What’s it like to be a Film and Television Lighting Operator?
Film and television lighting operators position, set up and operate lighting
equipment to light sets or studios during stage performances, television
broadcasts or film productions. Film and television lighting operators are
responsible, both creatively and technically, for lighting interior and
exterior scenes and must achieve desired effects through the placement,
intensity and colour of lighting.
Film and television lighting operators may be required to travel to remote
locations. They usually work irregular hours or shifts.
How much can I expect to earn?
Full-time employed Film and Television Lighting Operator earn an average of
$1509 per week. The [average annual salary for this job is $78468 excluding su
per.]
Personal requirements
patient
enjoy the technical aspects of film and television production
able to work as part of a team
creative.
This job also involves:
Good vision for detail
These jobs require you to be able to see clearly to examine items close-up. It
covers jobs where poor vision e.g. tunnel vision, could make the work place
unsafe or the job difficult to undertake, e.g. draftsperson working with
detailed drawings; checkout operator reading dockets; work requiring good
hand-eye co-ordination for working with precision or semi-precision tools.
Reading or writing
These jobs require moderate or better reading and writing skills. Workers may
be expected to prepare, understand or act on written materials, such as
letters or reports. People may wish to avoid these jobs if their reading or
writing English skills are limited to a small range of words or phrases and
symbols. Jobs remaining may still require very basic reading or writing
skills.
This occupation offers jobs at the following skill levels:
Professional Jobs
Jobs in this group usually require completion of a recognised Bachelor Degree,
or extensive relevant experience. Some jobs also require post-graduate study,
such as a Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Master Degree.
Study requirements
At school, you can study these subject(s) to get a good foundation for this
occupation:
Art
School subjects that include some aspect of ART provide a useful background to
these jobs. In some cases an art-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry
to courses that provide the training for the job.
Computing Studies
School subjects that include some aspect of COMPUTING STUDIES provide a useful
background to these jobs. In some cases a computer studies-related subject is
a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
Performing Arts
School subjects that include some aspect of the PERFORMING ARTS provide a
useful background to these jobs. In some cases a performing arts subject is a
pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
Physics
School subjects that include some aspect of PHYSICS provide a useful
background to these jobs. In some cases a physics-related subject is a pre-
requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
Duties and tasks of a Film and Television Lighting Operator
Film and television lighting operators may perform the following tasks:
study scripts and discuss lighting effects with production staff
coordinate activities with electrical crew when putting up metal scaffolding to support lighting equipment
select and position equipment such as spotlights and floodlights
arrange and connect cables to electrical supplies using portable junction boxes
operate lights during filming or broadcasting and vary intensity of light using various filters and reflective screens
maintain and repair lighting equipment
arrange for transportation of equipment to remote locations.
Specialisations
In film production, film and television lighting operators are called gaffers
and their assistants are known as best boys.