Over the last 10 years, increased sophistication in commercial lighting setups has led to a substantial increase in prep time required for Gaffers.

It is important that Productions recognise this fact.

There is often little or no allocation for Gaffers prep time, especially on studio shoots where there is no recce,

Sometimes the organisation of a shoot is very simple, but more often than not it is a lengthy process.

From reading treatments, to calls with DPs, making lists and plans, organising electrical crew and riggers, liasing with other departments and finalising kit, this process can span multiple days. 

If you feel that at any point during the prep process you need to put in more than an hour's prep for a shoot, call your Production Manager immediately to discuss your prep time.

Once the shoot has started it is too late to discuss prep time. 

Many Gaffers have had great success in getting paid for this prep time, be it in the form of 8hr Prep Days, or a pro-rata hourly rate.

The Lighting Desk Operator role is defined in The APA Agreement:

"An electrician who is operating and programming a lighting desk requiring lighting cues during a take, effects, moving lights, multi-channel LEDs or time coded synchronisation and triggering.

 Such rate and grade is only applicable when the position is deemed necessary and agreed in advance between the Gaffer and Production Manager " 

Visit the Desk Op Page for further information.

NIGHT WORK

“All work commencing between 5 p.m and 5 a.m is considered as night work and pays double time for all hours worked with a minimum call of ten hours.” 

We have received numerous calls from our Members reporting that they were asked to work several hours of pre-call to facilitate night work and further hours after shooting has wrapped.

Lengthy pre-calls on night shoots are strongly discouraged by The Branch.

The Gaffer must make it clear with production that pre-calls entirely at the discretion of the Lighting Crew and are charged at double time.

The onus is upon the Gaffer to avoid pre-calls altogether by engaging a separate rigging crew working day hours.

These rates apply to Channel 4 Creative/Ch4 Promotions jobs  Monday to Friday.

In order to be considered, the client must be registered as a charity with the HMRC:

HMRC Charity Register Search

Remember, these are the recommended minimum rates and can only be applied with the express permission of the Gaffer and the Lighting Technicians.

Term & Conditions as per The APA Agreement should be agreed in advance with the production.

The APA have recommended APA rates and terms for all Music Promos produced by APA member companies.