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Lamp Dock by MACCAM welcomes gaffer Dessie Coale for a thoughtful, funny, and deeply human conversation with Michael Kelly about building a career in film and television lighting.
In this episode, Dessie shares her path from a small town in Southern Illinois to working as a gaffer in Los Angeles, including the early risks, career pivots, mentors, and set experiences that shaped her work. She talks about moving to LA, getting her union days, working on shows like Grey’s Anatomy, Matlock, Tiny Beautiful Things, I Love LA, and other film and television projects that helped define her career.
Dessie and Michael also dig into the real work behind gaffing: prep, lighting choices, LED vs. tungsten, working with DPs, managing budgets, negotiating with production, building crews, imposter syndrome, and the emotional realities of leadership on set.
More than a technical conversation, this episode explores what it means to create a healthy crew culture, mentor the next generation, stay visible in the industry, and lead with both skill and humanity.
Topics include:
• Dessie Coale’s journey into film and television lighting
• Moving from Atlanta to Los Angeles
• Getting union days and building a career from the ground up
• Transitioning from electrician and best boy to gaffer
• Working with DPs, crews, and production teams
• LED lighting, tungsten, color quality, and fixture choices
• Prep, budgets, gear, and problem-solving on set
• Leadership, mentoring, visibility, and crew culture
• Imposter syndrome in the film industry
• The importance of relationships in production
If you work in film, television, lighting, grip and electric, cinematography, production, or just love hearing real stories from working professionals behind the camera, this episode offers an honest look at craft, career, and community.
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