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Best Boy (Lighting)

Gaffer’s second-in-command on UK units: runs sparks day-to-day, power planning, kit logistics and crew allocation so the Gaffer can stay with the DoP.

Duties

• Read the call sheet and sides before arriving
• Maintain radio/set etiquette and H&S
• Hand over notes/kit status at wrap
• Allocate sparks and tasks
• Plan power and cable runs
• Liaise with grips and locations
• Maintain inventory

Reports to

Gaffer

Works with

All lighting grades, Generator Operator, Key Grip / Best Boy Grip, Locations, Production

Career path

Spark → Chargehand → Best Boy → Gaffer

Day to day

Plan power and labour with the Gaffer; allocate Chargehands/sparks; chase generators and distro; walk cable routes with Locations/Grips; keep kit moving between sets; solve failures; close out hire returns.

Call times

Lighting/pre-light call is often earlier than general unit; shoot sparks usually match unit call (commonly 07:00–08:00 on UK drama) and wrap after camera unless a lighting wrap is called. Night exteriors flip the day — always read the call sheet header.

What to wear

Matte blacks; steel toe-caps or production-approved boots; gloves for hot lamps; hard hat on rigs; hi-vis when Locations require; weather layers for UK exteriors; radio pouch.

Tools & kit

Same as spark plus radio, inventory lists, power calculators.

Tips

Confirm title, agreement, budget band, prep/wrap and kit fee on the deal memo before accepting. We never invent Bectu figures — check bectu.org.uk ratecards / your branch.

Software

• Excel / Google Sheets (free)
• Lightwright (paid)
• Movie Magic / Scenechronize for schedule awareness (production-side)
• Lightwright / Vectorworks / CAD plot PDFs
• Shared call sheets (StudioBinder / Yamdu / PDF)
• ShotDeck / PureRef for look refs
• DMX desk familiarity (ETC Eos, grandMA basics)
• ChatGPT / Claude for quick gel/CCT notes (verify on set)

Bectu rate cards for this role are in the app.

Related roles

Gaffer, Lighting Technician (Spark)

More Lighting roles