Lighting Director - TV
Lighting Director is the most senior role in television lighting departments. Using the script or brief from the Production team they design the specific look required for each shot. They use their advanced technical skills to realise the design and, with the help of the rest of the lighting department, to set up and operate specialised lights and accessories. As lighting is an essential part of programmes' overall design and style, this is a key creative and technical role. Lighting Directors work closely with the Lighting Console Operator, Senior Electrician (Gaffer) and several Electricians (Sparks). On single camera shoots, the Lighting Camera person often takes responsibility for the lighting, although a Gaffer, working alone or with a Spark, may be brought in to assist on large projects or special set-ups.
Lighting Directors usually work on a freelance basis; work offers are unpredictable, and planning ahead can be difficult. Early starts and long hours are often involved, and the work is intensive and can be physically exhausting. Although it may take many years to progress to this role, once established, it can be financially rewarding.
What is the job?
Lighting Directors make extensive preparations before recording days, including script reading and taking part in discussions about the style required. Planning meetings or recces are usually held, involving the Director and heads of department including the Production Designer, Costume Designer, Make up Designer, Sound Supervisor and Camera Supervisor. They discuss in detail the logistics of the production, and resolve any conflicts. Lighting is influenced by a wide range of factors, including the script, the director's requirements, set design, location, camera shots, costumes, sound, and the available equipment. Following the planning meeting, Lighting Directors may prepare a lighting plan (or plot) which provides information about the position, type and colour of all the lights to be used. They work closely with the Gaffer, who organises any required extra equipment and power supplies. Lighting Directors oversee the set-up and operation of the lights, by instructing a team of Sparks on the studio floor, and the Lighting Console Operator who controls studio lighting effects, using equipment in the gallery (technical area). During recordings or live transmissions, any final adjustments are made as and when required.
Typical career routes
As a good understanding of the production process is essential to this role, Lighting Directors usually have previous experience of working as Camera Operators, Gaffers or Console Operators. Experience of working in photography, or in the entertainment industry, can also be useful.
Essential knowledge and skills
Lighting Directors need good technical knowledge about how lighting equipment works, and how it is operated during shoots to produce different lighting effects. As so much close collaboration is involved in this role, effective communication and interpersonal skills are crucial. Strong leadership skills are needed to manage and motivate the rest of the lighting team.
Key Skills include:
Training and qualifications
No specific qualifications are required to work as a Lighting Director. Although a number of basic lighting training courses are available, practical industry experience is vital for this role. Most skills are learned on the job, and Lighting Directors keep up with new techniques by attending demonstrations and exhibitions. The main lighting hire companies offer some new entrant apprenticeship schemes, but as only a few places are available each year competition for these opportunities is keen.
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 the UK's only specialist media careers advice service; for detailed media careers information and advice, visit www.skillset.org/careers.
Websites
– The Broadcasting and Entertainment Trade Union BECTU, offers advice about employment terms and rights and useful information on health and safety.
– The Society of Television Lighting Directors offers a useful website with extensive information on lighting equipment and techniques and good links to other resources.
– The Professional Lighting and Sound Association, PLASA, is a leading trade body and provides comprehensive first-class information on many aspects of lighting, especially health and safety legislation and practice; PLASA also publishes the excellent trade magazine, Lighting & Sound International
– The Association of Lighting Designers(mainly for Theatre lighting designers)
– http://www.blue-room.org.uk is an excellent informal forum for anyone with a query or comment about production lighting.
– All major lighting hire companies often have useful information on their websites about available lighting equipment and some run the apprenticeship schemes mentioned above. These include: Arri; Lee Lighting and AFM Lighting
Download:
Lighting Director - TV
If your computer has the relevant software, click the document icons or document titles to view the relevant document. Right-click (PC) or hold your mouse-button down (Mac) on the document icon/title, you'll be given the option to save the file to disk. If you don't have the necessary software to view the documents, take the above links to download free reader programs.