Lighting designer / Technician

Lighting technicians produce the lighting effects seen in film and TV productions.

Their work ranges from lighting film/TV studios and locations, to providing basic spotlighting.

They can work alone for small productions or as part of a large crew with a feature film.

This is a senior role in the TV and film industries and you are likely to start in support roles in the Camera Department. The role forms part of a technical production team which often includes Sound and Light - more people are becoming multi-skills technicians.

The work of a lighting technician varies depending on whether they are working in film or TV production, but could include: helping to rig up the lighting equipment; and making sure that lighting equipment and generators are working.

They can also be: setting up generators on location; interpreting a lighting designer's plan; taking cues from the floor manager; programming consoles; planning where to run cables and place lights at film locations; and taking down the equipment after filming.

Earnings can be between £15,000 and £25,000 plus a year, although you may need to work for low pay at the start of your career.

Freelance work is much more common than full-time ongoing work, and rates can vary widely. You could negotiate fees based on the type of production and your own track record. Contact BECTU for current pay guidelines.

You could become a lighting technician by qualifying as an electrician and get practical experience in production lighting.

To qualify as a lighting electrician, you will need the City & Guilds Certificate in Electrotechnical Technology and relevant practical experience.

You could take the City & Guilds full- or part-time at a local college. For work experience, you may be able to find a traineeship with a specialist lighting company.

You could also look for experience in the following settings: lighting equipment hire companies; BBC work placements (competition for these is very strong); theatres or concert venues; amateur theatre; student or community film projects.

Contact Skillset Careers for more advice about getting into film and TV lighting.

It is a good idea to make a 'showreel' DVD of productions you have worked on, to show your skills to employers when looking for work.