What does a best boy electric do?

They are the gaffer's second — running the electrical crew, managing the lighting truck and inventory, handling orders and returns, coordinating power distribution, and overseeing electrical safety.

Why is it called best boy?

A historical term for the second in a department, used in both electric and grip. It is a job title rather than a description, and applies regardless of the holder's gender.

Does the gaffer choose the best boy?

Almost always, and they should. The pairing works on shorthand built across projects, and imposing one on the other costs speed every day of the shoot.

All Roles

Lighting

Best Boy Electric

The gaffer's second. Runs the electrical crew, the truck, and the paperwork behind the lighting.

The Best Boy Electric Role

The Best Boy Electric is the gaffer's second in command and the practical manager of the electrical department. They run the crew, manage the lighting truck and inventory, handle orders and returns, coordinate power distribution and generators, and keep the department's paperwork straight. While the gaffer works with the DP on how a scene is lit, the best boy makes sure the equipment, people and power are where they need to be for that to be possible.

Key Responsibilities

Manage the electrical crew day to day
Maintain lighting inventory, orders and returns
Coordinate power distribution, generators and cabling
Oversee electrical safety on set
Run the lighting truck and equipment logistics
Deputise for the gaffer when required

When to Hire a Best Boy Electric

Whenever you have a gaffer and a lighting package larger than a couple of units. The best boy is what lets the gaffer stay with the DP designing light rather than chasing cables and orders. On small packages the gaffer runs the department alone.

What to Look For

Organisation — inventory and truck management is the core of it
Genuine electrical safety competence including distribution and generators
Experience with packages the size of yours
Ability to run a crew without the gaffer supervising
Usually chosen by the gaffer, and that is the right way round

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