Industry Jobs | Gaffer

As one of the premier studio production companies in New York, Broadway Stages works to meet the growing needs of the film and TV industry while also focusing on the needs of our community. We provide the industry with a soundstage or location where they can shoot their scenes, but they also need a skilled and experienced workforce. This is the first in a series that will look at the various jobs that make a production come to life. We hope it provides insight and encourages you to consider a career in the film and TV industry. This week, we answer the question: “What is a Gaffer?”

What is a Gaffer?

According to MasterClass, the origin of the title was “British slang for a tool called the ‘gaff,’ which was a hooked metal pole used in theatre to adjust the stage lights.” But there is more to it than a pole and stage lights. A whole lot more!

Job Description.

The Gaffer, or Chief Lighting Technician is the head of the lighting department on a TV or film production set. Responsible for running the grip/electric crew and overseeing all the lighting equipment, they also work in pre-production and production to help achieve the desired cinematic image by setting up lights and running cables.

Shedding Light on the Subject.

The Gaffer’s responsibilities are extensive. First and foremost is safety! Before any lighting instruments or electrical equipment are selected and placed, before any cables are run, generators set-up or crews hired, safety practices must be established. Backstage explains that the Gaffer is heavily involved during pre-production, working with the producers and production managers to determine electrical and crew budgets. They must also understand the script, meet with the director and work closely with the director of photography (DP) to design the lighting. In addition, they collaborate with the key grip to map out the aesthetics of the production and need to hire their best boy electric, the second in command to the Gaffer and foreman of the electrical team.

Read more about what’s involved in the role of a Gaffer at MasterClass. You can also find information about Gaffers on the Careers in Film website, where you can read advice from a number of professional Gaffers who have worked on successful productions.

How do I become a Gaffer?

While some Gaffers go to film school to learn the trade, hands-on experience is critical and many Gaffers begin as production assistants. The Nashville Film Institute provides an overview of the role and illustrates how experience and training can work together to prepare you to be a Gaffer. Learn more about film and TV industry jobs, training, and more in the Broadway Stages’ Industry Resource Guide. Our guide provides information about industry-focused job posting sites; links to general recruiting sites; education and training programs; and state, city, and borough industry information.

National Volunteer Month

Using our unique skills and talents to help others and promote meaningful causes is part of the fabric of our society and a core value at Broadway Stages. Through financial, in-kind and volunteer resources, we strive to make a difference in the communities where we operate. Join us this month as we observe National Volunteer Month, a time to recognize those who volunteer their time and energy to make the world a better place. It is also a time to encourage volunteerism — volunteers are needed across many areas of daily life to help those in our community who are vulnerable or at risk. From being a member of a volunteer fire department or providing food to those in need, tutoring, mentoring, cleaning up a park, helping at an animal shelter, taking someone to the doctor, making calls and scheduling appointments, or advocacy for equality — the list goes on and on. There are countless ways you can help, and it doesn’t have to be part of a broader initiative; simple acts of kindness also count.

During the pandemic Broadway Stages has supported many organizations dedicated to helping others. Most notably has been the focus on food insecurity. We encourage you to take a look at the exemplary efforts of the The Campaign Against Hunger and the North Brooklyn Angels and consider how you can help. Do you have a special talent or skill that may benefit a charity or organization? Let them know that you want to lend a hand. In the meantime, we offer a few ideas on how you can observe National Volunteer Month.

Show your appreciation. Know someone who volunteers? Reach out and thank them for their efforts and let them know they are appreciated.

Volunteer. Already a volunteer? Keep up the great work! Want to start volunteering? Consider getting involved with a local organization. Here is a list of some of the groups that Broadway Stages is proud to support:

• Camp Brooklyn Fund (camp experiences for low-income families)

• Greenbelt Conservancy and Animal Refuge (environmental sustainability)

• Newtown Creek Alliance (environmental sustainability/green roofs)

• North Brooklyn Angels (food insecurity)

• RiseBoro Community Partnership (multiple social services)

• Staten Island Children’s Museum (arts experiences for children)

• The Campaign Against Hunger (food insecurity)

• Ujima Community Working Together, Inc. (youth empowerment)

• Urban Upbound (multiple social services)

We also recommend Points of Light to search for opportunities around the country or visit NYC Service and New York Cares to find opportunities in New York City.

Unable to volunteer? Consider donating to your favorite charity. Now is a great time to show your support to organizations that are being called on more than ever due to the unprecedented impact of COVID-19 on our communities.

Thanks to all across our community for the many ways you give to others, whether with your time or through financial or in-kind contributions. And for all those volunteering in-person, remember to mask up and stay safe! You are appreciated and we thank you for your compassion.

Resource Guide Provides Information on Jobs/Training in TV and Film

The TV and film industry is working its way back, following strict protocols to ensure the health and safety of all involved in the production of amazing films, TV shows and documentaries that have helped to entertain us throughout the pandemic. With content for streaming at an all-time high, Broadway Stages continues to work to meet the growing needs of the TV and Film industry while also focusing on the needs of our community.

To keep-up with demand, the industry needs a skilled and experienced workforce. If you are interested in a career in the TV/Film industry we have just the thing to help your job search. Our Industry Resource Guide provides information about industry-focused job posting sites; links to general recruiting sites; education and training programs; and state, city and borough industry information. We provide the name of the organization, a link to their website, the type of resource offered, and a description of the organization — all in one location.

Whether you are seeking a job, want to build your skills or expand your career, we hope you find this resource helpful. As one of the premier TV and film industry production studios in New York we are committed to support the growth of the industry and our community.

REMINDER Camp Brooklyn Fund Fundraiser

Just a friendly reminder that the Camp Brooklyn Fund is going to camp and the entire family is invited! A virtual gathering behind the magic door will take place on Sunday, February 28 at noon. There will be games, dancing and fun with Mario the Magician. The event is hosted by CAMP, A Family Experience Company and funds raised will support Camp Brooklyn. Please join us for a fun filled afternoon that benefits an amazing organization. Tickets can be purchased here.

The Camp Brooklyn Fund | Family Fun Fundraiser

The Camp Brooklyn Fund is going to camp and the entire family is invited! A virtual gathering behind the magic door will take place on Sunday, February 28 at noon. There will be games, dancing and fun with Mario the Magician. The event is hosted by CAMP, A Family Experience Company and funds raised will support Camp Brooklyn. Please join us for a fun filled afternoon that benefits an amazing organization. Camp Brooklyn provides access to life-changing camp experiences for Brooklyn children from low income families. They help to equip children with critical growth and leadership skills and broaden their world. The vision of Camp Brooklyn is to positively transform children, families and our community. Now, more than ever our children need to experience nature, and the world around them. Please join us in supporting Camp Brooklyn. Tickets can be purchased here.

Industry Resource Guide Provides Information to find Jobs in TV and Film

With filming working its way back and content for streaming at an all-time high, Broadway Stages continues to work to meet the growing needs of the TV and Film industry. A big part of that is ensuring that the industry has the resources it needs, including a skilled and experienced workforce. If you are interested in a career in the TV/Film industry we have just the thing to help in your job search.

Broadway Stages has pulled together a guide that provides resources including industry-focused job posting sites; links to general recruiting sites; education and training programs (fee and non-fee based); as well as state, city and borough industry information. We provide the name of the organization, a link to their website, the type of resource offered, and a description of the organization — all in one location. A copy of the guide can be found here.

Whether you are seeking a job, want to build your skills or expand your career, we hope you find this resource helpful. As one of the premier TV and film industry production studios in New York we are hopeful that we’ll get back to 100 percent soon and continue to bring economic growth to our local community.

Checking in on our Green Partners | Alive Structures

Marni Majorelle hard at work on broadway Stages green corridor.

When we last talked about the progress being made on the Broadway Stages rooftop expansion project, things were humming along. That was in January of 2020 and, as we all know a lot has changed since. Today we bring you the fourth and final part of our series – checking in on our green partners during the pandemic. There is a common theme among our green partners. They have demonstrated resilience, resolve, creativity and hope as they face the uncertainty of the pandemic.  And we see the same with our friends at Alive Structures. Due to the nature of the work done by Marni Majorelle, Founder of Alive Structures, she is used to challenges and is accustomed to being flexible.  Not every project goes exactly the way one plans and there are changes to schedules due to weather or other circumstances.  But one thing is for sure, planted with 48,000 plants and sown with millions of wildflower seeds, this coming summer the roofs will be an amazing sight that the community can be proud of.

marni majorelle sowing seeds on broadway stages green corridor

In January of 2020 we reported that the green rooftop expansion project was beginning. The crew, led by Project Manager Eric Majorelle, was able to install approximately 30,000 square feet of green roof layers including drainage and soil on three of the six soundstage roofs that make up Broadway Stages Green Corridor. Things came to a temporary halt when the City shut down in March of 2020 due to the pandemic. With some creativity and strict safety protocols in place, Alive Structures was able to safely cover the soil with wildflower seeds which later bloomed magnificently in June. We are now focusing on the second 30,000+ sq. ft. of rooftop gardens and remain committed to complete the 1.4 acre green rooftop expansion.

Broadway Stages is sincerely thankful  for the continued focus and dedication of Alive Structures and their commitment to complete this project. While it may take a little longer than anticipated, we know that the hard work Alive Structures puts in will bring Broadway Stages Green Corridor to life.  Stay tuned for progress updates.

Camp Brooklyn Fund Welcomes New Board Member – Yanilsa Rafferty

Camp Brooklyn Fund recently announced the appointment of a new Board Member, Yanilsa Rafferty, a professional in the film and fashion industry, who brings energy, passion and vision to the team at Camp Brooklyn Fund. 

“I am honored and excited! It’s an amazing feeling to give the gift of adventure. Camp Brooklyn Fund provides a unique opportunity to children that I wish I had growing up. I know that the experience, life skills, stories and friendships made during camp can positively impact their lives for years to come.”  — Yanilsa Rafferty

As a proud member of the Camp Brooklyn Fund Board, please join Broadway Stages in welcoming Yanilsa; we are thrilled to have her join us.  And while we have your attention, please consider a donation to Camp Brooklyn Fund.  Just $750 can send one child to sleep-away camp for two weeks.  While we were unable to host Camp this past summer due to the pandemic, Camp Brooklyn Fund continues to forge ahead with the goal to raise funds to send kids to Camp and we remain cautiously optimistic about summer 2021.  Please help us with our mission to send kids from economically disadvantaged families in Brooklyn to sleep-away camp.  Be sure to watch for information about our virtual fundraiser on December 4 as well as other fun events planned for the coming months. Please help Camp Brooklyn meet its mission to send kids from economically disadvantaged families in Brooklyn to sleep-away camp.

Again, congratulations to Yanilsa Rafferty and Camp Brooklyn Fund!  Stay safe and healthy and we hope to see you, albeit virtually, at the December 4 fundraiser and this coming summer.

Industry Resource Guide | Jobs in the Television and Film Industry

With the networks getting back to filming you may be considering a job in the television and film industry.  While not at 100 percent capacity, we are definitely seeing actors and crews back at our sound stage facilities – adhering to CDC health and safety guidelines and taking additional measures like COVID testing and temperature readings.  For those who are looking to enter the industry, whether seeking information about training programs, intern- or apprenticeships, or where to apply for jobs, it’s hard to know where to start. 

Broadway Stages has pulled together a guide that provides resources including industry-focused job posting sites; links to general recruiting sites; education and training programs (fee and non-fee based); as well as state, city and borough industry information. We provide the name of the organization, a link to their website, the type of resource offered, and a description of the organization — all in one location. A copy of the guide can be found here.  

Whether you are seeking a job, want to build your skills or expand your career, we hope you find this resource helpful. As one of the premier TV and film industry production studios in New York we are hopeful that we’ll get back to 100 percent soon and continue to bring economic growth to our local community. 

An Environmental Collaboration: Broadway Stages and Newtown Creek Alliance

Since 2002 the Newtown Creek Alliance (NCA) has been working to restore community health, water quality, habitat, access and vibrant commerce along Newtown Creek. Serving as a catalyst for effective community action, NCA has made a positive and enduring impact on the health and quality of life of Creek-side communities. Their efforts to restore, reveal and revitalize Newtown Creek have played a key role in advancing environmental initiatives in our community, among them Kingsland Wildflowers.  

NCA is also the steward of educational programming at Kingsland Wildflowers, a green roof initiative supported by a group of collaborators including the New York City Audubon, Alive Structures and NOoSPHERE Arts.  Located atop a Broadway Stages building on Kingsland Avenue, Kingsland Wildflowers was made possible by the Greenpoint Community Enviromental Fund (GCEF), along with initial matching funds and continued maintenance efforts supported by Broadway Stages. Initiated by the New York City Audubon who took the lead in submitting the GCEF grant proposal, the project is among our proudest environmental sustainability efforts, and has become a blueprint for other green roof projects. 

Broadway Stages’ interest and concern about the condition of Newtown Creek, along with a deep-rooted desire to help improve the environment, brought our two organizations together.  Broadway Stages Founder, Tony Argento, has actively participated in community meetings that address environmental concerns, including the condition of the creek. With a mutual interest in helping to restore the environment, a relationship between NCA and Broadway Stages transpired. “Tony is not just interested in the waterway because he is a creek-side property owner,” said Lisa Bloodgood, Director of Advocacy and Education at NCA, “he has invested in environmental initiatives that help to advance ecosystem services that are critical to habitat and community.”  To date, Broadway Stages has invested in more than 20,000 square feet of green rooftops, including the 6,000 square foot Eagle Street Rooftop Farm, and 50,000 square feet of rooftop solar panels.  In 2018, Broadway Stages opened their doors to NCA, providing the organization with a facility to call home. This gesture has allowed NCA to grow their advocacy efforts, while at the same time stewarding Kingsland Wildflowers, a role NCA took-on in 2019.  “We are eternally grateful to Tony and Broadway Stages for their generous offering of office space and support of our mission,” said Willis Elkins, Executive Director of NCA. “Our relationship with Broadway Stages and our work at Kingsland Wildflowers has been enriching and broadened our ecological reach,” continued Elkins.  

Broadway Stages is proud to support organizations that help to enhance the quality of life in the communities where we work and live. We encourage you to join us, and get involved in one or more of the many events hosted by NCA, from creekside clean-ups and bike tours, to volunteer plantings and more at Kingsland Wildlfowers. #GOGREEN

Blue Bloods Films at Broadway Stages

Broadway Stages is extremely proud to be part of the Blue Bloods family. In their 10th season, the series is going stronger than ever, and we are honored that our sound stages, facilities and locations have played a part of this amazing story line. Most recently, in episode 14 titled Fog of War, two of our locations were included, our Getty terminal and the mural commissioned by Greenpoint Innovations, that was painted along our bulkhead at our facility at 520 Kingsland, also the location of Kingsland Wildflowers garden rooftop. If you missed this most recent episode of Blue Bloods you can catch it here. In this episode, Danny and Baez work with Texas Ranger Waylon Gates (Lyle Lovett) when they are put on a case to find the Lone Star Killer.  Exciting stuff folks. Watch for time 11:22 which is when you see the mural in a background shot from a scene filmed at our Getty terminal. Take a look below at a screen shot of the beginning of the scene.  We love Blue Bloods and hope you do too. If you haven’t already gotten hooked on this series we encourage you to watch, Friday’s on CBS at 10 pm Eastern. It will become one of your favorites!

This Week’s Eats | Wilson Rivas Crafts

This Friday we were honored with a year-end appreciation lunch catered by Wilson Rivas Crafts (WRC). We are grateful for all of our Friday staff lunches, but this one was a little extra special. Not only was it our holiday lunch, but also, Broadway Stages has been working with WRC for years, and throughout those years they have been servicing many of our clients. WRC has provided culinary expertise, personalized services and a renowned reputation to the TV and film industry, corporate, and private events for more than 20 years. From providing burgers and hot dogs at the annual 94th Precinct National Night Out event, to 5-star spreads for cast and crew of productions filmed at our studios and elsewhere, WRC knows how to impress! They provide a broad array of craft services and set-ups. Basically, whatever your heart desires 24/7. As for our lunch, our desires were definitely met. Our appreciation feast included steak, grilled chicken in mushroom cream sauce, mashed potatoes, rigatoni a la vodka, fresh poached seafood, antipasti, grilled veggies, and to top it off, an assortment of Italian desserts. Like we said, whatever your heart desires. WHAT A HOLIDAY MEAL!  The food and fellowship was so good, we forgot to take pictures (sorry folks). A special thank you to Wilson Rivas and his staff and Happy Holidays everyone! We will be back with more of our Weekly Eats after the New Year!