Lighting Technician

Lighting technicians are responsible, both creatively and technically, for lighting interior and outside scenes or performances and for the lighting effects seen in theatres, music venues, and film and TV productions. By arranging the equipment and adjusting the intensity of the light, they achieve a variety of effects to dramatically alter the mood and shape of the visual image for audiences. Effects range from basic stage lighting and spotlighting for plays or musicals to strobe, searchlight, and special effects lighting for outside concerts or helping to provide the relevant lighting and power supply for television or film productions.

Their main responsibilities are to set up and operate lighting equipment during concerts, theatre performances, television broadcasts, films or video productions, under instructions from lighting directors.

Television outside broadcasts usually require more complex lighting than television studio productions. Film work can involve highly-complex lighting designs and may also require many special lighting effects.

Hours of work are usually long, antisocial and unpredictable. Working environments vary enormously - from working in theatres, concert halls or TV studios to working outside on location in streets or other open spaces.

Salaries range from £9,500 to £24,000. Overtime payments may be available during productions.

Lighting technicians must:

• have an aptitude for electrical work and electronics
• have creative flair
• be able to work quickly and creatively as part of a team
• have patience, stamina, physical agility and a head for heights.

Employers include theatres, concert venues, television and video production companies, film producers and facilities companies. Lighting for special events, road shows and rock concerts is a growth area.

This is a skilled technical role, and all lighting technicians must be fully-qualified electricians. It is possible to qualify as a lighting technician by doing a vocational qualification or a degree. Relevant work experience, paid or voluntary, is a definite advantage. Adult entry is common, since experience is highly valued.

Most training takes place on the job. Lighting technicians are expected to undertake additional training throughout their careers to keep their knowledge up to date.

Career progression depends on skills and experience. Gaining qualifications could lead to a career in lighting design and eventually to becoming a lighting director. Some lighting technicians move into special effects or production design.

Further details