We recently discussed how difficult it is to find a good gaffer (and yet we put so much emphasis on finding a DP). But I'm curious what qualifications you look for when hiring one - a reel? One that comes with a G&E package? Recommendations from the camera department?
Does anyone dig any deeper? Like an overhead to see setups? Do you look for f-stops and ISO details in a reel? Maybe a lookbook to execution comparison?
Looking forward to hearing about your process!
1 person likes this
REFERENCES! I ask for 3, then I call the 3 references. I want to know about "on the longest worst set day, when the food was late and the weather was bad, what was it like to work with this person"? ... My opinion: resumes and reels can be fixed and edited though personal testimony straight from the person can not! This is a key role!
That is an incredibly good point, Michael LaVoie. It does reduce the fee upfront, but it does make you feel like you have to negotiate with the mob after that. I wonder, then, how it looks to hire one that has a G&E package available and then tell them, "Sorry, I'm just going to pay for you so you don't take advantage of me". Maybe you do that on the first film, but after that, I'd think you should extend them a certain amount of trust.
Well it's really interesting because on our projects we've never actually had a dedicated gaffer before. Usually Leya and I would figure out lighting and setup and then have someone setup the lights or even we'd do it ourselves.