Photo Production Equipment Lead

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. Partnering with Aquent, we are searching for a dynamic leader who will be instrumental in orchestrating the seamless flow of high-volume production, ensuring every shoot is perfectly equipped and executed. 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.

We are looking for a proactive, detail-oriented professional to join a fast-paced studio operations team. Supporting a dynamic photo and film studio, 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. This collaborative leader will excel in high-volume production, anticipate team needs, and thrive on the floor, ensuring sets are properly built, lit, and metered for early morning call times while building, scheduling, and empowering a broader roster of studio crew.

Key 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.

Must-Have Qualifications

• Experience: 5+ years of direct experience in a film/photo production environment, with 4+ years in studio equipment management or lead set roles.
• Technical Grip & Lighting: 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.
• Digital & Camera Systems: Solid foundation in advanced digital camera systems and motion gear (e.g., cinema lenses, monitors, digi-carts, cable management).
• Software Proficiency: Experience with industry-standard equipment tracking software.
• Physical Expectations: Ability to be on your feet and active throughout the studio floor for the majority of the day.
• Proactive Communicator & Planner: Excellent listening and communication skills; able to anticipate the next step without waiting for direction.
• Calm Under Pressure: Ability to navigate a high-volume, fast-paced production environment with composure and a problem-solving mindset.
• Adaptable & Trainable: Open to learning and mastering client's processes and tools quickly.
• Eye for Detail: 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.

About Aquent Talent

Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world's biggest brands.

Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. We also offer free online training through Aquent Gymnasium. More information on our awesome benefits!

Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We're about creating an inclusive environment-one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.