Gaffer and Lighting Director Business Cards for Film and Television Production

Gaffers — chief lighting technicians — are the heads of the electrical department on film and television productions, responsible for designing and executing the lighting plan conceived by the director of photography. Lighting directors in live television and events perform a similar role. Your business card is a workhorse in a referral-driven, relationship-based industry where your reputation and network are everything.

What Gaffer and Production Lighting Cards Must Include

Your Role

• Gaffer (Chief Lighting Technician) — head of the electrical department on film/TV
• Best Boy Electric — the gaffer's first assistant and department coordinator
• Dimmer Board Operator
• Electric (Day Player) — crew-for-hire electrician
• Lighting Director (LD) — live broadcast, multicam TV, concerts
• Gaffer / LD / Director of Photography (DP) — if you wear multiple hats

Your Union Membership

In professional production, union membership is a major credential:

• IATSE (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees) — the primary union for below-the-line crew
• Local 52 (NY) or Local 728 (LA) — set lighting technicians locals
• "IATSE Local [XXX] member"
• "SAG-AFTRA signatory" (for producers)

Your Production Experience

• Narrative feature / short
• Episodic TV (network, cable, streaming)
• Commercial / advertising
• Music video
• Documentary
• Reality TV
• Corporate video
• Live broadcast / sports
• Concert and touring lighting

Your Equipment Package

Many gaffers and DPs maintain personal equipment:

• "Personal lighting package available"
• LED fixtures: Arri SkyPanel, Aputure, Quasar Science
• HMI ballasts: 6K, 12K, 18K
• Grip equipment
• "Generator available"
• "Full-service truck available"

Your Technical Capabilities

• Prep and wrap
• Practical wiring and set electric
• DMX and lighting control
• LED and IP-rated exterior lighting
• Pre-rig and dimmer distro
• Location and stage

Design for Film Crew

Industry-Professional, Cinematic

Gaffer card design:

• Film industry aesthetic
• Cinematic and moody (or clean and professional, depending on your brand)
• Photo of your work on the back

Color palette:

• Black + white: cinematic, film noir
• Dark charcoal + yellow/amber: warm light, film industry
• Navy + white: professional production

Back of Card

1. "Gaffer | IATSE Local [XXX] | [City, Market]"
2. "Narrative | Episodic | Commercial | Documentary | Music video"
3. "LED: Arri SkyPanel | Aputure | HMI up to 18K | Personal package"
4. "[Production company credits or 'Credits upon request']"
5. "[Email] | [Phone/text] | IMDb: [link or QR]"

Checklist

• [ ] Role (gaffer, best boy, LD)
• [ ] IATSE union local
• [ ] Production types (narrative, episodic, commercial)
• [ ] Equipment package
• [ ] City/market (LA, NY, Chicago, etc.)
• [ ] IMDb profile link / QR
• [ ] Showreel QR
• [ ] Credits or "credits upon request"
• [ ] Cinematic-appropriate card design