An independent spirit from the start, David Whittaker began his career as a freelance electrician in the early 1980s. David's career in the film industry was born in New York City where he worked on commercials, television movies and music videos for such clients as HBO Productions and MTV.
During the mid 1980’s, he moved to Wisconsin and free lanced for Kohler Company, working on corporate videos and stills for their catalogs and sales brochures. He also worked with local television stations on miscellaneous commercials.
Due to his independent and free spirit, he found little challenge in the Wisconsin production industry; therefore once again decided to relocate in the early 1990’s. Moving his business to Chicago, David continued his career in a more challenging market. As he anticipated growth, he began purchasing gear, enabling him to offer not only his professional service, but a variety of commonly used lights. As he continued to grow, he purchased his first 5 ton truck, outfitting it with grip and electric gear and a complete lighting package. This enabled him to continue working in commercials as well as giving him the opportunity to expand his repertoire to feature films and television series. While in Chicago, David worked on commercials for Kraft Cheese, Sears, Chicago Tribune, Miller Brewing Co and AT&T. He also worked on television series, such as “Unexplained”, “America’s Most Wanted”, “Tough Target” and “American Justice”.
In 1998, anticipating a slow down in the Chicago film industry, David once again made the decision to relocate his company to Los Angeles. He continues to work in commercials and feature films as a Lighting Director/Gaffer as well as an established boutique style rental company. He has clients for whom he works on a regular basis, such as Three and Two Films and Gallanty & Co., along with a variety of production companies lighting commercials, videos and low budget features.
David Whittaker is owner and President of Light Brigade, where he works as Lighting Director/Gaffer. In addition to his professional services, he offers customized truck and van packages, including, but not limited to lighting, grip and electric, and generators, as well as a team of professional crew members. For more information regarding Light Brigade, please contact David at (818) 834-4441.