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Video Transcript

Lighting technicians use lighting effects to help create the special ambiance of a performance or event. They set up, program, and operate lighting equipment for photography, television, film, video, and live productions. Lighting technicians typically work under the direction of a lighting director or event producer to establish lighting requirements. They pack equipment, hang lights–sometimes using scaffolding or cranes, and program the light boards according to an event’s timing. Lighting technicians test equipment and participate in rehearsals to ensure lighting effects are accurate and appear at the right times throughout the event. They may also use color filters, video screens, background projections, and other lighting effects planned by lighting directors. After a show, they disassemble, pack, and store equipment. Safety is critical, so these technicians frequently check equipment and make repairs to avoid fire or electrical shock and must work confidently at sometimes considerable heights. Work schedules often include performances held in evenings, late nights, and on weekends. Many lighting technicians work on a project basis, and some jobs require extensive travel with long hours on the road living with the crew. Lighting technicians need physical fitness, organizational skills, and the ability to work well under pressure. Qualifications for positions in this field vary from on-the-job training to a college degree, however, a certificate, earned at a community college, is a typical requirement.