Profession lighting director

Lighting directors determine what lights are needed during production, according to the video and motion picture director's creative vision. They use the script to design the lighting requirements for each shot. Lighting directors oversee the lighting setup and operation.

Personality Type

• Artistic / Investigative
• Artistic / Realistic

Knowledge

• Cinematography

  The science of recording light and electromagnetic radiation in order to create a motion picture. The recording can happen electronically with an image sensor or chemically on light sensitive materials such as film stock.

• Health and safety regulations

  Necessary health, safety, hygiene and environmental standards and legislation rules in the sector of particular activity.

• Personal directing styles

  Understand and analyse the behaviour of specific directors.

• Lighting techniques

  The characteristics of techniques used to create atmospheres and effects on camera or on stage; the equipment required and appropriate setup to use.

• Technical drawings

  Drawing software and the various symbols, perspectives, units of measurement, notation systems, visual styles and page layouts used in technical drawings.

Skills

• Consult with production director

  Consult with the director, producer and clients throughout the production and post-production process.

• Translate artistic concepts to technical designs

  Cooperate with the artistic team in order to facilitate the transition from the creative vision and its artistic concepts to a technical design.

• Create solutions to problems

  Solve problems which arise in planning, prioritising, organising, directing/facilitating action and evaluating performance. Use systematic processes of collecting, analysing, and synthesising information to evaluate current practice and generate new understandings about practice.

• Design lighting

  Design the right atmosphere and an aesthetically appealing film with light. Give instructions on which equipment, settings, and cues should be used.

• Use specialised design software

  Developing new designs mastering specialised software.

• Analyse the need for technical resources

  Define and make a list of the required resources and equipment based on the technical needs of the production.

• Finish project within budget

  Make sure to stay within budget. Adapt work and materials to budget.

• Draw up lighting plan

  Create technical drawings and documentation within the lighting department.

• Use technical documentation

  Understand and use technical documentation in the overall technical process.

• Read lighting plans

  Read the instructions on the light plan to determine the light equipment needed and the right placement.

• Analyse a script

  Break down a script by analysing the dramaturgy, form, themes and structure of a script. Conduct relevant research if necessary.

• Keep up with trends

  Monitor and follow new trends and developments in specific sectors.

• Supervise lighting crew

  Supervise the crew responsible for setting up and operating lighting equipment during production of a motion picture or theatre production. Make sure they understand the creative vision and use the right equipment and settings.

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB