Lighting
David Sinfield is a British gaffer and chief lighting technician. He began studying law at 16, but moved into the film industry after gaining a role at Lee Lighting at Shepperton Studios through a family connection. He completed an apprenticeship there and trained formally while working in the lighting stores, before transitioning to on-set work as an electrician and lighting technician. His professional credits include a wide range of high-profile films. Early work includes Batman Begins (2005) and Sherlock Holmes (2009), followed by Captain America: The First Avenger (2011). He later served as gaffer on major studio productions including The Huntsman: Winter's War (2016), Wonder Woman (2017), Aladdin (2019), and Wonder Woman 1984 (2020). Sinfield is also a co-founder of Green Voltage, a UK-based company providing low-emission, battery-based power solutions for film and television production. The company emerged from discussions during the production of Wonder Woman 1984 (2020), where the need for cleaner alternatives to traditional diesel generators became increasingly apparent. Sinfield has spoken publicly about the importance of clear communication and collaboration on set, favouring direct conversation and close coordination between departments over remote or email-based workflows. He has also emphasised that lighting is not solely a technical process. However, a creative partnership with the director of photography and the wider crew is required to shape a project's visual storytelling. Sinfield lives in Surrey and has described interests outside work, including golf, rugby, and travelling with his family.
