Lighting for Short Film

Our independent production is seeking a senior-level Gaffer to round out our crew for an upcoming short film. This project is a darkly comedic thriller, exploring themes of paranoia and perception within a small, isolated community. It's an ambitious story with a strong visual style, relying heavily on dynamic and atmospheric lighting to enhance the narrative's tension and psychological depth. We’re aiming for a polished, festival-ready piece. As our Gaffer, you will be responsible for leading the lighting department, translating the DP's vision into practical lighting setups, and ensuring all lighting is executed safely and efficiently. Key responsibilities include overseeing light placement, power distribution, rigging, and managing the lighting equipment and any grips on set. We need someone who can work resourcefully and creatively to achieve cinematic results on an independent budget. Candidates must have significant experience as a Gaffer on narrative sets and possess their own basic lighting kit suitable for a short film (e.g., a small set of LEDs, diffusion, stands, Stingers, practicals). A strong reel showcasing your work is essential. We anticipate a 2-day shoot, aiming for late October or early November 2026, with 1-2 days of prep prior. Location is Austin, TX. This is a volunteer position, but we will provide meals on set and a copy of the final film for your reel. We’re a dedicated, passionate team looking for a fellow filmmaker to help bring this story to life.