(aka Dimmer Desk Operator, or Dimmer Board Operator)  

Console Operator is one of the roles within the Lighting Department in which a fully qualified Electrician or Lighting Technician may choose to specialise.  Lighting companies often have departments devoted to consoles or dimmer boards, and Console Operators must learn how to maintain and operate all varieties of boards. 

On productions Console Operators operate the generic, conventional or fixed lights on a film set.  They set up the dimmer board and then wire, programme and operate it, in order to mix the lighting effects during filming.  They balance the picture, and programme the lights to increase or decrease in intensity, in order to maintain the "look" required by the Director of Photography.  As there may be several hundred lamps connected up to one dimmer desk, this can be a complex operation.

Responsibilities
Having set up the Console or Dimmer Desk, Console Operators must be able to work under pressure, responding to the various demands of the production, to ensure that the correct lighting effects are achieved.  They must carry out the DoP's instructions, and interpret ideas according to the plans, plots, drawings and cues they are given.  Console Operators are required to keep up to date with changing technology, and with the introduction of new types of lighting.  The work is demanding, and the hours long and unpredictable.  Console Operators may work 5 days per week on television productions, up to six days per week on feature films, and up to 12/13 hours each day.

Skills
Console Operators must have I.T. skills, and be numerate, in order to transpose the instructions for lamp movements into a set of numbers.  They must be able to keep calm under pressure, and to work quickly and accurately.   Excellent communication skills are required, plus the ability to accept direction.  They should be quick thinking, and able to creatively interpret ideas.  As with all lighting roles, an awareness of Health and Safety legislation and procedures is necessary.

Qualifications/Experience
Console Operators are qualified electricians, with the relevant City & Guilds qualifications: C & G 2330 Certificates Parts 1 & 2 in Electro-technical Technology.  In addition, each type of desk or board may require a specific training course, and Console Operators must keep up to date with the relevant technology.  Many Console Operators start their careers in the theatre, where they gain valuable experience, before moving to television, film or commercials.  Most Console Operators work freelance and are self-employed.

Individual course accreditation in certain subject areas is currently being piloted. As part of Skillset's and the UK Film Council's Film Skills Strategy, A Bigger Future, a network of Screen Academies and a Film Business Academy have been approved as centres of excellence in education and training for film.

Where to go for more information
Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries. The first sources of information for all jobs in the industry are the National Occupational Standards. Browse Skillset's website for links to our network of training partners, information about training and access to the comprehensive Skillset/BFI course database. Finally, Skillset Careers is UK's only specialist media careers advice service; for detailed media careers information and advice, visit www.skillset.org/careers.