Seamus McGarvey ASC, BSC, ISC
Director of Photography
Kevin is without doubt one of the most creative Gaffers I have ever worked with. I have enjoyed working with him on a number of projects including The Nevers. He has a lovely demeanour in all scenarios he is lighting. He excels in the most challenging of set ups and his sense of humour and dedication to the craft are always front and centre.
I would have no hesitation in giving Kevin the highest recommendation to any DP or Producer who will call me for a reference.
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0568974/
Ryan Kernaghan
Director of Photography
I’ve been lucky enough to work with Kevin a number of times, most recently on Kneecap in 2023.
On each occasion I’ve worked with Kevin his expertise and ingenuity has been absolutely invaluable in making the project a success. The support he’s able to provide to a cinematographer is fantastic, whether it be his input in the creative process, his logistical expertise or his ability to find solutions to complex problems.
His breadth of experience from having worked on productions of every budget level means that he’s always able to suggest the right tools for the job and has the foresight to know what’s required far in advance of it being requested, always working seamlessly with production and always prepared to go above and beyond to ensure the shoot goes smoothly.
His electrical and rigging teams are also the best you could hope to work with and like Kevin they work brilliantly alongside the rest of the crew and are a vital asset to every production they’re on.
Stephen Murphy BSC, ISC
Director of Photography
I’ve worked with Kevin several times over the last five years. I first worked with Kevin as Rigging Gaffer on Krypton S1 and it was clear that he had developed a keen eye and would make an excellent Gaffer.
I asked him to join me as main unit Gaffer on ‘Death and Nightingales’ for BBC a year later. Sharply followed by S2 of “Hanna” for Amazon. Kevin works incredibly hard for his Cinematographer and his many years of experience as a Rigging Gaffer means he can confidently light large sets and manage large crews with ease. He works very well on the floor. Kevin has an easy-going demeanour and works very well with production teams.
I've since tried to take Kevin on several other jobs but he has become a very popular Gaffer and isn’t always available!
He surrounds himself with an excellent crew of floor sparks so I always feel in good hands and it's clear he’s always got the best interests of the Cinematographer at heart. I look forward to working with Kevin again and I'd highly recommend him to any other Cinematographer looking for a gaffer.
Fabian Wagner ASC BSC
Director of Photography
I've worked with Kevin on numerous jobs over the last 10 years and he's always been a great addition to the team and to me. Whether early on working for the gaffer or later as a gaffer, for me he was always helpful, knowledgeable and creative.
He has a great attitude and a good team around him that will get anything done that you need as a DoP. He is helpful and always has a solution ready in case something doesn't work out the way it was planned.
I've always had a great experience working with Kevin and his team, and his knowledge has always helped me deliver everything that was needed from me, creatively and from a time perspective.
I would highly recommend him as a gaffer.
https://www.fabianwagnerdop.com
Alejandro Martinez
Director of Photography
I have worked with Kevin Heatherington for the last 2 years since we first met while shooting Season 1 for the acclaimed HBO show, House of the Dragon. Kevin has amazing expertise and has a way of collaborating and helping through a production, these make him an invaluable person to have on a set.
He helped me achieve all my goals and more. It was quite often that I found myself asking for his advise and expertise on the matter of rigging, lighting and general craft. His work on the now ASC award nominated Episode 9 for House of the Dragon was fundamental. He was a big part of the success of the show and I am sure I can speak for everybody who worked with him. I not only recommend but fully encourage anybody to hire Kevin as a leading part of their electrical team. He is definitely somebody that I will call again for action.
All these being said, and in a most important way, Kevin is an honest and amazing human being. A true friend.
Bernhard Jasper
Director of Photography
To work with Kevin Heatherington and his team was a great experience and a lot fun. Kevin's expertise made the work very smooth and easy. He supported me in my creativity, and we had a great dialogue in finding solutions and saving money. Kevin helped me achieve my visual aims very easily and in a partnership with the production.
All the deadlines for rigging and lighting were easily held. Kevin’s rigging and shooting crews are absolutely great! Finding solutions is the aim.
All in all, the team around Kevin Heatherington are highly professional and one of the best teams I’ve ever worked with.
Janine Cobain
Producer / Line Producer
I’ve worked with Kevin on several productions with varying budgets. As well as being an experienced Gaffer, Kevin has a ‘production friendly’ ethos, working with the team to get the best outcome available within the budget constraints that exist to service the DoP and Director’s creative objective.
Kevin always brings with him a talented, hardworking team, who follow his example of creating a respectful, productive working environment and I would be happy to recommend him for any production.
Production Designer
I’ve recently worked with Kevin on ‘Lift’ for Netflix in Belfast; it was an overall great experience. Kevin worked well interdepartmentally across the production. Going above and beyond to facilitate the lighting needs but also by helping where he could by all he came across. Kevin and his team brought great energy, fun and an approachable manner.
I couldn’t have asked for my sets to have been lit better.
On behalf of me and all the art department, we couldn’t recommend Kevin more.
David Morgan
ACO
I worked with Kevin Heatherington for eight series of Game of Thrones, it was a challenging project for all technical departments. The electricians had a particularly hard time, working in all weather conditions along with difficult locations. Kevin was a great example to all. Always cheerful and ready to help. I used Kevin as my gaffer for all second unit work, I found him to be very helpful and always made great suggestions.
Kevin has a lot of experience as an electrician, best boy, rigging gaffer and now gaffer. I found him a pleasure to work with.
Chuck Finch
Electrical Gaffer
I have known and worked with Kevin for 17 years and in that time I've found him to be a first class technician. Kevin has a good eye for detail and the construction of the lighting. Kevin is highly respected by his crew because he knows his craft inside out.
I would recommend Kevin to any DOP that needs a top man who really knows his job.
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0277400/
Ossie Jung
Prolight Direct
I have been working with Kevin over the last few years, what impresses me most is his willingness to adopt new and innovative technologies.
Many people just stick with what they know. Kevin will seek out the latest fixtures on the market and with his experience he will choose the ones which help him to work more efficiently and productively. He is always looking for ways to save rigging time, use less power and cable.
By saving this time and effort in set up, this allows him and his DOP more time to be creative and achieve better end results. A lot of the time these new tools also give him and his DOP the opportunity to create new looks which help them stand out from the crowd.
Terry McAviney
Head of TV and Film Division, Balloo Hire Centres
Balloo Hire have worked closely with Kevin Heatherington on a wide range of productions over the last 10 years and we can honestly say that every time was a pleasure. We have found Kevin to be a master of his craft and his knowledge of the Boom lifts, Scissor Lifts and Generators that he uses is parallel to our own. Kevin’s machine selection for the job that he is intending to do is correct the first time, every time.
When we need to transport our machines to some of the more imaginable places that Kevin films in, he always makes sure that our Lorries will fit or any potential problems are relayed to us. Kevin makes sure that we get detailed maps and the attention to detail shown by Kevin is first class and a great help to our Transport Department.
We find that Kevin’s attention to detail follows him through all aspects of his work including the administration side of his job. Kevin is always on time with requests for machines and following up with detailed on and off hire plans and crucially for our accounts team, arranging for order numbers to be given to us prior to the delivery of the machines, it is not uncommon for the Balloo Hire Accounts Team to ask if Kevin is doing a particular Job.
Bradley Gallo
AMASIA Entertainment
Firstly, a little about myself and my credibility to support Kevin Heatherington. My name is Bradley Gallo, and I am a Co-Founder of AMASIA Entertainment. A successful TV & Film Production company. Over the years, I have successfully produced many hits, which have been produced in different countries all over the world.
Most recently, our latest film took place in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It was here that I was lucky enough to be introduced to Kevin. With numerous years experience in the TV & Film industry, I have been blessed to work with some of the most talented crew around the world. Needless to say Kevin falls into this category. Kevin’s ability to stay one step ahead, and adapt to changing circumstances on any given day, makes him an ideal candidate to work with. His ability to lead a team and maintain a positive approach, is the kind that can only be learned from years of experience. I have observed how Kevin’s brilliance, collaboration, and talent, would be advantageous to any production fortunate enough to secure his services. His unrelenting work ethic combined with endless creativity, are a wonderful example of how he is a role model in the arts industry. I wholeheartedly believe Kevin will continue to be an irreplaceable asset to the Northern Irish Film Industry. Raising the already high bar to new heights. The industry would be lost without such a leader as Kevin Heatherington, and I look forward to working with him on future projects.
My experience on the Belfast shoot of “Worldbreakers” has, and will continue to be, a memorable one.