Film and Television Lighting Technician Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the dazzling world of film and television, the role of a lighting technician shines with significance.

As media industries evolve, so does the demand for skilled individuals who can create, manage, and maintain our visual spectacles.

But let’s delve deeper: What is really expected from a film and television lighting technician?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A casting director outlining the perfect hire,
• Or simply fascinated by the inner workings of film and television lighting,

You’ve landed at the right spot.

Today, we present a tailored film and television lighting technician job description template, designed for easy uploading on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive straight into it.

Film and Television Lighting Technician Duties and Responsibilities

Film and Television Lighting Technicians are responsible for setting up and operating lighting equipment in film and television productions.

They play a crucial role in shaping the look and mood of a scene.

The duties and responsibilities of a Film and Television Lighting Technician include:

• Reading scripts and discussing production requirements with the Director of Photography and other members of the production team
• Setting up lighting equipment on set or on location
• Operating a variety of lighting equipment, including spotlights, light meters, and diffusers
• Modifying the position and intensity of lighting to achieve the desired effects
• Maintaining and troubleshooting lighting equipment
• Adhering to safety standards and procedures to ensure that the set or location is safe
• Collaborating with other crew members, such as camera operators, to ensure consistent lighting
• Documenting work and settings for future reference or for use in other scenes or productions
• Disassembling equipment after filming, ensuring it is properly stored or transported

 

Film and Television Lighting Technician Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are in search of a skilled Film and Television Lighting Technician to join our dynamic production team.

The responsibilities of the Lighting Technician include setting up and operating lighting equipment, collaborating with the production team to create lighting effects, and ensuring the safety of all lighting equipment.

A successful Lighting Technician should have a deep understanding of the technical aspects of lighting, a good eye for detail, and the ability to work well under pressure.

Ultimately, a top-notch Lighting Technician should be able to translate the artistic visions of the production team into high-quality lighting designs.

 

Responsibilities

• Setting up and operating lighting equipment during filming or live performances.
• Working closely with the director and the design team to create lighting effects that align with the production’s vision.
• Maintaining and repairing lighting equipment.
• Ensuring all lighting equipment is safely secured at all times.
• Keeping up-to-date with the latest lighting techniques and technology.
• Monitoring the use of lighting equipment to avoid overheating.
• Ensuring the proper storage and transportation of lighting equipment.
• Assisting with other technical elements of the production as needed.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Lighting Technician.
• Strong understanding of electrical systems and lighting design.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to lift and transport heavy lighting equipment.
• Knowledge of safety procedures for handling electrical equipment.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• High school diploma or GED. A degree in Film, Media, or related field is advantageous.

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Access to the latest lighting technology and equipment

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Film and Television Lighting Technician
• Work Environment: Varied locations including outdoor and indoor film sets, studios, and live venues. The role may require extensive travel and irregular working hours.
• Reporting Structure: Typically reports to the Director of Photography or Lighting Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $40,000 minimum to $65,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Film and Television Lighting Technician Do?

Film and Television Lighting Technicians, also known as gaffers, work in the film and television industry and play an essential role in producing high-quality visual content.

They are primarily responsible for the setup, placement, and operation of lighting equipment to create effective lighting effects as per the director’s or cinematographer’s vision.

This includes the use of both natural and artificial light sources.

These technicians also manipulate the color, intensity, and shadows of the light to set the mood and tone of scenes.

They often use tools such as diffusers, reflectors, and filters to achieve the desired lighting effects.

They collaborate closely with the director of photography to understand the script and plan the lighting requirements for each scene.

They may also work with the electrical department to manage the power supply for the lighting equipment.

In live television broadcasts, Lighting Technicians are tasked with adjusting lights in real-time to accommodate changes in camera angles or action sequences.

They also ensure the safety of the lighting equipment and crew by implementing and following strict safety procedures.

In addition to this, they may also be responsible for routine maintenance and repair of lighting equipment.

This role often requires a good understanding of electrical systems, a keen eye for detail and strong problem-solving abilities.

 

Film and Television Lighting Technician Qualifications and Skills

A competent Film and Television Lighting Technician must have a range of skills and qualifications that align with the job role, including:

• Technical knowledge of lighting systems, including the ability to set up, operate, and maintain various lighting equipment.
• Understanding of lighting techniques and how to use them to create different moods and effects, contributing to the visual storytelling of the film or television show.
• Proficiency in using light meters, dimmer boards, and other tools related to lighting.
• Ability to work collaboratively with the director, cinematographer, and other crew members to achieve the desired visual effects.
• Physical stamina to work long hours, often in challenging conditions, as well as the ability to lift heavy lighting equipment.
• Problem-solving skills to quickly address and resolve any issues that may arise with the lighting during filming.
• Attention to detail to ensure consistency of lighting from shot to shot and scene to scene.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations to ensure a safe working environment.

 

Film and Television Lighting Technician Experience Requirements

Entry-level Lighting Technicians in film and television may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often obtained through internship programs, on-set assistant roles, or part-time roles in a related field like stage lighting.

These individuals may also gain valuable on-the-job experience working in roles such as Production Assistant, Stagehand, or Grip, allowing them to understand the intricate details of a production set.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience typically have developed their technical skills and understanding of lighting equipment, technology, and techniques in a variety of environments.

They would have been in lighting roles on more complex productions, such as full-length feature films or large scale television productions.

Those with more than 5 years of experience usually have leadership skills, having led lighting teams on sets, and may be ready for senior roles like Chief Lighting Technician or Gaffer.

These individuals would have had the responsibility of managing the entire lighting department, from the planning and design of lighting setups to their implementation and adjustment during filming.

Finally, those with extensive experience may even transition into Director of Photography roles, where they oversee all aspects of lighting, camera work, and the visual aesthetics of a film or television production.

 

Film and Television Lighting Technician Education and Training Requirements

Becoming a Film and Television Lighting Technician generally does not require formal education, however, many technicians hold a high school diploma or equivalent.

Many lighting technicians gain their skills through on-the-job training, learning from experienced technicians.

However, some may opt to pursue a degree in film production, broadcasting, or a related field where they can take courses in lighting and cinematography.

Technical schools may offer programs specifically in lighting, where students can learn about different types of lights, their uses, and how to set up and control lighting equipment.

While not required, there are certification programs available for lighting technicians, such as the Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) certification.

This certification can demonstrate a technician’s professionalism and commitment to the field.

Practical experience is crucial in this field, so aspiring Film and Television Lighting Technicians might start off as production assistants or other entry-level positions on a film set to gain experience.

Knowledge of the latest lighting technologies and software is also beneficial for these technicians, and they should also be open to continuous learning as technology advances.

In addition to technical skills, a Film and Television Lighting Technician should have good problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work well as part of a team.

 

Film and Television Lighting Technician Salary Expectations

A Film and Television Lighting Technician earns an average salary of $52,810 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings may vary based on the technician’s level of experience, the location of the job, and the budget of the production they are working on.

 

Film and Television Lighting Technician Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Film and Television Lighting Technician need?

A Lighting Technician needs to have a keen understanding of lighting equipment, electrical systems and how different lighting affects the mood and look of a scene.

They should have strong problem-solving skills to troubleshoot any technical issues that may arise with the lighting equipment.

Additionally, they need to possess good communication skills to work effectively within a team and understand the director’s vision for the lighting setup.

 

Do Film and Television Lighting Technicians need a degree?

While there’s no specific degree requirement to become a Lighting Technician, having a degree in film, broadcast, media production or a related field can be beneficial.

However, most of the skills required for this role are learned through hands-on experience, and many professionals in this field start their careers as assistants or apprentices to more experienced technicians.

 

What should you look for in a Film and Television Lighting Technician’s resume?

When reviewing a Lighting Technician’s resume, you should look for experience in working with a variety of lighting equipment and systems.

Knowledge of electrical systems and safety protocols is also important.

Experience in working on film or television sets and understanding of the unique demands of these environments can be a plus.

Additionally, any specific courses or certifications related to lighting or film production can also be beneficial.

 

What qualities make a good Film and Television Lighting Technician?

A good Lighting Technician is creative and has a keen eye for how lighting affects the mood and atmosphere of a scene.

They are also meticulous and detail-oriented, ensuring every lighting element is set up correctly.

Being able to work well under pressure is important as filming schedules can be demanding and unexpected issues may arise.

 

How physically demanding is the role of a Film and Television Lighting Technician?

The role of a Lighting Technician can be quite physically demanding.

It often involves lifting heavy equipment, climbing ladders, and working at heights.

Technicians may also need to work long hours, including night shoots, and potentially in challenging weather conditions.

Therefore, physical fitness and resilience are important attributes for this role.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve illuminated the intricate details of what it truly means to be a film and television lighting technician.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about setting up lights.

It’s about creating moods, conveying emotions, and bringing stories to life, one light source at a time.

With our comprehensive film and television lighting technician job description template and real-world examples, you’re now ready to step into the spotlight.

But don’t flick the switch just yet.

Explore more with our job description generator. It’s your subsequent course to laser-precise job listings or polishing your CV to a professional shine.

Bear in mind:

Every light source contributes to the broader narrative.

Let’s illuminate that story. Together.

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