Working Life

The lighting artist is responsible for following the look development bible for the production and creating lighting for all assets, environments, and characters of the production.

The lighting artist collaborates heavily with the CG supervisor, CG asset lead, art directors and texture artists to achieve the artistic style and level needed for the production. 

The lighting artist ensures that all shots are complete and lighting rigs are optimised and organised so that they are ready for use in production. The lighting artist also creates any necessary documentation for the overseas lighting launch for the production.

Typical Tasks:

• Establish direct and reflected lighting, shadows, and compositing for each assigned shot.
• Ensure that assigned shots fit in the continuity of a sequence and fulfil the vision of the directors, production designer, art director, VFX supervisor and head of lighting while meeting the production schedule.
• Create and fine tune the direct lighting, reflections, shadows, and final compositing for each assigned shot, working with the resources and support provided.
• Ensure quality of final frames and cleanliness of setups.
• Submit work for review to CG supervisor, head of lighting, art directors, production designers and/or VFX supervisor.
• Optimise, refine, and correct model geometry to satisfy the artistic requirements of the CG supervisor.
• Contribute innovative and original ideas towards optimising lighting and look development for the production.
• The lighting artist ensures that all shots are complete and lighting rigs are optimised and organised so that they are ready for use in production.
• Reinforce the importance of deadlines and alert the production manager, CG asset lead, CG supervisor and production coordinators to any problem arising that could affect schedule.
• Assist in the documentation and communication of technical and process guidelines for lighting creation and implementation.

Works with 

• CG Asset Lead
• Directors
• Art Directors
• CG Supervisor
• Production Manager
• Production Coordinators

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Creative

Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.

Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.

 Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Education Routes: Lighting artists often have a Degree in Animation, Film or Visual Effects.

Career Path to Lighting Artist: Several years experience in the look development department, or generalist knowledge across the pipeline with excellent colour and light theory knowledge.

Career Path from Lighting Artist: Head of Department, Lead Lighter, Lighting Supervisor, CG Supervisor, CG Asset Lead.

Entry-level role available at Junior Lighting Artist.

Show reel and experience are very important.