A lighting director designs and implements lighting and special effects for various events, supervises a team of technicians, sets budgets, and maintains equipment. They work with other designers to create visual impact and incorporate special effects such as pyrotechnics, fog machines, and lasers. They also ensure that the venue has adequate power supply and inventory of equipment.
A lighting director is responsible for the design and implementation of theatrical lighting and special effects for concerts, performances, television, film and various events. The person holding this position typically schedules and supervises a team of technicians and stagehands. He often sets budgets for specific projects, buys equipment, and also handles other logistical details. This individual is an integral part of a production team.
Large theatrical lighting packages are sometimes used to enhance various performances such as concerts, plays, theater productions, and large-scale group functions. A lighting director often works with other designers to create lighting effects to enrich a scene or emphasize various areas of the stage for maximum visual impact. Concert promoters often hire these individuals to tour with a crew so that the special effects for each show can be perfectly coordinated.
Lighting directors often incorporate special effects to create a dramatic experience for the audience when the scene calls for it. Indoor pyrotechnics, for example, can be used at key points during a show for an exciting result. The use of fog machines and lasers can also improve the atmosphere, especially during musical performances.
Sometimes a lighting director works for a local audiovisual or special event company. Rather than traveling with artists or planning large-scale productions, these professionals execute the lighting needs of many smaller events, based on each client’s specifications. For example, companies may require audiovisual services for a general session, conference or trade show. Themed events can be made more dramatic when accessories are lit in coordinated colors. Weddings or social functions can also benefit from ambient lighting, to create a soft, romantic mood or an exciting, pulsating light show.
In addition to the design aspect of a lighting director’s job, this person is also responsible for maintaining an inventory of equipment and purchasing new items to cover breakages or losses. This individual, along with his team, makes sure everything is working properly before a show. Colored gels, power cords, extension cords and basic accessories, for example, can be restocked in advance to meet the needs of a specific job. Other equipment, such as trusses, may be needed to bring the lights down.
A lighting director is usually responsible for ensuring that a venue has an adequate power source to run the audiovisual equipment he provides. In some cases, he may be asked to bring in industrial generators. This is common at outdoor events where the power supply may be limited. Advanced planning by this individual and his team ensures that each performance is properly highlighted and enhanced by visual effects to complement a show, performance or event.
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