Fixtures is finally recognized as its own department. Huge win for everyone who put in the work to make this happen.
September 11, 2023
Final supporters
Fixtures—the department responsible for creating, modifying, and maintaining both practical and LED lighting across sets, costumes, props, and in conjunction with both special and visual effects—is an essential component of the language of cinematography. As technologies in lighting change, so do their applications and demands on the knowledge base of the electrical arm of the film crew. These advancements require an ever-diversified and broadening skill set from Fixtures technicians to keep up. Soldering, programming, networking, retrofitting, as well as the basic principles of electricity, are just some of the core aspects of any Fixtures crew.
Long viewed as a small and scrappy but often indistinct department, Fixtures has traditionally been thought of as a subset of or compliment to Electric. However, with higher lighting budgets and more artistic expectations from lighting design, Fixtures has grown to have the same needs and financial requirements as any other core department. Fixtures is a critical component of filmmaking, providing input at both the design and application level where it comes to lighting. Fixtures is responsible for a host of lighting applications: inset and background lighting, the modification of purpose-built and practical lighting on set, key lighting when using lighted props, and costume lighting; in addition to other unique applications, such as the retrofitting of picture car lighting, as well as designing battery-operated solutions where traditional power runs may not suffice. Therefore, a Fixtures department represents a holistic approach to solving lighting needs, borrowing aspects of design and knowledge from every corner of a film's departmental structure.
Because of this widening scope within the craft, the electricians and technicians currently working in Fixtures departments and the broader population of our Local—represented by the undersigned—are formally seeking recognition of the Fixtures department and its commensurate positions as designated crafts within our Local, after the same fashion DMX Technicians and other crafts were expanded to accommodate evolving roles in our trade, replete with its own hierarchy and titles reflective of their roles:
- Fixtures Key (Lead)
- Fixtures Best (2nd)
- Fixtures Gang Boss
- Fixtures Technician (3rd)
It is with these designations and additions to our crafts we seek to create more avenues for creative work in entertainment and lighting which reflect the technical specificity and skills cultivated by our Local's commitment to shaping the best and brightest individuals in the industry.
In Solidarity,
The Undersigned Membership of Local 479
Updates
August 28, 2023
The momentum is undeniable now. Seeing the industry recognize the critical nature of our department feels like a turning point.
Reached 100 supporters
August 28, 2023
42 Comments
Fixtures should definitely receive this distinction it has so many intricacies and is another vital component to film work
Hello, As a Fixtures Foreman, having control of the man days and my own budget would streamline the completion of work for our projects. Having to work through two different departments (Rigging Electric and Set Dec) to get the people and equipment needs met is frustrating. I believe this would benefit the entire show if Fixtures was it's own department.
Very technical physical Demanding Department it needs to be recognized as it's on
I agree that Fixtures should be it's own Department. Having us included in Rigging is a hindrance to getting work done. Especially, considering most of our work is for the Production Designer.
If we go strictly by the constitution, then we shouldn’t even have rigging gaffer or rigging bestboy listed, please recognize the fixtures department skills!
Good luck with this, Jason! Lighting Control needs this to happen as well!!!
It’s about time!
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Fixtures is finally recognized as its own department. Huge win for everyone who put in the work to make this happen.
September 11, 2023
Final supporters
Fixtures—the department responsible for creating, modifying, and maintaining both practical and LED lighting across sets, costumes, props, and in conjunction with both special and visual effects—is an essential component of the language of cinematography. As technologies in lighting change, so do their applications and demands on the knowledge base of the electrical arm of the film crew. These advancements require an ever-diversified and broadening skill set from Fixtures technicians to keep up. Soldering, programming, networking, retrofitting, as well as the basic principles of electricity, are just some of the core aspects of any Fixtures crew.
Long viewed as a small and scrappy but often indistinct department, Fixtures has traditionally been thought of as a subset of or compliment to Electric. However, with higher lighting budgets and more artistic expectations from lighting design, Fixtures has grown to have the same needs and financial requirements as any other core department. Fixtures is a critical component of filmmaking, providing input at both the design and application level where it comes to lighting. Fixtures is responsible for a host of lighting applications: inset and background lighting, the modification of purpose-built and practical lighting on set, key lighting when using lighted props, and costume lighting; in addition to other unique applications, such as the retrofitting of picture car lighting, as well as designing battery-operated solutions where traditional power runs may not suffice. Therefore, a Fixtures department represents a holistic approach to solving lighting needs, borrowing aspects of design and knowledge from every corner of a film's departmental structure.
Because of this widening scope within the craft, the electricians and technicians currently working in Fixtures departments and the broader population of our Local—represented by the undersigned—are formally seeking recognition of the Fixtures department and its commensurate positions as designated crafts within our Local, after the same fashion DMX Technicians and other crafts were expanded to accommodate evolving roles in our trade, replete with its own hierarchy and titles reflective of their roles:
- Fixtures Key (Lead)
- Fixtures Best (2nd)
- Fixtures Gang Boss
- Fixtures Technician (3rd)
It is with these designations and additions to our crafts we seek to create more avenues for creative work in entertainment and lighting which reflect the technical specificity and skills cultivated by our Local's commitment to shaping the best and brightest individuals in the industry.
In Solidarity,
The Undersigned Membership of Local 479
Updates
August 28, 2023
The momentum is undeniable now. Seeing the industry recognize the critical nature of our department feels like a turning point.
Reached 100 supporters
August 28, 2023
42 Comments
Having this as an independent department makes sense and will alleviate workload on the set lighting and rigging teams. The time has more than come.
Fixtures should definitely receive this distinction it has so many intricacies and is another vital component to film work
Hello, As a Fixtures Foreman, having control of the man days and my own budget would streamline the completion of work for our projects. Having to work through two different departments (Rigging Electric and Set Dec) to get the people and equipment needs met is frustrating. I believe this would benefit the entire show if Fixtures was it's own department.
Very technical physical Demanding Department it needs to be recognized as it's on
I agree that Fixtures should be it's own Department. Having us included in Rigging is a hindrance to getting work done. Especially, considering most of our work is for the Production Designer.
If we go strictly by the constitution, then we shouldn’t even have rigging gaffer or rigging bestboy listed, please recognize the fixtures department skills!
Good luck with this, Jason! Lighting Control needs this to happen as well!!!
It’s about time!
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Having this as an independent department makes sense and will alleviate workload on the set lighting and rigging teams. The time has more than come.