Location: London and the West Midlands, United Kingdom
Engagement: Paid freelance / project-based
Anticipated filming: From December 2026, with further filming planned throughout 2027
About the Production
The NFAK Documentary is an independent documentary project exploring the life, music and cultural legacy of Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.
Drawing on historical research, archival material and firsthand accounts, the production examines the people, places, musical traditions and wider histories connected to his life and work.
As the documentary moves towards its initial filming phase, we are seeking an experienced freelance Gaffer / Lighting Technician to collaborate with the director, Director of Photography and wider production team.
The Role
We are looking for a technically capable, resourceful and collaborative lighting professional with experience in documentary, factual or interview-led production.
Initial filming will primarily involve extended documentary interviews, including multicamera setups, with additional observational and location-based filming anticipated.
The successful applicant will work closely with the Director of Photography to implement the production’s established visual approach, creating consistent, carefully controlled lighting suited to different contributors, locations and filming environments.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan and implement lighting setups in collaboration with the Director of Photography.
- Set up, position, adjust and safely operate professional lighting equipment.
- Support multicamera interview setups, potentially involving up to three simultaneous camera angles.
- Maintain consistent lighting throughout extended interviews and filming sessions.
- Assess filming locations and identify practical lighting requirements.
- Manage light shaping, diffusion, colour temperature and exposure consistency.
- Coordinate lighting equipment, power requirements, cabling and safe working practices.
- Work effectively alongside camera, sound and other production personnel.
- Adapt lighting arrangements to different locations while remaining sensitive to documentary contributors.
Experience and Suitability
We particularly welcome applicants with:
- Demonstrable experience in professional lighting for documentary, factual, television or interview-led productions.
- A portfolio or relevant production credits demonstrating lighting experience.
- Strong knowledge of LED lighting systems, light modifiers, grip equipment and safe rigging practices.
- Experience lighting interviews involving multiple camera angles.
- Confidence working independently within a small production crew.
- Strong technical awareness, problem-solving abilities and communication skills.
- A collaborative, professional approach to working with cinematographers, directors and contributors.
- Availability for freelance filming in London and/or the West Midlands.
Access to professional lighting equipment suitable for documentary interviews is strongly preferred. Applicants should provide details of equipment available and any associated hire costs.
Experience working on independent documentary productions is particularly welcome.
Freelance Arrangements
This is a paid freelance opportunity, with initial filming anticipated from December 2026.
Engagements will be arranged on a project-by-project or shoot-by-shoot basis, subject to confirmed filming requirements, scheduling and production financing.
Fees will be agreed in advance according to the scope of work, preparation requirements and any equipment supplied.
There may be opportunities for further collaboration as production progresses, although ongoing engagement is not guaranteed.
We welcome applications from experienced freelance lighting professionals interested in contributing to a research-led documentary production.
