Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Video Lighting Technician

🎯 Role Definition

As a Video Lighting Technician, you are the artist who paints with light. You are a critical member of the production team, responsible for bringing the Director's and Director of Photography's vision to life through the art and science of illumination. This role involves more than just setting up lights; it requires a deep understanding of how light shapes a scene, creates mood, directs attention, and enhances the story. You will be hands-on with cutting-edge equipment, from initial concept and design through to final wrap, ensuring every shot is lit perfectly for both technical quality and creative impact. You'll work in dynamic environments, from controlled studio settings to challenging on-location shoots, requiring adaptability, technical expertise, and a keen creative eye.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Production Assistant (PA)
Grip or Grip Trainee
Set Electrician or Electrical Trainee
Photography Assistant

Advancement To:

Gaffer / Chief Lighting Technician
Lighting Director
Director of Photography (DP)
Technical Director

Lateral Moves:

Camera Operator
Best Boy Electric / Best Boy Grip
Digital Imaging Technician (DIT)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Collaborate closely with the Director of Photography (DP) and Director to interpret their creative vision, translating artistic concepts into tangible lighting schemes that shape the mood and visual narrative.
Design comprehensive lighting plots and plans for various productions, including multicamera studio shows, single-camera cinematic shoots, and live-streamed events.
Execute the complete setup, positioning, and rigging of all lighting instruments and support equipment, including key lights, fill lights, backlights, and practicals.
Operate and program complex lighting control consoles and software (e.g., GrandMA, Hog, ETC) to create dynamic lighting cues and effects during a shoot.
Manage and troubleshoot DMX, RDM, and wireless DMX (CRMX) networks to ensure reliable communication and control over all lighting fixtures.
Conduct location scouts to assess power availability, environmental factors, and rigging possibilities to preemptively solve lighting challenges.
Oversee all aspects of power distribution, from generator hookups to cable management, ensuring a stable and safe electrical load that complies with industry safety standards.
Utilize light meters to take precise readings, ensuring consistent exposure levels and color temperatures across different scenes and camera setups.
Shape and control light quality using a variety of grip equipment, including flags, silks, nets, bounce cards, and diffusion frames to achieve the desired softness or contrast.
Maintain a deep, up-to-date knowledge of a wide range of lighting technologies, including LED, HMI, Tungsten, and fluorescent fixtures from brands like Arri, Aputure, Kino Flo, and Litepanels.
Perform pre-shoot equipment checks and routine maintenance to ensure all lighting and electrical gear is in perfect working order, minimizing on-set failures.
Supervise and delegate tasks to a team of junior electricians and grips, providing clear direction and mentorship to ensure efficient and safe operation.
Adapt lighting setups quickly and effectively to accommodate changes in blocking, camera angles, or unexpected on-location weather conditions.
Work in conjunction with the Art Department to light sets and practicals in a way that enhances the production design and feels natural to the environment.
Manage the load-in, setup, strike, and load-out of all lighting and grip equipment, ensuring the set is left clean and organized.
Balance lighting for green screen and chroma key environments to ensure a clean, even key and minimize spill.
Make artistic and technical lighting adjustments in real-time based on feedback from the Director or DP during takes.
Ensure all rigging of lighting instruments, whether on stands, trusses, or grids, is secure, stable, and adheres to strict safety protocols.
Manage the inventory of lighting department consumables, such as gels, diffusion, and tape, ensuring stock levels are adequate for production needs.
Maintain clear and professional communication with all production departments to ensure a smooth and collaborative workflow on set.

Secondary Functions

Assist the camera department with tasks that overlap with lighting, such as setting up negative fill or flagging lens flares.
Contribute to the planning and budgeting process for lighting equipment rentals and purchases for upcoming projects.
Provide training and guidance to interns, production assistants, and new members of the lighting department.
Research new lighting technologies, techniques, and equipment to propose innovative solutions and improve production quality and efficiency.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Advanced Lighting Theory: Deep understanding of three-point lighting, color theory, contrast ratios, and the use of light to create mood, depth, and shape.
Fixture Expertise: In-depth, hands-on knowledge of various professional lighting fixtures, including LED (Arri SkyPanel, Aputure), HMI, Tungsten/Fresnel, and Kino Flo.
Power Distribution & Electrical Safety: Proficiency in calculating power loads, safely running distribution cables, and working with generators and tie-ins. Full understanding of electrical principles and on-set safety protocols.
Lighting Console Operation: Experience programming and operating DMX lighting consoles (e.g., ETC, GrandMA, Chamsys) for both static scenes and dynamic cues.
Grip & Rigging: Skilled in the safe and effective use of C-stands, clamps, trusses, and various rigging hardware to mount and shape light.
Light Meter Proficiency: Ability to confidently use incident and spot meters to ensure consistent exposure and color balance.
DMX/Wireless Control: Strong understanding of setting up and troubleshooting DMX, RDM, Art-Net, and wireless CRMX systems.
Color Correction: Practical knowledge of using gels (CTO, CTB, ND) and adjusting fixture settings to match color temperatures and achieve specific looks.
Problem-Solving: Ability to quickly diagnose and resolve technical issues with lighting equipment, power, or control systems under pressure.
Schematic Interpretation: Ability to read and execute lighting plots, set designs, and technical riders.

Soft Skills

Collaboration: A team-player mentality with the ability to work effectively with directors, DPs, grips, and other crew members to achieve a shared vision.
Communication: Excellent verbal communication skills for clearly conveying technical information and creative ideas on a busy set.
Attention to Detail: A meticulous eye for detail, noticing subtle changes in light, color, and shadow that can impact a shot.
Adaptability: The capacity to remain calm and resourceful when faced with last-minute changes, equipment challenges, or difficult location constraints.
Time Management: Strong organizational skills to manage setup and breakdown times efficiently, keeping the production on schedule.
Creativity: The artistic sensibility to contribute creative lighting ideas that enhance the storytelling and overall aesthetic.
Proactive Work Ethic: A forward-thinking mindset, anticipating needs and potential problems before they arise.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED. On-set experience and a strong portfolio are often valued more than formal education.

Preferred Education:

Associate's or Bachelor's degree from a film school or a technical college program.
Certification in electrical work or production safety.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Film & Television Production
Theatre Arts (with a focus on lighting design)
Photography
Electrical Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

2-5+ years of demonstrated, hands-on experience working in the lighting department on professional video, film, or broadcast productions.

Preferred:

A compelling portfolio or demo reel that showcases a variety of lighting styles and problem-solving skills.
Experience working in both controlled studio environments and unpredictable on-location shoots.
Verifiable credits on broadcast-quality commercials, corporate videos, television shows, or independent films.
Experience leading a small lighting team as a Gaffer or Best Boy Electric.