Question 1

What is the single biggest suggestion you would give to someone wanting to get into this career?

Ryan Perdew · Accepted Answer

“People always undervalue the power of being outgoing and teachable. If someone puts themselves in the right place and is willing to say hello then it will infinitely increase their chances of landing a job. If people are looking for work, they will get hired first and build their network further.
“Those who keep to themselves, have weird attitudes, complain a lot or criticize others just won’t get hired as often. This is a game where it isn’t just the work that matters but how it’s done in conjunction with others.”

Question 2

What’s the #1 mistake people make when trying to get into this career?

Ryan Perdew · Accepted Answer

“One of the biggest issues is overconfidence. People show up thinking they have a grasp on everything, puffing up their chest. That ego rubs people the wrong way. Nobody likes a know-it-all.
“A lot of times a boss will say to redo work a specific way. Even though it may not be as good in the Electric’s way of thinking it’s important to just put in the extra effort and not give them flack. At the end of the day, the boss is the client because they will be rehiring the Electricians on the next job. Trying to show off won’t help anything but instead will put an Electric out of work.”

Question 3

What is the question people should ask about this career but rarely do?

Ryan Perdew · Accepted Answer

“How can people get ahead as an Electric?
“The best way to improve one’s skills and get ahead in the field as an Electric is to discover why something is being done in a specific way. A lot of people just do a task and move on instead of figuring out the method behind it. They act like mules and just do it a thousand times over, never really understanding the reasoning.
“However, if someone takes initiative and figures out ‘why’ in a genuine, learning way, their boss will be inclined to give them more responsibility in the future. They will be trusted to take care of tasks without as much micromanagement, thus taking more workload off their boss. This is a great way to get rehired and gain more experience.”

Question 4

What is one thing I should have asked which I didn’t?

Ryan Perdew · Accepted Answer

“How does someone join the Electricians Union?
“Union requirements vary from location to location. In Atlanta, it is just a dollar amount to join, while in Los Angeles it requires references and a certain number of hours working on a union set. That can be a catch twenty-two. The only way to break in is by being on a project that flips from being non-union to union or to get a direct-hire from a union Gaffer or Best Boy.
“Most times, direct hires come from someone working with a union crew member in a place like Atlanta and then hiring them to work on a Los Angeles job. It’s still a reference system based on personal contacts. The best thing to do is to contact the local union and find out what their requirements are and plan accordingly.
“Becoming union guarantees a certain dollar amount for labor worked that varies based on the budget of the film. They also guarantee wages are paid on time and overtime is respected.”

Question 5

If you could describe in one word what makes you successful, what would it be?

Ryan Perdew · Accepted Answer

“Likable. To get by in this business you’ve got to be likable, on time, and good at your job. Or at least two out of three of those things.”

Question 6

What does a Film Electrician do?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

A Film Electrician works on a film set and is generally part of a team that coordinates the setup of the lights needed to shoot a movie.

Question 7

What is an Electrician on a film set called?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

The person who leads the team of Film Electricians is called the Gaffer. Everyone who works under this individual is generally referred to as a Film Electrician.

Question 8

How do you become a Film Set Electrician?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

Film Set Electricians very commonly start off in apprenticeships or Production Assistant positions for a film. As they gain experience and expertise in the field, they can rise through the ranks, join the union, and become vital members of the electrical team. Because Film Set Electricians must have comprehensive knowledge of both the science and safety of electricity, many of them will go to a technical school to learn these skillsets.

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