Lighting Technician

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:

• 2006 NOC: Gaffers and Lighting Technicians (5226.3) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Other Technical and Coordinating Occupations in Motion Pictures, Broadcasting and the Performing Arts (F126) 
• 2011 NOC: Other technical and co-ordinating occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting and the performing arts (5226) 

Lighting technicians use conventional lighting fixtures, moving head and mirror fixtures, colour filters, patterns, light modifiers and various methods of control and manipulation to create different lighting effects. In general, they:

• work co-operatively with the head electrician, a lighting designer or director, director of photography or gaffer (head of electrics department) to implement lighting designs
• read and interpret blueprints, and use computer assisted design (CAD) software to create drawings
• set up, focus and operate lighting fixtures, control consoles and auxiliary equipment
• perform simple electrical wiring tasks (usually 120v), trouble shoot circuits and calculate maximum circuit loads
• use manual or computer control consoles to control conventional lighting and automated moving lighting throughout a production
• co-ordinate lighting rigs with sound techicians and stage carpenters
• perform routine maintenance functions such as replacing lamps and damaged colour filters or patterns, and maintaining lighting equipment in safe working condition.

For remote television broadcasts, lighting technicians survey locations, prepare lighting plans, arrange for the transportation of equipment and organize equipment set-up.

In smaller organizations with no lighting director or designer, lighting technicians also may:

• attend production meetings and discuss lighting needs and special effects with directors
• design the lighting and decide where to place lighting equipment to achieve desired effects
• prepare budgets and work within them
• perform other duties such as operating audio equipment.

Working conditions vary a great deal from one job to another. For example, working on a theatre production in a converted barn is very different from working in a television studio. In general, however, lighting technicians spend a lot of time on their feet and the pace of work can become hectic. Last minute changes often are required. Safety precautions must be observed at all times, particularly when handling hot lamps, climbing ladders, going up lifts, working at heights and working on electrical cables and equipment.

Hours of work also vary:

• Lighting technicians employed by large television stations generally work 40 hours a week including evenings and weekends. Technicians covering important events or working on television series may be required to work 10 to 12 hours a day, sometimes from remote locations or in bad weather conditions.
• Those employed in theatres often work daytime hours prior to and during technical rehearsals and evening hours for the run of the show.
• Those employed in motion picture and theatre productions may be required to work highly irregular hours with short deadlines. Some travel may be required to film in remote locations or accompany theatre and concert productions on tour.

Lighting technicians routinely are required to lift and carry equipment. Occasionally, they may be required to lift equipment weighing up to 20 kilograms or more.

Lighting technicians must be able to:

• concentrate on the lighting during a production, respond quickly to technical problems and continue to observe safety precautions at the same time
• work as part of a team and gain the confidence of performing artists
• adapt to a variety of production styles and requirements
• meet deadlines
• keep up with changes in technology
• improvise when the perfect tools are not available
• move heavy equipment safely (which requires a moderate level of physical fitness).

They should enjoy working with tools and electric and electronic equipment on tasks requiring precision, having clear guidelines for their work and finding innovative ways to do things.

Lighting technicians are employed by:

• television stations, networks and cable companies
• film and motion picture production companies
• theatre and dance companies
• concert promoters
• trade shows
• lighting equipment manufacturers, suppliers and rental companies
• architectural lighting companies
• museums, theme parks and cruise ship companies
• post-secondary institutions.

In motion picture and theatre lighting, employment may be seasonal or short term and even experienced workers may experience periods of unemployment between jobs.

Experienced lighting technicians in large organizations may advance to supervisory positions such as head electrician, lighting director or gaffer. Further advancement generally requires further education (which may be acquired through specialized workshops and seminars).

Lighting technicians are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 5226: Other Technical and Co-ordinating Occupations in Motion Pictures, Broadcasting and the Performing Arts. In Alberta, 90% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

• Information, Culture and Recreation
• Educational Services
• Public Administration

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Entertainment Technician Certification Program (ETCP) website: etcp.esta.org

International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Locals in Calgary website: http://www.iatse212.com

International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Locals in Edmonton website: http://www.iatse210.com

For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.