Lighting technicians produce the lighting effects seen in live theatre, music concerts and corporate events, and in film and TV work. Their work can range from providing basic stage lighting and spotlighting for a play or conference, to complex strobe lighting, lasers and special effects for outdoor concerts.

Lighting technicians follow ideas and instructions from lighting designers, directors or stage managers to plan and install suitable lighting. Depending on the type of production and their level of experience, they may:

• help to set up lighting equipment
• make sure that all lights, generators and other equipment are working properly
• set up generators to supply power to other equipment such as sound equipment and cameras
• take instructions and cues from the stage manager (theatre) or floor manager (TV)
• take down the equipment after use
• rig the lighting for a show
• programme lighting consoles
• loading automated colour change systems
• operate manual and computer-controlled lighting systems during a show
• plan where to run cables and place lights at an outdoor film location, taking into account any practical or technical problems
• manage the technical crew on a shoot.

See Skillset's website for more detailed information about the different job roles in film and TV lighting – see Further Information.

Hours and Environment

Lighting technicians may have to work long hours to meet the demands of a shooting schedule or performance. Hours often include evening and weekend work. During the day, technicians set up equipment for use in rehearsals. Evening shows may finish late at night, and technicians may work into the early hours of the morning to dismantle and pack up the equipment.

Touring productions and road shows travel the whole of the country and possibly overseas. Tours may last for months with long journeys between each venue. Film and television work can be just as demanding, and technicians may travel widely depending on the location of the shoot.

Working environments also vary a lot depending on the type of production. In theatres and studios the work can be very hot. Film/TV location work or outdoor concerts can involve working outside in all weather conditions.  Technicians often have to work at heights.

Technicians must wear protective clothing and equipment where necessary, for example for pyrotechnic work or working at heights.

Skills and Interests

To be a lighting technician you should:

• have a good knowledge of electrical systems, lighting effects and electronics
• be creative
• be interested in the entertainment industry
• be able to work quickly and as part of a team
• have good communication skills
• have good practical skills
• understand the importance of health and safety procedures
• be physically fit and feel comfortable working at heights.

Entry

There are two main routes that you can take to become a lighting technician. You will usually either:

• qualify as an electrician or electrical engineer, then get practical experience in theatre/concert or television/film lighting, or
• take a technical theatre course at college or university.

Electrician route
To qualify as an electrician, you must gain NVQ/SVQ Levels 2 and 3 in Electrotechnical Services. Before starting this course you will usually need at least three GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) including English and maths, or equivalent. See the Electrician profile for more information. You should also find work experience or a trainee position, for example:

• at a theatre or concert venue
• in a TV/film environment
• in a lighting equipment hire company.

Technical theatre courses
You could enter after taking a technical theatre course which includes units on lighting design and practice. Courses include:

• BTEC National Certificate or Diploma in Performing Arts (Technical)
• BTEC Higher National Certificate/Diploma (HNC/HND) in Performing Arts (Production)
• accredited drama school diplomas in technical theatre – see the National Council for Drama Training (NCDT) website
• degrees in lighting design, lighting technology or technical theatre.

To enter a BTEC National Certificate/Diploma you will usually need at least five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) or equivalent qualifications. For a HNC/HND you will normally need at least four GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) plus one A level/two Highers or equivalent; or five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) plus two A levels/three Highers for a degree. An Access to Higher Education qualification may also be accepted for entry to certain courses. Please check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements.

These courses do not guarantee entry – you must still get relevant work experience, and employers may still prefer you to be a fully-qualified electrician.

You can gain relevant experience from:

• working as casual show staff in theatres – contact theatres directly to ask about any available opportunities (see the Stagehand profile for more information)
• student theatre productions and concerts
• amateur theatre.

Contact Skillset Careers for advice about finding work experience in the film and TV industry – see Further Information section.

You may find that an LGV driving licence is an advantage in finding work.

Training

Even with electrical qualifications, you will usually start as a trainee or assistant and learn on the job from more experienced technicians. You will also be expected to develop a good working knowledge of how other departments work, as part of the whole production process.

As an experienced theatre lighting technician you could choose to take one of the following qualifications:

• BTEC Level 5 Diploma in Concert Lighting
• BTEC Level 5 Diploma in Light and Sound: Technical Theatre Management
• SVQ Levels 2 and 3 in Lighting (Live Performance) – Scotland only.

You can also take specialist short courses in areas like electrical safety, inspection and testing, pyrotechnics and rigging - the Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT) runs a range of relevant courses. Also see the Production Services Association (PSA) or Professional Lighting and Sound Association (PLASA) websites for details of other training companies offering short courses.

As a lighting technician in working in the film and TV industry, you can work towards the following new NVQs:

• Level 3 Film and Television (Lighting Technician, Best Boy, Console Operator or Generator Operator)
• Level 4 Film and Television (Gaffer).

See Skillset’s website for more information on the NVQs.

Some film schools, private training providers and equipment suppliers also offer short courses to update skills. Skillset and the British Film Institute jointly provide a database of media courses, including relevant courses for film and TV lighting technicians - see Skillset’s website for more details.

All qualified electricians must keep up to date with new regulations on electricity, wiring and equipment testing – see Electrician profile for more information on these courses.

Opportunities

After starting as a casual or assistant electrician in film/TV, you could expect promotion to electrician, senior electrician (known as best boy) and eventually chief electrician (gaffer). Very experienced senior technicians with knowledge of camera work may progress to become a lighting director or director of photography. In theatre, it is possible to progress to becoming a technical stage manager or lighting designer.

In film and television production, freelance contract work is very common and competition for work can be can be intense.

Lighting for special events, road shows, concerts and theatre is increasingly being taken over by specialist companies who employ freelance electricians on a contract basis.

Events, conferences and live shows is a growth area for work.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

A trainee theatrical electrician may start on around £10,000 a year.
Experienced lighting technicians in theatres could earn between £12,000 and £20,000.
Qualified electricians working in TV/film may earn £20,000 to £25,000 or more.

Experienced freelance lighting technicians working on major productions can earn much more. Freelance rates vary widely and may be calculated on a daily or weekly basis. Fees can be negotiated individually or from guidelines provided by the Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematograph and Theatre Union (BECTU). Rates will vary depending on experience, the type of production and the budget available.

Further information

Tel: 08080 300 900 for England, Wales and Northern Ireland
Tel: 0808 100 8094 for Scotland Prospect House
80-110 New Oxford Street
London
WC1A 1HB 38 St Leonards Road
Eastbourne
East Sussex
BN21 3UT
Tel: 01323 410335 PO Box 2709
Bath
BA1 3YS
Tel:01225 332668 1-7 Woburn Walk
London
WC1H 0JJ
Tel: 020 7387 3650 55 Farringdon Road
London
EC1M 3JB
Tel: 020 7242 9200

373-377 Clapham Road London SW9 9BT http://www.bectu.org.uk