Which role is primarily concerned with decisions on lighting and framing of shots?

The role primarily concerned with decisions on lighting and framing of shots is the Director of Photography (DoP). The DoP, sometimes referred to as the cinematographer, is responsible for the visual aspects of a film or video production. This includes selecting the camera angles, determining how lighting is utilized to enhance the mood and visibility of scenes, and framing each shot to effectively tell the story. The DoP works closely with the director to establish the film's visual style and ensures that the technical aspects align with the narrative goals.

In contrast, while the gaffer, as the head of the lighting department, executes the lighting plans set by the DoP, they do not typically make the creative decisions regarding these elements. The camera operator is focused on physically operating the camera and capturing the shots as directed, and the sound designer deals primarily with the audio elements of the production, including sound effects and music. Thus, the Director of Photography is the key figure in determining how lighting and framing contribute to the overall visual storytelling.