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DictionaryRoot: godfather
English

godfather

male baptismal sponsor

1 / 1
noun

gaffer

GAF-er/ˈɡæfər/

The person directing a team of workers.

The gaffer checks the light and directs a crew member.

On a film set, the chief lighting technician checks the light with a handheld meter and directs a crew member adjusting a large studio lamp; a cinema camera establishes the filming context.
Etymology
gafferEnglishmale baptismal sponsor

Apparently a contraction of godfather, gaffer began as a respectful or familiar term for an older man. Its later sense “foreman” supplied the title for the person supervising a film set’s lighting.

In context

In Depth Cine1:14
Visuals are created through a combination of working with a director, a production designer, a grip, a make-up artist, a focus puller, a gaffer and many more.
How Directors Collaborate With Cinematographers

More examples

  • The gaffer asks the lighting crew to move the lamp.
  • The crew waits for the gaffer to assign the jobs.
  • Experienced gaffers know how to light a scene safely.

Forms

gaffer · gaffers

Similar words

foreman
Usually leads hands-on workers, especially in construction or manufacturing.
supervisor
Oversees employees more generally, without implying a film-lighting role.