What Does a Gaffer Do? | Set Talks with Nick Fiorella and Tyler Kaschke

In this episode of Set Talks, host Nick Fiorella sits down with Denver-based gaffer Tyler Kaschke, widely known as the Colorado Gaffer. Tyler has worked in the production industry since 2010 and is a member of the International Cinema Lighting Society, collaborating with ASC cinematographers and award-winning crews on national commercials, brand content, and feature documentaries. Tyler shares how he built a career in the lighting department, his philosophy on cinematic lighting, and what a gaffer actually does on a professional film set. We also dive into practical lighting techniques, working relationships between gaffers and cinematographers, and how freelancers can build meaningful connections in the film industry.If you’re a filmmaker, cinematographer, or aspiring crewmember looking to work in film production, this conversation is packed with insights about film lighting, networking, and building a career in the Colorado film industry.🎬 Topics in this episode:• What a gaffer does on a film set• Lighting philosophy and working with cinematographers• Building a career in the film industry• Networking and finding work in production• The state of the Colorado film industryFollow Tyler Kaschke:🌐https://coloradogaffer.com📸Instagram: @colorado_gaffer Set Talks is a podcast exploring the Colorado filmindustry and the creatives shaping it.Hosted by filmmaker Nick Fiorella, each episodefeatures conversations with filmmakers, actors, producers, crew, and industry leaders about storytelling, career strategy, and the future of film and television in Colorado.Follow Set Talks for more conversations with the creativesshaping the industry. Connect with the LocalColorado Film community!Become a member of WIFMCO - https://www.wifmco.org/membersBecome a Member at CFVA - https://www.cfva.com/memberships #SetTalks #FilmmakingPodcast #FilmIndustry #IndependentFilm#FilmProducer #FilmDirector #SetTalksPodcast #ColoradoFilmIndustry#FilmmakingPodcast #FilmLighting #Gaffer #FilmCrew #Cinematography#BehindTheScenesFilm #IndependentFilmmaking #ColoradoFilmmakers 00:00 Introduction01:35 Tyler Kasche – Becoming a Gaffer04:51 The Colorado Gaffer06:09 What does a Gaffer do on set?09:49 Gaffers working well with DPs12:05 Success on Set14:19 Planning with Previz15:43 How to Light a Scene21:44 Special Lighting 23:25 Preferred Lighting Brands25:56 Using Only One light source 27:47 Back Light Importance29:20 Interview Lighting31:59 Lighting Tricks35:52 Outdoor Lighting38:13 Advice for being a Successful Gaffer41:22 The Importance of Networking49:19 Advice for Directors54:07 Working in Colorado59:40 Follow Tyler’s Work