Lighting technician, broadcasting/film/video

Lighting technicians use their technical skills to set up and operate lighting for TV shows, films and concerts

You'll play a key role in creating the atmosphere for a production, whether in a studio or outside on location. Your work will help create the right mood, enhance storytelling and influence the audience's response to the action.

You'll typically work as part of a team, handling specialist equipment, rigging lights at different heights and ensuring smooth transitions between scenes. The role is both technical and creative, requiring problem-solving skills and a strong understanding of lighting design to achieve the director's vision.

You'll need to adhere to strict health and safety standards at all times, especially when working with electrical systems, heavy lifting and live cables.

Lighting technicians are in demand across TV, film, theatre and live events, such as concerts.

Responsibilities

As a lighting technician, you'll typically need to:

• assemble all the lighting and filter equipment needed
• set up and rig lighting equipment for studio and location shoots
• ensure all lighting equipment is in working order and perform safety tests
• arrange scaffolding, cranes and other rigging equipment as needed
• position and plot lighting to achieve the desired effect
• pre-rig lighting, ensuring all cables and wires are safely secured and concealed
• load automated colour change systems
• check the focusing of lighting at rehearsals
• operate and maintain lighting equipment throughout the shoot
• make lighting adjustments between shots as necessary
• program and operate lighting consoles
• troubleshoot any technical lighting issues
• de-rig equipment at the end of production, ensuring safe transportation and storage
• work as part of a large crew, particularly on feature films and high-budget productions
• take direction from the gaffer (head electrician/head of lighting) and best boy (gaffer's assistant) throughout the project
• keep up to date with industry trends and developments in lighting technology.

In more senior roles, you'll also need to:

• visit and assess locations for technical and logistical suitability
• attend pre-production meetings to determine lighting requirements
• work closely with the director of photography and other key staff to translate creative vision into lighting design
• coordinate with other departments, including sound, camera, floor management and production
• review footage with the director to evaluate lighting effectiveness
• manage the lighting budget and advise on equipment purchase or hire
• decide on the lighting crew numbers and equipment needed and then employ the crew and hire the equipment
• determine crew size and equipment needs, then recruit the team and arrange the hire of equipment
• coordinate the equipment and the technical crew and train other crew members as required
• conduct risk assessments and ensure all health and safety protocols related to lighting are followed.

Salary

• Salaries vary depending upon the type of production and your level of experience, but you can usually earn between around £16,000 (for apprenticeships and trainee roles) and £40,000 for experienced lighting technicians.
• The Broadcasting, Entertainment, Cinematograph and Theatre Union (BECTU) recommends that the standard day rate for lighting technicians in television drama ranges from £324.70 (Band 1) to £368.11 (Band 4). This is for a standard working day (SWD) of 10 hours with a one-hour unpaid lunch break or a continuous working day (CWD) of nine hours without a lunch break.
• For major motion pictures, BECTU recommends a standard day rate of £416.55 for shooting - 11 hours plus one-hour lunch (SWD) or ten hours (CWD) - or £340.82 for rigging for a SWD of nine hours and one-hour lunch.
• If you're working as a lighting technician on a commercial, BECTU recommends a daily rate of £443 for a 10-hour plus one-hour lunch shooting and rigging and £358 for rigging or prep (eight hours).

These rates are inclusive of holiday pay.

Most lighting work is done on a freelance basis, so you must expect to negotiate rates according to your experience and the type of production you'll be working on.

Income data from BECTU. Salary figures are intended as a guide only.

Working hours

Expect long and irregular working hours, especially on film and TV productions and live events. A standard day in television typically lasts around 10 hours, plus a one-hour lunch break. Start times vary but are usually between 7am and 10am, and some shoots may require working late into the night.

What to expect

• Work environments vary widely. You could be based in a TV studio, which may be hot and crowded, on a film set, in buildings not designed for complex lighting setups or outdoors, where you'll need to contend with changing weather conditions.
• The work can be physically demanding. You'll need to be comfortable working at height, whether on ladders, scaffolding, cranes or walkways above the studio floor.
• Health and safety regulations often require the use of protective clothing, including hard hats, safety boots and overalls.
• While London and the South East remain key hubs for broadcast production, there are growing opportunities in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The North West, particularly Manchester and Liverpool, has seen an increase in production companies, and many BBC services are now based in Salford.
• Extended periods away from home are common, especially for location shoots. Some productions require working abroad for several months, especially for major films.

Qualifications

Although you don't need a degree to become a lighting technician, there are a range of lighting degree courses available, mainly offered by drama schools teaching lighting for performance.

Taking a Level 3 qualification in electrical installation is another way into the profession. For information on the various ways to qualify as an electrician, see Electrical careers.

Another option is to take the Level 3 Creative Industries Production Technician apprenticeship. Find an apprenticeship.

Some lighting technicians start out as production electricians or camera operators or even working for lighting supply companies before moving into the role of lighting technician after further training. It's also possible to start out in theatre or live events before moving into TV and film. There are also some entry-level positions available that allow you to train on the job.

For more information on industry-recognised qualifications and career pathways, visit ScreenSkills.

Skills

You'll need to have:

• a combination of technical knowledge, lighting skills and creative flair
• manual dexterity and a good level of physical fitness
• the ability to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• excellent time management and organisational skills
• the ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team
• effective communication skills to liaise with crew members and other departments
• attention to detail to achieve the desired lighting effects
• strong problem-solving skills for troubleshooting issues on set or location
• IT and numeracy skills, particularly for operating lighting consoles and managing electrical loads
• a proactive approach to work
• knowledge and understanding of health and safety regulations and procedures.

A driving licence is often required, particularly for travelling between locations or transporting equipment.

Work experience

Relevant pre-entry experience, either paid or voluntary, is essential for breaking into the industry. Some degree courses include a year-long paid industrial placement, providing hands-on experience and valuable industry contacts that can help when looking for a job after graduation.

Large broadcasters, such as the BBC, ITV and Channel 4, run structured work experience schemes, but these are highly competitive. You should also consider alternative opportunities such as:

• gaining experience with specialist lighting companies or lighting equipment hire companies that supply the film, TV and events industries
• approaching film and TV production companies direct for work experience - listings such as Pact - Find a Member can help you identify potential employers
• seeking opportunities with regional screen agencies or shadowing a professional lighting director.

You can also develop your practical skills by:

• working on student or community film projects at university or college
• volunteering with amateur dramatics companies or drama societies to help with stage lighting
• seeking out postgraduate film students or independent video makers and offering to light their projects.

You'll need to build up a portfolio showcasing your work to show to prospective employers.

Networking is also key and you should attend industry events and workshops (such as those run by ScreenSkills) to connect with professionals working in lighting who may be prepared to offer work experience or shadowing opportunities.

Getting free student membership of the Society of Television Lighting and Design (STLD) is also helpful for developing a professional network you can learn from.

Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.

Employers

Many lighting technicians work on a freelance basis both within television and film and on live events. Jobs are available with specialist lighting companies. You can usually contact them directly to find out about opportunities.

You can find details of specialist lighting companies by reading the credits on films and TV programmes, and by researching companies in directories such as:

• Kays
• Screen Global Production
• Pact - Find a Member

It's sometimes possible to find entry-level jobs with lighting equipment hire companies.

Look for job vacancies at:

• grapevinejobs
• Mandy

Professional development

Most training is carried out on the job. Lighting skills are usually developed through observing, questioning and working under the supervision of an experienced lighting technician.

To advance in your career, you'll need to take responsibility for your own professional development. If you're a freelance technician, you'll need to invest in training courses yourself, both in terms of time and cost. Make the most of opportunities to learn from experienced colleagues and industry contacts.

Specialist courses are available in areas such as:

• lighting design
• technical lighting
• safe working with lights and cameras.

The ScreenSkills Select directory lists college and university courses with strong industry links, making it a useful resource for finding relevant training.

Joining professional organisations such as the STLD can help you to keep up to date with industry developments, expand your professional network and access training opportunities.

Reading trade publications and industry news is also essential for staying informed about new lighting equipment, techniques and best practices.

Career prospects

Your career prospects will largely depend on your skills, experience and industry reputation. The more experience you gain, the better your chances of securing work, as many opportunities come through word-of-mouth recommendations. To build a successful career, you'll need to be hardworking, approachable and open to new opportunities.

Developing a strong network of industry contacts is key to advancing in this field. Attending industry events, networking with professionals, and staying active in lighting communities can help you establish a solid reputation and secure future work.

Progression within film or TV may lead to roles such as:

• best boy (senior electrician)
• gaffer (chief electrician).

In film and high-end TV drama, the director of photography leads the lighting department. While senior lighting technicians may transition into this role, it's more commonly filled by professionals from the camera department.

Most lighting technicians eventually specialise in a particular area due to the specific demands and knowledge required for different types of productions. In television, for example, you might focus on live shows, studio-based programming or outside broadcasts.

Some lighting technicians move into sound operations or combine sound and lighting expertise, while others transition into special effects, production design or event lighting.

If you're working as a freelance technician, you may be able to supplement your income by training others, working for recognised course providers. Or you could offer your services to the photographic industry in addition to broadcasting, film and video.