In the spotlight: Gaffer Brian Beaumont on lighting the spy drama “The Courier”
With 24 years’ experience in the industry lighting gaffer Brian Beaumont has over 50 impressive credits and worked on seven BAFTA award-winning films such as “Hunger”, “Tumbledown”, “Life Story”, “Between the Lines”, “A Question of Attribution”, “Friday on my Mind”, and “Game of Thrones”.
For one of his latest projects, the film “The Courier” starring Benedict Cumberbatch and directed by Dominic Cooke, Brian contacted his long-standing friend Steve Knight at Pixipixel to supply the lighting and power generation for the film. Watch the amazing trailer and keep on reading for our recent interview with Brian.
Brian Beaumont, Lighting Gaffer
Brian, tell us when you realised this is the work you want to do and how you got started in the industry.
I always enjoyed going to the theatre, being intrigued in particular by the lighting, and having done an electrical apprenticeship, I realised this was something I could do, which I did. My breakthrough moment was getting a job as a Film Lighting Electrician at BBC, Ealing Studios.
How did you get involved in “The Courier” production and what was your approach to create the look and feel of the period?
I was offered ‘The Courier’ by cinematographer Sean Bobbitt, whom I’ve had the pleasure of working with over many years. On this project, we had a strong collaboration with the art department, especially on the choice of many lighting practicals and different fabrics on windows to create the required atmosphere.
What was your biggest challenge on the set of “The Courier”?
As always, the greatest challenge is getting the right lights in place without being in shot. This was achieved by using LED blanket lights as overhead softboxes and lighting through windows to minimise lights on set. We like the flexibility of LEDs.
How do you keep up with the latest innovations in lighting?
With new innovations, there always seems to be consciousness that flows within the industry, and it’s always exciting to try these out. Trade shows are always enlightening, especially the BSC show.
Do you have any advice for aspiring gaffers?
I would say to any aspiring gaffers that you are only as good as your team. It’s essential that you get on with everyone, maintaining good morale and mutual respect. I like to have my crew feel integrated with the project and I give them as many responsibilities as I think they can handle. A good eye is critical for the balance of light and shade to assist the DOP to sculpt and manipulate light - with expedience - as you go along.
Finally, you worked with Pixipixel on "The Courier" so did we deliver to your expectations?
I’ve always found Pixipixel to go the extra mile to help. They are well organised and will always get the product you need. For example, we needed a lot of DMG Maxi Switch LEDs which, being new, were in short supply; but Pixipixel managed to supply all we needed.
Here are some more photos from behind the scenes of The Courier:
To find out more about Brian’s work and of course to get in touch, go to blinklight.co.uk.