I'm currently Gaffer in Conversation No. 27 for the Full Sail Production. Although we started the pre-pro late as the course director made the positions annoucement late, we are making a lot of progress in making the film.

Erik, our DP for the film, asked me today, "how sure are you about doing the Gaffer work?" I answered half-and-half. I know what the job entails and all that, but to be fair, I have no clue what I should be doing NOW, as in pre-pro. I know the shots, but how are we shooting those shots with what lights? I got the lighting equipment checkout list from the lighting cage crew, but what do I need? What does the director/DP/whoever want?

Therefore, I'm taking by the flow, as per norm. At least I know that I have to buy expendables, especially a roll of black wraps, for our production. I'm looking over the equipment list to see what are available. I know I have to make TWO equipment packages that to be rolled out for the set and the location shooting. I'm re-reading the lighting course manual, and Set Lighting Technician's Handbook, otherwise known as Box book because the author is Harry C. Box. The pieces are falling together one by one. The trick is to manage them as they come, and not to be overwhelmed by it. That's how I am as a Gaffer, today.