Lighting Gaffer
with Kit
London based owner/op Gaffer with film lighting, grip & van package for hire.
With over 20 years of experience, I supply UK-wide professional lighting services for commercials, brand content, docs, TV & Film productions.
I cater for a range of budgets, providing equipment, electrical crew & film lighting expertise for producers & DPs looking for a a passionate & skilled lighting gaffer with kit.
London Film Gaffer
Hi, I'm Will Knights, gaffer, film spark & founder of Gaffervan.
I'm a film lighting professional with 20+ years industry experience. I've worked on shows for Universal, Paramount, Showtime, Sky One and I've gaffered on commercials for Nike, Google, Starbucks, McLaren, Alpro and many other recognisable brands.
I've worked with countless production companies and agencies over the years, to deliver branded content, docs & music videos, where I've collaborated with lots of talented people, leading to a extensive network of crew and department head contacts.
I like to think I'm easy to work with, have good problem-solving skills, pre-planning experience, and of course, I'm passionate about lighting and producing great work with collaborators.
Simple Approach.
A Freelance Gaffer, Van & Kit.
A one-stop-shop approach which includes an experienced commercial film/tv lighting technician, van, and one ton G&E package.
Lighting hire is offered on either a per item basis, or as a bundled box rental fee for my inventory. This approach keeps your equipment rental costs scalable, whilst ensuring that we have the tools on-hand to get the job done.
On-Set Lighting Expertise
Me and my crew cater for a wide-range of productions from small indie jobs to high profile commercial productions. We handle transportation and power logistics.
I'm IPAF 3a + 3b licensed to operate mobile elevated work platforms.
FAQ
The Answers You Need
I'm an owner/operator lighting technician with a 1 ton Grip & lighting package, so I'm able to cover a range of productions. Typically, I work on short-form productions, with corresponding crew sizes. These might be branded jobs, small/medium commercials, documentaries, broadcast, music videos and indie features.
What type of shoots do you cover?
I have a Day Rate and daily rental fee for my equipment. Equipment rental fees are projected based on discussions with a Producer or DP, to establish the needs of the production. Equipment rental fees are invoiced separately from Day Rates. Kit rental is either on a price per item basis, or an agreed box rental fee for my inventory.
How do your fees work?
It starts with a conversation, typically I might speak with the DP, to establish the look and objectives for the lighting. From this I prepare a projected quote made-up of the lighting tools I think we'll require. As this is a projected kit list, it can change, but it forms the basis for a plan, both in terms of cost but also what approach is taken on the day.
How do I budget?
Parking and power. I work out of my lighting & grip van, therefore it's desirable myself and any crew, are able to access gaffervan throughout the production. Please make enquiries with your location to ensure there's adequate parking, loading & possibly elevator facilities. I also require power for lighting, which can sometimes involve large electrical loads. Therefore an early understanding of the available power outlets and layout of your chosen location, can help me plan the electrical distribution for your production, and identify any possible issues.
Which pre-production logistics are important to the lighting team?
Absolutely, let me know what you need. I can source this as a cross-hire service (up to a certain scale) through my rental house connections, and provide as one seamless service.
Can you source additional lighting equipment?
Yep. I have a large, and long standing, network of fellow lighting professionals, covering a range of roles, and experience, in the lighting/electric dept.
Can you source additional crew?
I'm based in Greater London, however I'm happy to travel throughout the UK. I charge for mileage and any additional travel related expenses.
Which areas do you cover?
One Ton G&E van.
A one stop shop for your lighting needs.
Gaffervan comes with an impressive inventory of high-quality film lighting & grip instruments. My inventory is designed to support small to medium size productions, looking for an agile, yet well-equipped lighting package for their production.
I've invested in the latest LED lighting tools & industry-standard grip equipment, to help streamline work on set, provide reliability & efficiency, and offer DoPs and Producers an inventory to support their creative & budgetary needs.
Get in touch
Email. will@gaffervan.com
