Francis Butler is a Los Angeles based Chief Lighting Technician (Gaffer). He is a member of IATSE Local #728 in Hollywood, and an Associate Member of the International Cinema Lighting Society. He started working in the film industry while studying at the University of Texas at Austin. After graduating with a B.S. in Radio-Television-Film and a Business Foundations certificate, Francis relocated to Los Angeles, CA.

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Francis spent 2 1/2 years in the equipment rental business before pursuing a full-time freelance career and joining IATSE Local #728. He started working as a lighting technician on films like "Tenet", "Nope", "F9: The Fast Saga", and "Oppenheimer" while building his gaffer credits and equipment inventory. Now, he owns and operates two lighting packages; a 30' trailer and a 3-ton truck.

 

His CLT credits include feature films, national commercials, branded content, music videos, short films, and documentaries. His latest project, "My Old Ass" from Indian Paintbrush/LuckyChap was released by Amazon/MGM on September 27, 2024 after premiering at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. "The Unholy Trinity" premiered as the closing night screening at the Zurich Film Festival, and will be released in 2025.