The Practical Lighting Technician sources safe, suitable power on location, assessing and supplying electricity for lighting based on each production's specific needs.
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Working Life
The Practical Lighting Technician (or Practical Sparks) is responsible for finding a safe and appropriate power supply at specific locations.
Role and Responsibilities
- Assess the required supply for the lighting needed for a production in varied locations. In a building this involves taking a feed from its fuse box.
- Set up lights and other electrical equipment for props, for example kettles or table lamps, to be used by actors while filming scenes.
- Responsible for changing or modifying lighting equipment and fittings on a period film, so that they are appropriate to the period in which the story is set.
- Restore equipment and fittings back to their original status once filming has been completed.
- This is a role that requires a qualified electrician with experience in working on location and a knowledge of health and safety legislation and testing.
Works with
- Gaffer
- Best Boy
- All of the Lighting Department
Qualities - Practical Lighting Technician
Is this role right for me?
For this role, you need:
Experience and qualifications in testing equipment and power supplies.
Must have extensive knowledge of electrical safety.
Great problem-solving skills and the ability to think on the job.
Wide knowledge about various types of lighting equipment and fixtures.
Sound understanding of health and safety laws, procedures, and processes.
Ability to work efficiently and accurately.
Ability to work as part of a team.
Good interpersonal and communication skills.
Good physical strength and agility and the ability to work in various circumstances, including at heights.
Interests - Practical Lighting Technician
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Entry / Progression - Practical Lighting Technician
Education Route: You need to be a fully qualified electrician with relevant health and safety training.
Career Path to Practical Lighting Technician: There is no usual career path to a practical lighting electrician. Often, they will have worked their way through the lighting department.
Career Path from Practical Lighting Technician: Electrician/Set Lighting Technician, Best Boy Electric, Gaffer (Chief Lighting Technician).
