As an Independent Filmmaker, (a.k.a. the Producer of a/your Project), you will be auditioning independent Gaffers for your Project. As an independent the Gaffer is not an employee, nor partner, nor agent of the Producer and/or of the Production Company.
A Gaffer in the film industry is the head of the electrical department, responsible for the lighting plan for a production. This may include designing the lighting for a Project. Many Gaffers are expected to own a truck complete with most basic lighting equipment and then rent extra lighting equipment as needed. The Gaffer is under the auspices of the Director of Photography. The Director of Photography is responsible for the overall lighting design, but she/he may give the decision making to the Gaffer on these matters.
The Key Grip is in charge of some of the equipment related to the lighting and works with the Gaffer. The Gaffer will usually have an assistant called a Best Boy and, depending on the size of the job, crew members who are called “Electricians”, although not all of them are trained as electricians in the usual sense of the term. Experienced Gaffers can coordinate the entire job of lighting, managing resources as broad as electrical generators, lights, cable, and manpower. Gaffers are responsible for knowing the appropriate color of gel (plastic sheeting) to put on the lights or windows to achieve a variety of effects.
Signing this contract the independent Gaffer is assigning any and all Rights to their performance over to the Producer.
This Agreement between the independent Gaffer and the Producer is drafted in plain English that is easy to read and comprehend. This is a four page, thirteen clause legal Agreement. The Agreement may be filled in on your computer or printed out and filled in later.
Boiler–plate clauses, amongst others in the Agreement, include: confidentiality, dismissal for drug/alcohol/illegal photographs/nuisance etc., engagement dates, termination notice. Your Lawyer will draft any and all other clauses for your Project’s unique situations and circumstances.
We regularly receive feedback that we have successfully drafted our filmmaker contracts to be as complete as possible for all legal situations. However, should you experience a unique personal situation requiring the drafting of a special clause, please contact us at your convenience. Otherwise, you may be obliged to find a local entertainment lawyer experienced in the film making industry who will draft any and all other clauses for your Project’s unique situation or circumstance.
This Agreement is part of the Director’s Deal, and the Producer’s Deal.
$99.00
Gaffer Name: ____________________________________________
(Print Names)
Producer(s) Name: _______________________________________________
Producer Company: ______________________________________________
Project Name: __________________________________________________
Project Genre: _________________________________________________
(film, music video, stage production, game show, etc)
Herein this Agreement the Independent Filmmaker is called the “Producer”.
1. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the above named and below signed Producer hereby engages the above named and below signed Gaffer as an “Independent Gaffer” to perform the services set forth herein, and the Gaffer hereby accepts such engagement.
2. The Gaffer shall work in coordination with the Director and the Director of Photography to create the lighting design for the Project.
3. If the Gaffer is providing her/his own Lighting Equipment note the assets on Appendix “A”. The Gaffer hereby warrants that her/his equipment is adequate for the Project, and that the Gaffer’s Equipment listed in Appendix “A” is of durable and suitable quality for the Project.
4. The Gaffer shall not sign any contracts for or on behalf of the Producer nor the Director nor the Project in any way nor manner whatsoever.
5. The Gaffer will commence duties on ______________, 20__ and continue until _____________, 20___. Consumption of Drugs or Alcohol before or during the Gaffer’s time on the Project and or creating a nuisance that interrupts the Project in any manner whatsoever will command immediate dismissal from . . . (continued)
