will be provided by the production. Please submit a reel or portfolio showcasing your best work. Shoot dates are approximately 10-12 days, spread across the second half of November 2026. Prep will begin roughly 1-2 weeks before, with a few days of scouting and planning. This will be a standard 10-12 hour workday. We are filming exclusively in New York, NY. Compensation is $150-300 per day, depending on experience. Meals and local transportation will be provided on set.

Budget Range

$150-300/day