Daniel McNutt

“DoPchoice has really made some nice advancements in the last couple of years with the AIRGLOW^® line”

Consistency Across Expansive Worlds

For Daniel McNutt, ICLS, gaffer of seasons 2–5 of Hacks, consistency is key. The multi-Emmy-winning comedy-drama—starring Jean Smart as Deborah Vance and Hannah Einbinder as Ava Daniels—moves across large-scale locations from Las Vegas casinos to Los Angeles interiors. To maintain a cohesive look, McNutt used DoPchoice AIRGLOW^® with Creamsource Vortex and LiteGear LiteTile, particularly for scenes on the move.

A Signature Soft-Light Approach

Working with cinematographer Adam Bricker, McNutt helped refine a lighting style built on large, soft sources that support the show’s emotional shifts without drawing attention. The production relies on an extensive lighting package, and as McNutt notes, “Having done so many episodes for the same show, I have really grown to respect consistency when it comes to lighting and watching it do its part in the storytelling process.”

Solving the Walk-and-Talk Challenge

That consistency was put to the test during walk-and-talk sequences following Deborah and Ava through obstacle-filled environments. “We don’t do a ton of walk and talks, but each season we do have a few and they often carry crucial story elements,” McNutt explains. “We didn’t want to sacrifice our lighting approach.”

“I feel like it has filled a gap that I didn’t really know needed to be filled”

AIRGLOW^® Flexibility on the Move

To maintain the big soft source look on the move, McNutt turned to an AIRGLOW^® Frame with LiteGear LiteTile. The inflatable 4x8’ frame allowed the crew to move seamlessly with the actors, while a 4x2’ frame worked alongside it. The team could transition between the two, fading one out as the other came into frame, keeping the lighting consistent through complex spaces.

“I have really grown to respect consistency when it comes to lighting”

Tight Spaces, Strong Teamwork

In tighter locations, McNutt also relied on the AIRGLOW^® Booklight, noting, “DoPchoice has really made some nice advancements… I feel like it has filled a gap that I didn’t really know needed to be filled.” He also credits his crew as essential to the show’s success. With Season 5 now wrapped and premiering April 9, 2026 on HBO Max, McNutt’s work highlights the value of a disciplined approach supported by the right tools and team.