Photo Production Equipment Lead [AQ-14558]

About the role

Our client, a leading global brand renowned for its innovative visual content, is seeking a pivotal talent to elevate their photo and film studio operations. This role offers the unique opportunity to directly impact the quality and efficiency of visual assets that captivate audiences worldwide, empowering creative teams to bring their visions to life. You will serve as a key operational anchor—managing equipment inventory, directing gear changeovers, and leading a shift of 3 to 4 team members across multiple active sets and an editorial floor.

Responsibilities

• Proactively track, manage, and audit both in-house and sub-rented gear using specialized inventory software.
• Input detailed equipment lists for e-commerce, editorial, and motion shoots.
• Quality-check, troubleshoot, and log malfunctioning gear in real time; oversee repair logistics when necessary.
• Maintain high standards for studio cleanliness, gear organization, and digital cart management (digi-carts, monitors, cabling, camera support).
• Direct the physical flow of an editorial floor, ensuring bays are completely built, lit, and accurately metered prior to the start of shooting.
• Read, replicate, and measure detailed lighting diagrams down to exact specifications to ensure consistency across multiple identical sets.
• Troubleshoot camera, lighting, grip, and digital equipment issues in real time to keep production moving smoothly without downtime.
• Assist on the ground with gear setups, rapid bay switch-overs, and lighting changes between shooting styles.
• Lead a daily shift of 3–4 crew members while managing and scheduling a broader roster of ~30 freelancers and staff (Grips, Gaffers, Stagehands, Camera Operators, and Setup Staff).
• Assess crew skill sets to schedule the right people in the right roles for incoming production needs.
• Train, mentor, and guide peers on updated studio workflows, safety procedures, and gear processes.
• Participate in production planning meetings to align gear and staffing with future production calendars.

Requirements

• 5+ years of direct experience in a film/photo production environment, with 4+ years in studio equipment management or lead set roles.
• Deep, hands-on knowledge of grip, rigging, and lighting gear, with safety as an absolute priority.
• Proven experience measuring sets and reading/executing precise lighting diagrams.
• Solid foundation in advanced digital camera systems and motion gear (e.g., cinema lenses, monitors, digi-carts, cable management).
• Experience with industry-standard equipment tracking software.
• Ability to be on your feet and active throughout the studio floor for the majority of the day.
• Excellent listening and communication skills; able to anticipate the next step without waiting for direction.
• Ability to navigate a high-volume, fast-paced production environment with composure and a problem-solving mindset.
• Open to learning and mastering client’s processes and tools quickly.
• High standards for gear maintenance, set precision, cleanliness, and workflow efficiency.

Nice-to-Have Qualifications

• Basic working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Familiarity with project management or design collaboration tools.

Benefits

Aquent Talent offers eligible talent access to amazing benefits, including:

• Subsidized health, vision, and dental plans.
• Paid sick leave.
• Retirement plans with a match.
• Free online training through Aquent Gymnasium.