Lighting Technician

Lighting technicians (‘sparks’) set up and operate lighting equipment, most in flexible light installations such as television and film, generally specializing in one or the other as the techniques and equipment differ. The lighting team’s work is crucial as lighting creates the right atmosphere to evoke an audience’s response and demands high-level technical and creative skills.

Many lighting technicians begin their career as apprentice lighting technician, lighting electricians or lighting assistants. In film, a more experienced technician can specialize as a moving light operator, practical light operator, genny operator or console operator, or take a supervisory post as a ‘best boy’.