Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Film Lighting Technician

🎯 Role Definition

Are you passionate about the magic of filmmaking and the art of light? This role requires an experienced and resourceful Film Lighting Technician to join various fast-paced production teams. As a core member of the lighting department (also known as the Electrics department), you will work hands-on with the Gaffer and Director of Photography to bring their creative vision to life. This role is not just about flipping a switch; it's about painting with light, solving complex technical challenges under pressure, and collaborating seamlessly to create the mood, atmosphere, and visual tone of every single shot. If you thrive in a dynamic, project-based environment and have a deep technical knowledge of lighting and power, we want to hear from you.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Production Assistant (PA) with a demonstrated interest in lighting.
Lighting Department Trainee or Intern.
Certified Electrician or Stagehand transitioning into film.

Advancement To:

Best Boy Electric (Second in command, managing crew and gear).
Gaffer / Chief Lighting Technician (Head of the lighting department).
Director of Photography (Cinematographer).

Lateral Moves:

Key Grip (Working with light shaping and camera support).
Generator Operator (Genny Op).
DIT (Digital Imaging Technician).

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Execute the complete setup, positioning, and secure rigging of all lighting instruments—including C-stands, booms, trusses, and mounts—according to the Gaffer's lighting plot and strict safety protocols.
Expertly operate and program complex lighting control consoles (like GrandMA, Hog, or ETC) to execute dynamic lighting cues, create specific moods, and manage effects during takes.
Manage and oversee the safe distribution of electrical power on set, including running heavy-gauge cables, setting up portable generators, and balancing electrical loads to prevent overloads and ensure consistent power to all departments.
Collaborate closely with the Director of Photography (DP) and Gaffer to understand their creative vision and translate artistic direction into a practical, achievable lighting design on set.
Perform routine maintenance, on-the-fly troubleshooting, and field repairs on a wide range of lighting equipment, from traditional tungsten and HMI fixtures to modern LED panels and moving lights, ensuring all gear is in optimal working condition.
Efficiently and safely strike all lighting and electrical equipment at the end of a shoot day or upon wrap, ensuring proper storage, inventory, and preparation for transport back to the rental house or truck.
Conduct continuous safety inspections of all electrical and rigging components, adhering strictly to IATSE and industry safety standards to maintain a hazard-free environment for cast and crew.
Skillfully apply gels, diffusion materials, and other light modifiers (like flags, nets, and bounces) to shape, color, and control the quality and intensity of light to achieve the desired texture and look.
Operate specialized lighting equipment, such as follow spots, atmospheric effects machines (hazers/foggers), and programmable LED fixtures, to create specific, impactful in-camera effects.
Maintain meticulous and safe cable management throughout the set, taping down and organizing all power and data cables to prevent tripping hazards and ensure a clean, professional workspace.
Act as a key support for the Gaffer and Best Boy Electric, anticipating needs, preparing equipment, and executing lighting adjustments quickly and precisely as directed during fast-paced shooting schedules.
Safely operate and drive lighting and grip trucks or other production vehicles to transport equipment to and from various locations, often requiring a valid commercial driver's license and a clean driving record.
Assist the Best Boy Electric with managing and tracking the inventory of all lighting department equipment, including expendables, bulbs, and cables, both on the truck and on set.
Interpret complex lighting plots, technical schematics, and equipment lists to effectively pre-rig and set up lighting configurations in advance of the shooting crew's arrival.
Maintain clear and professional communication with the Gaffer, DP, and other crew members via walkie-talkie, using proper set etiquette and industry-standard terminology.
Comfortably and safely work at significant heights on ladders, scissor lifts, and scaffolding to rig, focus, and adjust lights in challenging or elevated positions on location or in a studio.
Proactively anticipate the needs of the Director of Photography and Gaffer by observing rehearsals and on-set action, preparing for potential lighting changes or adjustments before they are even requested.
Provide and run temporary power distribution ('tie-ins') for other departments on set, such as Video Village, Hair & Makeup, Special Effects, and the camera department.
Adapt to and perform duties effectively in a wide variety of challenging environmental conditions, including extreme weather, remote locations, and physically demanding interior and exterior sets.
Set up, troubleshoot, and manage DMX, RDM, and wireless control systems (like CRMX/LumenRadio) for complex lighting rigs, ensuring reliable data communication to all fixtures.
Utilize light meters and a strong knowledge of color science to accurately measure and balance the color temperature of various light sources, ensuring visual consistency across a scene.
Collaborate effectively with the Grip department to safely rig and shape light, coordinating the use of flags, cutters, silks, and bounce boards to achieve the precise lighting effect desired by the DP.

Secondary Functions

Assist the Best Boy with the check-in and return of rental equipment, ensuring all gear is accounted for and in good condition.
Participate in technical scouts and pre-production meetings to provide input on power requirements and lighting logistics.
Stay current on emerging lighting technologies, fixtures, and wireless control systems to bring innovative solutions to the set.
Mentor and provide guidance to junior technicians, interns, or production assistants assigned to the electrics department.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Advanced Electrical Knowledge: Deep understanding of AC/DC power, three-phase power distribution, load calculation, tie-ins, and generator operation. Certified electrician status is a major plus.
Lighting Equipment Expertise: Comprehensive knowledge of a wide array of lighting fixtures, including HMI, Tungsten, Fluorescent, and modern LED (e.g., ARRI SkyPanel, Astera).
Rigging and Safety: Proficient in safe rigging practices, including the use of appropriate hardware, knots, and safety chains for hanging heavy equipment.
Lighting Console Operation: Experience with DMX/Art-Net protocols and operation of lighting control boards (e.g., GrandMA, ETC).
Wireless DMX Systems: Proficiency in setting up and troubleshooting wireless lighting control systems like LumenRadio CRMX.
Troubleshooting & Repair: Ability to quickly diagnose and fix technical issues with cables, fixtures, and dimmers in a high-pressure environment.
Light Meter Proficiency: Skilled in using light meters to measure foot-candles, lux, and color temperature (CCT) for exposure and consistency.

Soft Skills

Problem-Solving Under Pressure: Ability to think on your feet and find safe, effective solutions to unexpected technical challenges on a tight schedule.
Teamwork & Collaboration: Works effectively and respectfully with all cast and crew, particularly the Gaffer, Grips, and Camera Department.
Communication: Clear, concise, and professional communication skills, especially over a walkie-talkie.
Attention to Detail: A meticulous eye for detail, ensuring every cable is tidy and every light is precisely set and safe.
Physical Stamina & Work Ethic: Capable of handling long, physically demanding workdays (12+ hours) that involve heavy lifting, standing, and working in all weather conditions.
Adaptability: Flexible and able to pivot quickly when the creative or logistical needs of the production change.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

Certificate from a film school or vocational program with a focus on lighting or electrical trades.
Union (e.g., IATSE) training and certifications.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Film & Television Production
Theatre Arts (Technical/Lighting Design)
Electrical Trades

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

2-5+ years of demonstrated, hands-on experience as a lighting technician on professional film, television, or commercial sets.

Preferred:

Membership in good standing with a relevant union (e.g., IATSE Local).
A portfolio or reel showcasing a variety of lighting work and projects.
Valid driver's license, clean driving record, and experience operating production trucks.