We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Electrical

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Best Boy Electric?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 12,997
Share

A best boy electric assists the gaffer, or chief electrician, on a film set. He or she oversees the team of electricians which rigs lighting for the film, and also acts as a liaison between the electrical department and other departments of the film crew to make sure that everything runs smoothly and on time. The chief electrician counts on the best boy electric to execute his or her orders, manage the crew, and alert the film company to any electrical issues which need to be addressed.

The primary responsibility of a best boy electric is to be in charge of the daily operations of the electrical department. In addition to hiring an electrical crew, the best boy electric also manages the crew, ensuring that they are following workplace safety procedures, filling out time cards properly, and doing their duties. The best boy electric issues written and verbal orders to the electrical crew, and works with them to light the film, and provide power to the departments which need it, such as the camera crew and special effects departments.

In addition, the best boy electric purchases, inventories, and maintains lighting and electrical equipment. He or she is expected to keep an eye out for potential safety hazards, and either fix them or halt filming until the set can be made safe again. The best boy electric also makes plans for working on location and on different sets, and is responsible for loading production trucks and ensuring that all of the venues filmed in are safe and ready to use when the rest of the film crew arrives.

Working with other departments of the film crew is also an important part of the best boy electric's job. Making even a small budget film requires a great deal of coordination and effort for all members of the film crew, and it is important to work smoothly together. Because the electrical crew is such an integral part of the overall film crew, maintaining clear lines of communication through the best boy electric is crucial.

Individuals interested in a career as a best boy electric should plan on achieving electrical safety certifications before approaching a film crew and looking for work. It is typical to apprentice as a general electrician to learn the daily trade before moving up to the position of best boy electric, and a talented best boy can eventually become a chief electrician. A good best boy electric has excellent interpersonal skills, a strong sense of organization, and is confident and competent with electrical equipment. Although the position title is gendered, both men and women work as best boys.

Share
About Mechanics is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a About Mechanics researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.aboutmechanics.com/what-is-a-best-boy-electric.htm
Copy this link
About Mechanics, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

About Mechanics, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.