Gaffer (Senior) for NYC Short Film

BlockReel; New York (NY); On-site; USD 277,000 - 461,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Craft services

Meals provided

Transportation stipend

Job summary

BlockReel seeks a Senior Gaffer to lead the lighting department on an upcoming independent short film.

You will collaborate with the DP to design the lighting plan for a moody, naturalistic aesthetic in a compact 3–4 day shoot in late October 2026.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years gaffing narrative shorts or features.
• Strong creative eye and excellent problem-solving skills.
• Ability to access/assemble a basic lighting package for small-scale productions.

Responsibilities

• Design the lighting plan in collaboration with the DP.
• Manage the lighting crew and ensure safe, efficient setups.
• Oversee all lighting equipment and rentals as needed.

Skills

5+ years gaffing narrative shorts or f

Lighting design

Problem-solving

Tools

Basic lighting package

Job description

We're looking for a Senior Gaffer to lead our lighting department for an upcoming independent short film. This is a character-driven drama with suspenseful elements, set entirely in one dimly lit apartment. We aim for a moody, naturalistic, and visually rich aesthetic that enhances the psychological tension. Your expertise will be crucial in crafting the film's intimate and foreboding atmosphere, using light to tell as much of the story as the actors do. Key responsibilities include designing the lighting plan in collaboration with the DP, managing the lighting crew, ensuring safe and efficient setups, and overseeing all lighting equipment. We need someone with significant experience (5+ years) gaffing narrative shorts or features, a strong creative eye, and excellent problem-solving skills. You should ideally have access to a basic lighting package suitable for a small-scale production, though we will provide specialized rentals as needed. Please provide a reel or portfolio showcasing your narrative work. This is a partnership opportunity for a skilled Gaffer looking to contribute meaningfully to an artistically ambitious project. The shoot is anticipated to be a compact 3-4 day schedule, taking place sometime in the last week of October 2026. We will provide craft services, some meals, and transportation stipends. We're excited to collaborate with a passionate lighting professional.

Budget Range