Gaffer in Stockholm, Sweden
Peter Övgård is a gaffer – in Swedish belysningsmästare – based in Stockholm, Sweden, working on commercials, music videos, TV drama and feature films. He has worked in the lighting department for 17 years and on more than 1,500 productions, and takes jobs all over Sweden and abroad.
What does a gaffer do?
The gaffer (chief lighting technician) heads the lighting department on a film or TV shoot. The cinematographer decides how the image should look – the gaffer makes it happen: choosing lights and equipment, planning power and generators, leading the team of electricians and making sure everything is safe and ready on time.
Before the shoot
- Technical scouts of locations with the cinematographer and production
- Lighting plans, rig design and equipment lists
- Budgets for lighting and electrics
- Calculating power, generators and cable runs
On set
- Leading the lighting crew – best boy, electricians and sparks
- Rigging, adjusting lighting setups and de-rigging
- Lighting control via DMX and wireless CRMX
- Responsibility for electrical safety and work at height
Gaffer, chief lighting technician or film electrician?
They are the same job. In Sweden the title is belysningsmästare, but gaffer is just as common – especially on commercials and international productions. The best boy is second in command and runs the crew and the equipment.
Experience
Peter has been the gaffer on music videos such as First Aid Kit – Fireworks and Avicii – Waiting for Love, the TV series Alla utom vi and Livet i Mattelandet, second unit gaffer on Snabba Cash (Netflix) and underwater gaffer on Jordskott. He has lit commercials for brands such as IKEA, Volvo, Spotify, H&M and Coca-Cola.
Several of the productions have won awards, including the Swedish TV award Kristallen for Jordskott and Livet i Mattelandet. See all award-winning productions and all work.
FAQ
How much does a gaffer cost?
It depends on the size of the production, the number of shoot days, prep and which equipment and crew are needed. Equipment and generators are usually rented separately. Contact Peter with dates and the setup, and you will get a proposal.
How do I book a gaffer in Stockholm?
Call or email Peter via the contact page with dates, type of production and location. The earlier the gaffer is involved, the better light, power and budget can be planned.
Does Peter work outside Stockholm?
Yes. Peter is based in Stockholm but works all over Sweden and abroad, and has worked with international productions shooting in Sweden, including from the UK, Italy, Japan and China.
What kind of productions does Peter work on?
Commercials, music videos, TV series, feature films, short films and stills shoots – in the studio, on location and outdoors, with both classic film lighting (tungsten, HMI) and modern LED.
Can Peter work in English?
Yes. Peter regularly works with international crews and productions where English is the working language.