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Film and Television Lighting Operator
GafferLighting DesignerOperator (Film and Television Lighting) )



Duties and Tasks
Quick Facts
Work Conditions
Personal Requirements
Related Industries
Labour Market
Related Jobs
Earnings
Related Courses
Further Information
State Specific Information

Lighting the set for a short film
Lighting the set for a short film


Lighting operators position, set up and operate lighting equipment to light sets or studios during stage performances, television broadcasts or film productions.

Lighting operators are responsible, both creatively and technically, for lighting interior and outside scenes and must achieve the desired effects through the placement, intensity and colour of lighting. 

Fact Sheet

Duties and Tasks

Lighting operators may perform the following tasks:

  • study scripts and discuss lighting effects with production staff
  • coordinate activities with electrical crew when putting up metal scaffolding to support lighting equipment
  • select and position equipment such as spotlights and floodlights
  • arrange and connect cables to electrical supply using portable junction boxes
  • operate lights during filming or broadcasting and vary intensity of light using various filters and reflective screens
  • maintain and repair lighting equipment
  • arrange for transportation of equipment to remote locations.

Info Icon Quick Facts

Learning Area Art  
Computing Studies  
Performing Arts  
Physics  
Work Demand Including good vision for detail  
Including reading or writing  
Work Field Art, Design, Music and Entertainment  
Work Interest Creative or Artistic  
Practical or Mechanical  
Skill Level Professional Jobs  
Quick Facts

Work Conditions

In film production, lighting operators are called gaffers and their assistants are known as best boys.

Lighting operators may be required to travel to remote locations. They usually work irregular hours or shifts.

Personal Requirements

  • patience
  • enjoy the technical aspects of film and television production
  • able to work as part of a team
  • creativity.

Related Industries

Motion Picture and Sound Recording Activities
Broadcasting (except Internet)

Labour Market

Information

Australian JobOutlook for Media Equipment Operators

Vacancies

Australian JobSearch for Media Equipment Operators (ALL AUSTRALIA)
Work Opportunities websites

Related Jobs

Film and Television Producer's Assistant
Film, Stage and Television Director
Production Crew Member

Earnings


Income of persons working full-time, 2006
Performing Arts Support Workers

Income per Week Number Share (%)
$1000 or more 2,138 32.9
$400 - $599 1,050 16.2
$600 - $799 1,502 23.1
$800 - $999 1,388 21.4
Less than $400 420 6.5


Copyright 2007 education.au

This information is based on the 2006 census conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.


Earnings of persons working full-time and part-time, 2006
Performing Arts Support Workers

Employment Status Weekly Income ($)
Full-time 930
Part-time 403


Copyright 2007 education.au

This information is based on the Employee Earnings, Benefits and Trade Union Membership survey conducting annually by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

How Much?

Related Courses

New South Wales / ACT
Northern Territory
Queensland
South Australia
Tasmania
Victoria
Western Australia

See State Specific Information below for further education and training options.

Further Information

Innovation and Business Skills Australia
Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (ACT)
Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (NSW)
Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (QLD)
Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (SA/NT)
Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (TAS)
Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (VIC)
Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (WA)

State Specific Information

New South Wales / ACT
Northern Territory
Queensland
South Australia
Tasmania
Victoria
Western Australia

Adjusting the position of television lighting for news broadcasting
Adjusting the position of television lighting for news broadcasting

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