If you want to begin a career in lighting, you should consider becoming a Lighting Technician.  As a lighting tech, you will be called upon to work in the lighting department on a film, stage production or television broadcast. You will work alongside the lighting designer to ensure that their vision is brought to life by the correct positioning of the lighting equipment and the programming of the lighting system.

Your day to day duties will vary dramatically depending on exactly what you are working on, but they could include anything from interpreting the lighting plot, to ordering more light bulbs. You will also be required to work alongside other members of the backstage or production crew, so you will need to have good communication skills and be a team player.

To become a lighting technician, you may consider getting a degree or working your way up from an entry-level position, gaining skills in lighting on the job. You can find lighting technician jobs at concert venues, theater, film studios, and in television broadcast production companies. Lighting technicians also manage the lighting needs for special events, such as speeches, outdoor concerts, and large receptions. In any lighting tech role, you need to know the fundamentals of electricity and design concepts.

The Hands-On Route

There are different ways to become a lighting technician, and however you get there you will need to be dedicated to providing first-class lighting solutions, as well as being prepared to work unsociable hours on productions and be available at a moment’s notice.

One of the most common ways to move into the lighting industry without direct training is to utilize your skills and experience as an electrician and diversify into specializing in theatre or set lighting. You could also take a lighting technician course or apprenticeship.

It is also helpful if you have some experience of working in theaters or live music venues too.  While at university or college, you could try working on a student film project or join dramatic companies or drama societies, as gaining an understanding of lighting for the stage will give you a good grounding in the technical aspects of the job.

The Degree Qualification Route

Alternatively, you could study to obtain a degree in theatrical production arts or similar.  These types of courses will teach you more about programming lighting, the use of new technology and how to operate sophisticated lighting tools, as well as offering an introduction to architectural and theatrical lighting design.

As a lighting technician, you will need to not only understand how lighting works, but also be able to demonstrate high-level technical and creative skills in order to follow instructions that ensure the desired production lighting is achieved.  These skills will also be worked on when you undertake a course that is designed specifically for individuals who want to work on lighting within the creative industry, as opposed to within the residential or commercial sector.

Could You Be A Lighting Technician?

As a lighting tech you will get to work on some super cool stage and television events, including live studio records, music concerts, and even world-class sporting events, but you will need to be flexible and when and where you work and be able to work long hours in a physically demanding job.

First Class Lighting from Frank Gatto & Associates

With over 30 years of experience within the lighting industry, Frank and his team have all worked hard to be some of the very best in the business today.  Call the team at (561) 368-0101 to find out more about their leading lighting solutions here in Florida.

Frank Gatto & Associates, Inc. are specialists in lighting for television events of all kinds.  If you have an event that needs expert lighting, please call us today to see how we can help.

Phone: 561-368-0101

Email: frank@frankgattolighting.com 

We can be found on Social Media at the following links.