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Lighting Technician

Kaihangarau Rama

Alternative titles for this job

Lighting technicians set up and operate lighting equipment to provide light and special lighting effects in theatres, at events, and for film and television productions.

Pay

Event lighting technicians usually earn

$23-$27 per hour

Entertainment lighting technicians usually earn

$36-$70 per hour

Source: Screen Industry Guild, Professional Lighting Services, Gravity Events, 2018.

Job opportunities

Chances of getting a job as a lighting technician are poor due to lack of demand.

Pay

Pay for lighting technicians varies depending on experience and the type of industry they work in.

  • Lighting assistants usually earn between $36 and $40 an hour.
  • Generator operators usually earn between $40 and $45 an hour.
  • Best boys/girls usually earn between $50 and $52 an hour.
  • Gaffers usually earn between $55 and $70 an hour.

Pay for lighting technicians working for lighting companies at events varies with experience.

  • Entry-level event lighting technicians usually start on minimum wage.
  • Experienced event lighting technicians can earn up to $27 an hour.

Sources: The Screen Industry Guild of Aotearoa New Zealand; Professional Lighting Services; Gravity Events, 2018.

(This information is a guide only. Find out more about the sources of our pay information)

What you will do

Lighting technicians may do some or all of the following:

  • select and set up lights and equipment
  • light each scene in television, film and stage productions
  • operate the lights during performances, concerts, and events
  • maintain and repair lighting equipment
  • set up frames and scaffolding for lighting rigs
  • consult with the event manager, director and camera operator to assess what lighting is required for an event, show or scene.

Skills and knowledge

Lighting technicians need to have knowledge of:

  • how to use lighting equipment
  • lighting special effects
  • heath and safety requirements and procedures
  • technical skills, including electrical knowledge
  • the filming process and different camera techniques if working in film or television.

Working conditions

Lighting technicians:

  • may work long and irregular hours, including evenings, weekends and public holidays
  • work in theatres, on television and film sets, and at a variety of venues for corporate functions, outdoor events and concerts
  • may travel between venues and locations depending on the type of work they do.

What's the job really like?

Aidan Simons

Aidan Simons

Lighting Technician

Lighting technician Aidan Simons has toured with bands and even designed the lighting setup for a music festival, and it all started by being willing to learn and taking every opportunity he could.

Be willing to learn

“Common sense is a key skill to have. There are a lot of hazards when you are working on a stage that’s not finished. So having a good head on your shoulders is always important. Attention to detail is quite hard to come by, you definitely notice when someone’s got it.

“But ultimately you have to be willing to learn. It is hard, and while some of the things you learn on the job may come easy, some of the skills you need to learn can be challenging.”

No day the same

“I love the variety of the job, there’s never a day that’s similar to any other. It’s a diverse job.

“But with the variety comes working a lot of nights and weekends. So balancing your work life and your personal life can be challenging, but it’s definitely achievable.”

Take every opportunity you can

“If you want to get into lighting just get out there and show interest. Try not to turn down the gigs that don’t sound that exciting. I think showing commitment to what you’re doing and giving it everything is definitely noticed and then more opportunities will open up.”

Entry requirements

There are no specific entry requirements to become a lighting technician as skills are usually learned on the job as an assistant lighting technician. However, it can be useful to have a tertiary qualification in television, video or film and to have completed safety training for working at heights.

Some employers may require you to have a Class 2 driver's licence.

Secondary education

There are no specific secondary education requirements to become a lighting technician. However, English, maths, physics, design and visual communication (graphics) are useful. 

Personal requirements

Lighting technicians need to be:

  • practical and accurate
  • well organised, with good planning skills
  • able to work well under pressure
  • reliable
  • able to work well in a team
  • strong problem solvers. 

Useful experience

Useful experience for lighting technicians includes:

  • working backstage in theatres
  • working for a lighting hire and supply company
  • computer or electrical work
  • photography
  • work in the entertainment industry
  • production work in film or television. 

Physical requirements

Lighting technicians need to be reasonably fit and strong as they often work long hours with few breaks, be able to climb up rigging and carry heavy equipment. They also need to have good hearing and normal colour vision.

Check out related courses

What are the chances of getting a job?

Few opportunities for lighting technicians

It is difficult to get paid, full-time work as a lighting technician in New Zealand because the entertainment industry is small.

Your chances of getting a job are best if you network regularly with industry contacts.

According to the Census, 279 lighting technicians worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Opportunities limited during COVID-19 recovery

Restrictions to control the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic have reduced the demand for lighting technicians because events, festivals, and film and television productions have been cancelled.

As the restrictions ease, some of these opportunities may return.

The Government has announced $179 million of emergency funding for the creative industries, with a second round expected to be announced before the end of June 2020.

These initiatives may improve employment opportunities for lighting technicians.

Types of employers varied

Lighting technicians may work independently, or for production companies, studios or theatres. They may work on:

  • music videos
  • television commercials
  • corporate videos
  • television productions
  • web-based video clips
  • short or feature films
  • documentaries
  • plays
  • concerts.

Sources

  • Cochrane, T, director, Film and Television Lighting, careers.govt.nz interview, April 2018.
  • Creative New Zealand, 'Arts Council lays framework for Phase 2 of Creative New Zealand’s COVID-19 response' (media release), 01 May 2020.
  • Isaacs, D, managing director, Gravity Events, careers.govt.nz interview, April 2018.
  • McKenzie, C, sales director, Lighting for Entertainment Group, careers.govt.nz interview, April 2018.
  • Ministry of Culture and Heritage, ‘Support for Arts and Music Sector Recovery’ (media release), 29 May 2020.
  • Radio New Zealand, ‘The Impact of COVID-19 on the NZ Film Industry’, 19 March 2020, (www.rnz.co.nz)
  • Stats NZ, '2018 Census Data', 2019.

(This information is a guide only. Find out more about the sources of our job opportunities information)

Progression and specialisations

Lighting technicians may progress to become production managers, or move into camera operator or director of photography roles. Lighting technicians may specialise in lighting for events, film, television or theatre.

Within the film and television industry, lighting technicians may specialise in the following roles:

Lighting Assistant
Lighting assistants set up lights under the instruction of a senior lighting technician or gaffer.
Generator Operator
Generator operators look after the generator, ensuring it runs smoothly to power the production lights. They also help the gaffer and move lights.
Best Boy/Girl (Lighting)
Best boys/girls order lighting requirements in consultation with the production department and work out the lighting budget with the gaffer.
Gaffer
Gaffers organise the lighting team and work with the director of photography and director to get the artistic lighting required.
A lighting technician positions a light ahead of a show.

Lighting technicians select and set up lights and equipment for performances and events

Last updated 7 August 2024