Cable Person (Cable Wrangler)

The Unsung Heroes of Film Production

Discover the vital role of Cable Persons in film production - the safety guardians and movement enablers who ensure smooth camera operations, lighting setups, and on-set efficiency through expert cable management and situational awareness.

What is a Cable Person?

A Cable Person (also known as Cable Wrangler) is a specialized crew member responsible for managing, routing, and maintaining all cables on a film set. They work closely with both the Lighting and Camera departments to ensure safe, efficient cable management during production.

Cable laying and routing for camera and lighting equipment
Professional cable coiling and storage
Clearing paths for mobile rigs and dollies
Ensuring on-set safety and preventing trip hazards
Professional camera cable management setup

Professional cable management setup on a film set

Film Production Hierarchy

Film crew hierarchy chart

Director

Creative vision and overall leadership

DP & Gaffer

Cinematography and lighting direction

Cable Person

Supports both camera and lighting teams

Supporting Smooth Camera and Lighting Movement

Camera Department Support

  • Managing video cables for camera feeds and monitoring systems
  • Planning cable routes for dolly tracks and moving shots
  • Assisting with handheld and stabilizer rig cable management
  • Protecting expensive camera equipment from cable damage

Lighting Department Support

  • Running power cables to lighting fixtures and equipment
  • Managing dimmer board and control signal cables
  • Assisting with lighting setup and breakdown
  • Ensuring electrical safety and proper grounding

Cable Wrangling in Action

Professional cable wrangling techniques and best practices

Mastering Cable Management

Over-under cable coiling technique demonstration

Professional over-under coiling technique

The Over-Under Method

The over-under coiling method is the industry standard for cable management. This technique prevents cable memory and ensures cables lay flat when deployed, extending their lifespan and reducing tangles.

1 Start with the cable connector in your non-dominant hand
2 First loop: coil "over" in a natural clockwise direction
3 Second loop: twist and coil "under" in counter-clockwise direction
4 Continue alternating over-under pattern throughout the cable

Over-Under Coiling Tutorial

Step-by-step guide to professional cable coiling

Best Practices
  • • Use gaffer tape to secure cables at stress points
  • • Label cables clearly for easy identification
  • • Keep power and signal cables separated
  • • Plan cable runs before equipment setup
  • • Use cable guards in high-traffic areas
  • • Inspect cables regularly for damage
Common Mistakes
  • • Coiling cables in the same direction (creates memory)
  • • Running cables across walkways without protection
  • • Mixing power and signal cables in same conduit
  • • Leaving loose coils that can create trip hazards
  • • Using inadequate strain relief at connections
  • • Ignoring manufacturer bend radius specifications

Safety and Situational Awareness

Dangerous Cable Layouts

Person tripping over cable - safety hazard
  • • Cables running across pedestrian pathways
  • • Loose coils left on the ground
  • • No cable protection in high-traffic areas
  • • Poor visibility of cable runs
  • • Inadequate securing of overhead cables

Safe Cable Management

Professional cable management with proper protection
  • • Cable guards protecting walkways
  • • Proper cable routing along walls
  • • Clear marking of cable paths
  • • Secure overhead cable management
  • • Regular safety inspections

Essential Safety Guidelines

Personal Protection

Always wear appropriate PPE including safety boots and high-visibility clothing when working around cables.

Situational Awareness

Maintain constant awareness of crew movement, equipment changes, and potential hazards throughout the day.

Team Communication

Maintain clear communication with all departments about cable routes and any safety concerns.

Film Set Safety Fundamentals

Comprehensive overview of film set safety practices and protocols

Practical Learning Exercise

Cable Route Planning Worksheet

Practice planning cable routes for common film production scenarios. Consider safety, efficiency, and equipment requirements.

Scenario 1: Dolly Shot Setup

Plan the cable route for a 20-foot dolly track with camera, monitoring, and lighting requirements.

  • • Camera power and video feeds
  • • Monitor cables for director/script supervisor
  • • Track lighting requirements
  • • Crew movement paths
Scenario 2: Handheld Following Shot

Manage cables for a handheld camera following actors through multiple rooms.

  • • Wireless transmission options
  • • Cable length calculations
  • • Path clearing coordination
  • • Real-time cable management
Cable Coiling Technique Assessment

Match the coiling technique to the appropriate scenario:

Scenario: 100-foot extension cable that will be used daily

Correct Answer: Over-under method - prevents cable memory and extends lifespan

Best Beginner Resources

Video Tutorials

  • • Cable coiling technique demonstrations
  • • Set safety walkthrough videos
  • • Professional workflow examples
  • • Equipment handling best practices

Study Materials

  • • Film production safety manuals
  • • Cable management reference guides
  • • Industry standard procedures
  • • Equipment specification sheets

Practical Training

  • • Student film production volunteer work
  • • Film school workshops and labs
  • • Industry mentorship programs
  • • Equipment rental house training

Certifications

  • • OSHA safety training certification
  • • First aid and CPR certification
  • • Electrical safety awareness
  • • Equipment handling certifications

Industry Networking

  • • Local film industry meetups
  • • Professional film crew groups
  • • Online film production communities
  • • Industry conference attendance

Technical Knowledge

  • • Cable types and specifications
  • • Power distribution systems
  • • Signal flow and connectivity
  • • Troubleshooting common issues

Key Takeaways

Essential Skills

  • • Master the over-under coiling technique
  • • Develop strong situational awareness
  • • Learn to anticipate crew movement patterns
  • • Build communication skills with all departments
  • • Understand basic electrical safety principles

Professional Impact

  • • Enable smooth camera and lighting operations
  • • Prevent costly equipment damage
  • • Maintain safe working environment
  • • Support efficient production workflow
  • • Build reputation as reliable crew member