If a filmmaker needs to shape light, which department do they work with?

When a filmmaker needs to shape light, they collaborate primarily with the grip department. The grip team is responsible for manipulating lighting equipment to control the quality and direction of light on set. This includes using flags, reflectors, diffusers, and other tools to modify natural or artificial light to achieve the desired visual effects in a scene. Their expertise ensures that lighting is not only functional but also artistic, catering to the director's vision.

While the cinematography department is crucial for capturing the light on camera and making aesthetic decisions, it is the grip team that physically adjusts the light's properties during filming. Sound and editing departments are not focused on lighting but rather on audio elements and post-production visual assembly, respectively. Therefore, the grip department is the correct answer since they specifically handle the tools and techniques necessary for shaping light effectively.