Q&A with Kirk & Kristian Beneby on Navigating Gaffer and Key Grip Roles

Twin brothers Kirk & Kristian Beneby graduated from the BFA in Filmmaking Program at the NY campus in 2024. Since graduating they have been working on several indie feature films, music videos and commercials. In this Q&A, we talk about their careers as gaffers and key grips, offering insight into how to excel in these roles and work effectively alongside directors and  cinematographers.

NYFA Alumni Network: Can you tell us a bit about yourself, where you’re from, and what brought you to New York Film Academy?

Kirk & Kristian Beneby: We are twin brothers from Nassau, Bahamas. What brought us to New York Film Academy was its strong focus on the core of filmmaking and its hands-on approach. Before applying, we noticed how quickly students are immersed in actually creating films. We both learn best by doing and seeing things in action rather than just being told, so NYFA felt like the perfect fit for us.

NYFA Alumni Network: What projects have you worked on since graduating? 

Kirk & Kristian: Since graduating, we’ve worked on several indie feature films that are heading into festivals, with some still in post-production. Being on those sets for long days really deepened our appreciation for filmmaking. When you’re working with a passionate crew, it becomes like a family, and it’s an incredible feeling to collaborate with people who all want to bring something amazing to life.

NYFA Alumni Network: What are your roles on set? 

Kirk & Kristian: We’re part of the lighting and grip department, where we handle both lighting and grip equipment. That includes sourcing gear, working with rental houses, and sometimes using our own equipment. We also help build our crew. We’ve developed a strong group of collaborators, many of whom we met at NYFA, including Conor Clarke and Alan Yartey. We’ve become like brothers, and together we work to bring the director’s and cinematographer’s vision to life.

NYFA Alumni Network: As Gaffers and Key Grips, what specific technical and creative skills are essential for success in those roles?

Kirk & Kristian: First and foremost, it’s important to understand the story—its mood and tone. Communication with the cinematographer is key, making sure we fully understand their vision. From there, we determine what tools and lighting setups are needed to achieve that look. Reviewing the shot list and creating a floor plan are essential parts of the process.

We also need a strong understanding of how to shape and control light, and every project challenges us to think creatively and adapt. On the grip side, safety is a major responsibility, especially when it comes to rigging. Overall, our job is to make sure actors are lit beautifully to satisfy the director, the DP, and ultimately the audience—while always maintaining a safe working environment.

NYFA Alumni Network:  How do you collaborate with directors and cinematographers to achieve the desired visual style of a film?

Kirk & Kristian: Collaboration starts with communication. We sit down with the director and cinematographer to understand their vision, references, and intentions for the story. From there, we translate those ideas into practical setups—choosing the right lighting tools, designing the look, and adjusting on set as needed. It’s a continuous process of listening, adapting, and executing to make sure the final image matches the creative vision.

NYFA Alumni Network:  You’ve worked with experienced actors like Dennis Haysbert and Joe Pantoliano, and artists such as A$AP Rocky and Quavo. Tell us about those experiences.

Kirk & Kristian: Coming from the Bahamas, you don’t often see celebrities up close, so working alongside people we’ve watched on screen or listened to growing up has been surreal. Being in those creative spaces with such talented individuals is both inspiring and humbling. It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come and a real blessing to be part of this industry.

NYFA Alumni Network: How does working on music videos and commercials differ from working on feature films?

Kirk & Kristian: There’s definitely a difference. Feature films tend to move at a slower pace, allowing more time for pre-production and planning. Music videos and commercials, on the other hand, are much faster-paced with tighter turnarounds. They require quick thinking and creativity under pressure. We enjoy both, but the energy and speed of commercials and music videos make them especially exciting.

NYFA Alumni Network: What did you learn at NYFA that you apply directly to your projects?

Kirk & Kristian: One of the biggest lessons we learned is that preparation is everything. NYFA gave us constant opportunities to work on projects and collaborate with others, and that hands-on experience taught us how important planning is. From pre-production to execution, being organized and thinking through every possible scenario helps prevent problems on set. We also learned how to problem-solve quickly and effectively. Beyond filmmaking, these skills have carried over into our everyday lives planning and managing tasks has become second nature to us.

NYFA Alumni Network: Are you currently working on any future projects?

Kirk & Kristian: Yes, we recently wrapped a pilot for a TV series called Apex, which is currently being pitched to major platforms. We’re really excited about it—it’s funny, dramatic, and overall just a fun watch. Even while working on it, we found ourselves laughing at how entertaining it is. We’re hopeful it connects with audiences and brings joy and laughter to those who watch it. We also have several upcoming projects in early development, so there’s a lot in store for us in the near future.

NYFA Alumni Network congradulates Kirk & Kristian on their success!