Best Boy

A Best Boy or Best Girl, also called Best Boy/Best Girl Electric, is a profession that is mainly performed on major international film productions, but also on major concert tours.

What is the job of a Best Boy/Best Girl?

He/she is responsible for the daily lighting or electrical work on major international film productions, but also on major concert tours. A Best Boy/Best Girl is responsible for hiring, organizing and managing the lighting and/or electrical team members, as well as all equipment and its transportation and setup. This may include truck rental and logistics and proper loading and unloading. On film productions, the Best Boy/Best Girl is involved in planning the set-up and setup of lighting at a given location. A Best Boy works closely with and reports directly to the Gaffer.

It is unclear how the profession got its name, but one possible explanation is that older film productions often called on the most suitable trainee to quickly perform various lighting and electrical tasks.

What does a Best Boy/Best Girl need to know?

As a Best Boy/Best Girl, you will have extensive knowledge of lighting and lighting technology. In most countries, you'll need an electrician's qualification as it involves electrical installations. You need to be a solution-oriented and flexible personality who can intervene quickly and ensure that lighting and power meet the expectations of the film production. You will have the ability to plan logistics and manage personnel as part of a team. Since filming takes place in a variety of environments and at all times of the day and is often time consuming, you should be able to travel, live out of town, and have a lot of patience. 

Source: StagePool, Wikipedia, Premium Beat, Filmjobb.com