A lighting technician creates lighting effects in film, television, or stage productions. Technical skills can be acquired through a two-year college program or apprenticeship. People skills, problem-solving, and creativity are also important. Employment can be found in various industries as a staff member or freelance contractor.
A lighting technician typically works behind the scenes in a film, television, or stage production to create the various lighting effects required by the director. You must be comfortable with heights and have a certain amount of creativity to become a lighting technician. A number of different technical skills are also required and can usually be acquired through a two-year college training program. Completing an apprenticeship under the direction of an experienced professional is a good way to gain the hands-on experience needed to become a lighting technician. After completing your formal education and apprenticeship, employment can usually be found as a staff member at a production company or as a freelance contractor.
You must have certain people skills if you intend to become a lighting technician. These professionals often have to work at considerable heights above a set or stage. Additionally, they must be able to move heavy pieces of lighting equipment and quickly make lighting adjustments during live productions. The ability to work as part of a team and meet strict production deadlines is also required to be successful in this occupation. You must have good troubleshooting skills to repair faulty equipment and set up complex equipment arrangements.
It takes many different technical skills to become a lighting technician. While there is no specific educational path for this occupation, most employers prefer candidates who have completed some form of formal training. The basic skills needed can usually be obtained from a two-year university program in theater or film production. Courses related to lighting equipment and electricity as well as color theory and light modification will be very beneficial for this occupation.
Many of the skills needed to become a lighting technician can only be acquired through on-the-job training. One of the best ways to gain this experience is to complete an apprenticeship under the guidance of an experienced technician. During this training, you will learn all aspects of the profession, such as cleaning, maintenance and repair of various types of lighting equipment. As your skills grow, you’ll learn how to create different lighting effects and set up complex gear arrangements. Most internships last for three years and can sometimes be completed during college training.
Once you acquire the education and skills needed to become a lighting technician, it is possible to find employment in a number of different industries. Film production companies, television networks and dance companies, as well as theater and concert productions, typically require the services of a qualified lighting technician. You can find work as a full-time employee for a large production company or as a freelance contractor for seasonal projects. Additional education and work experience may qualify you to work as a lighting director, or a lighting designer position may also be possible if you have a strong creative ability.
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