myfuture :: Occupation Information - Film and Television Lighting Operator

Film and Television Lighting Operator
( Gaffer, Lighting Designer, Operator (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 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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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