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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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.