Skills needed

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Adaptable and able to use initiative
• Strong understanding of the health and safety procedures and laws
• Physically fit to operate heavy equipment and comfortable with working with heights
• Keen eye for detail
• Work well in a team and under pressure
• Working at a fast and precise pace
• Expertise with an array of lighting equipment, effects and accessories
• Driving licence

Job roles

• Electrical trainee
• Apprentice lighting technician
• Electrician
• Genny operator
• Practical lighting technician
• Moving light operator
• Light operator
• Console operator
• Best boy
• Gaffer

Duties include

• Designing the specific look required for each shot based on the script or brief from the production team
• Creating plans and budgets, and determine which lights are needed for the production
• Directing the lighting cues from the gallery
• Liaising with the director, floor manager and heads of department to carry out the vision of the director
• Setting up and operating specialised lights and accessories
• Managing a team of lighting crew (“gaffer” and “sparks”)

Useful Links

Peaky Blinders and Riviera cinematographers stress the importance of lighting

Event report: Lighting from Every Angle