Best Boy Job Description
What is a Best Boy Professional?
A best boy is a head electrician on a film set who works under the gaffer. They are responsible for managing and coordinating all of the other electricians on set, as well as ensuring that all electrical equipment is properly maintained and functioning correctly. A best boy must have excellent communication and organizational skills in order to be successful in their role. Some of the duties of a best boy include: - Managing and scheduling all of the other electricians on set
What does a Best Boy Expert do?
Making sure that all electrical equipment is properly working and safe to use - Coordinating with other departments (such as grip or art) to make sure that power needs are met - Keeping track of inventory for all electrical supplies - worked with 1st assistant director maintaining call times & work hours for department crew members
What are the Skills of a Best Boy?
Working as a best boy is one of the most important jobs on a film set. The position requires a great deal of experience and skill in order to be successful. A best boy is responsible for managing the grip and electric department, which are two of the most essential departments on any production. Without a strong leader in these positions, it would be very difficult to get anything done efficiently or effectively. A good best boy should have extensive knowledge about lighting, electrical work, and grip work. They should know how to troubleshoot problems quickly and efficiently so that they do not cause delays in production.
What makes an Expert Best Boy?
Additionally, a best boy needs to be able to handle large crews with ease, delegating tasks and keeping everyone on track. There will often be times when things go wrong- it is the job of the best boy to make sure that these problems are solved without delaying production any further. Finally, communication skills are key for this position; a good best boy needs to be able listen carefully and communicate clearly with both their crew and other members of the Production team in order bring projects to completion successfully
What level of Experience & Qualifications are required to be a Best Boy?
Industry Experience: • Minimum 3-5 years of experience in video/film-making and knowledge of post-production workflows • Proficient in set lighting, camera operations, storing recorded footage, setting up levels & troubleshooting equipment. • Experience with a variety of cameras from DSLR to Red Epic and digital cinema tools. • Familiarity with the latest industry trends such as 4k recording & green screen technology. Training: • Training or certification courses on operating advanced film production equipment like motion control rigs and other specialized gear. • Specialized training in color grading, audio mastering etc that might be available through professional studios is also preferred. Qualifications: • A diploma/degree from an accredited film school or college program related to television & digital media production • Knowledgeable about safety policies for working on set as well as various local labor laws governing the industry .Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college program related to television and/or digital media production ** Strong understanding of basic electrical theory and principles ** Ability to read diagrams showing camera setups; Detail oriented; ** Good communication skills
What is the Salary of a Best Boy?
The salary expectations for a best boy vary greatly depending on the individuals experience, skill level and production budget. For junior or first-time best boys, salaries typically range from $90 to $170 per day (or even less if this is an unpaid internship). For more experienced best boys working on larger productions, salaries can range from around $350 to upwards of $600 per day. Salaries of senior or department head best boys can jump significantly higher; these experienced professionals can earn around $800 to over $1,200 per day depending on the size of the production and their experience/skill-set. Some seasoned professionals acting as department heads within very large Hollywood productions have earned daily rates well into the thousands.
What are the Working Conditions for a Best Boy?
The Best Boy is the assistant of the Gaffer, who typically reports directly to them. The Best Boy is responsible for overseeing all electrical and grip requirements on a film set. The individual ensures that all designations are in place and up-to-date for each electric rigging setup or lighting setup as requested by the director or gaffer. Best Boys should have strong problem solving skills to aid in conflict resolution within a team environment and when working without direct supervision. They are also expected to manage efficient timesheets, prepare paperwork related to electricians’ workday, order supplies ahead of schedule, assign tasks in coordination with production staff requests and verify safety protocols are observed at all times while on set. Other responsibilities may include compiling Director/DP needs lists annually in advance to budgeting process & assigning tasks/manpower allocations weekly/daily production needs & location scouting lights mapping etc., while reporting overall progressions daily at shift end disruptions interface potentials with Production Design stakeholders maintain general maintenance logs of equipment missing parts broken fixtures amongst other inventory assignments When it comes to working hours, the standard day starts early . This means getting up before sunrise - often between 4:30am - 5:00am unless otherwise specified by best boys guild rules or regional laws concurrent with jurisdiction overtime provisions — that could change start time for specific scenes (nights /days exterior shoots). Most shooting takes place during daylight hours but late nights or weekends can be expected as well depending upon availability of cast crew resources payroll constraints etc.. Overtime pay will be expected where applicable; otherwise normal hourly rates must still apply whether studio arrives short handed last minute jobs additions (scope creep situations) require extra personnel involvements beyond whats been officially scheduled beforehand collectively agreed upon chain mail facilitation loops precedent managing several thousand watts worth aggregate electricity consumption – through systematically meters measured recordings organised paper trail tracking usage purposes summary exportable fiscal unit based multivariate ledgers among staff hired contractors risk determination coverage concerns before applying HSE approved Health Safety regulations evaluating
What are the roles and responsibilities of a Best Boy?
responsible for managing and coordinating the electrical department on set
in charge of hiring and supervising the grip crew
manages all aspects of lighting for a production
keeps track of Expendables and makes sure they are available when needed
monitors radio frequencies used by cast and crew during filming
liaises between different departments to ensure efficient operation during filmmaking process
.maintains orderliness amongst cast & crew while on set
respectively communicates with director/assistant director about changes that may occur pertaining to their department
oversees roll outs
marks off specific areas where camera will be rolling
works closely with gaffer
calls "rolling" once everything is ready
ensures safety measures are being adhered
checks out locations ahead of time
assists 1st AD
helps maintain continuity
acts as witness for any potential liability
fills out paperwork related to equipment rentals
is knowledgeable about union rules
maintains Call times
Where can I find Best Boy jobs?
- Create a profile on gigexchange and promote your Best Boy skills to advertise you are Open to New Work Opportunities
- Ensure your Resume (or CV), or online work profile is up to date and represents your skills and experience. Ensure your reputation reflects your ability & attitude.
- Apply for Best Boy Jobs advertised on gigexchange.
- Practise Best Boy interview techniques to ensure you represent your personality and ability succinctly and confidently.
- Accept the job offer if the salary meets your expectations and the employer mission and purpose reflects your core values.
Jobs
What are the best job boards for Best Boy Grip jobs?
How can I hire Best Boy staff online for my business?
The best job board for recruiting Best Boy experts is gigexchange.com. Advertise full-time, part-time or contract jobs to find, hire & recruit trusted, experienced and talented Best Boy candidates near you.
Are Best Boy roles in demand in 2024?
Best Boy experts are still in high demand in 2024. If you are an experienced Best Boy or looking to train and become one. The job market is looking strong for Best Boy jobs near me.