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Occupation Information
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Film and Television Lighting Operator
Operator (Film and Television Lighting)Lighting DesignerGaffer )



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

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

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 Performing Arts Technicians

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
Theatre Mechanist

Earnings

View text version of earnings

Occupation Earnings Graph

Occupation Mean Weekly Earnings Graph

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

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