Gaffer for Sci-Fi Pilot (San Francisco)

BlockReel; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 55,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Crew meals

Craft services

Production insurance

Small team

Job summary

BlockReel seeks a Gaffer for a 1-2 day indie sci-fi pilot in San Francisco. Pay is $150–$300 per day depending on experience and gear contribution. The project is a proof-of-concept exploring AI and consciousness in a near-future cyberpunk setting.

You will collaborate with the DP on lighting, manage electrical gear, and ensure set safety, while bringing a grungier, practical lighting aesthetic to character-driven suspense. Basic lighting gear may be provided or supplemented by you.

Qualifications

• Experience not required, reel preferred but not required.
• Must be able to provide basic lighting gear if possible.
• Open to passionate individuals seeking experience.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the DP on lighting setups.
• Manage all electrical equipment on set.
• Ensure safety on set during shoots.

Skills

Lighting operation

Electrical safety

Collaboration with DP

Tools

Lighting gear knowledge

Job description

Seeking a Gaffer for a 1-2 day shoot, paid $150-300/day depending on experience and gear contribution, for an independent sci-fi pilot. This project is a proof-of-concept for a larger series, exploring themes of artificial intelligence and consciousness in a near-future, cyberpunk San Francisco. We're aiming for a grungier, practical lighting aesthetic, focusing on character-driven suspense. Your key responsibilities will include collaborating with the DP on lighting setups, managing all electrical equipment, and ensuring safety on set. We're looking for someone who can work resourcefully and creatively within a modest budget. You should be able to provide basic lighting gear (stands, flags, diffusers, a small HMI or LED package if possible), though we can supplement. Experience level is open; we're happy to consider passionate individuals looking to gain experience, but a reel or examples of previous work are a plus. The shoot is currently penciled in for early November 2026 in various San Francisco locations. Crew meals, craft services, and basic production insurance will be provided. We're a small, dedicated team excited to bring this vision to life.

Budget Range

$150-300/day