Lighting technician (Lichttechnicus)
Information on this skill...
A lighting technician is someone who specializes in lighting techniques that are applied during performances, such as theater performances or concerts. In addition, a lighting technician can work for the film industry or a lighting technician provides the lighting for fashion shows or photo shoots. A lighting technician is therefore working within the audiovisual sector, which in addition to light also relates to sound, but a lighting technician is usually only responsible for providing the lighting. From an artistic point of view, light is an important part of productions, because light contributes to an important part of the desired result and the final experience of a performance. In many cases, achieving the right atmosphere is only possible by applying the right lighting. In short, the substantive work of a lighting technician can best be described as operating the light installation or the light computer and applying special lighting effects at the right time. The installation of light installations can also be part of the work of a lighting technician, depending on the employer and assignments. The installation of light installations can be regarded as specialist work, because complex light installations will often be used. The profession of lighting technician is a technical profession, in which creativity also plays an important role. A lighting technician is generally also responsible for making lighting plans, which include exactly which lighting should be used during events. Artistically, good lighting during events and other performances is indispensable. A lighting technician may be responsible for illuminating people and objects.
A lighting technician is therefore responsible for providing the right lighting and lighting effects with regard to stages and events. The main task of a lighting technician is to illuminate people and/or objects with the intention of displaying them as well as possible. As a lighting technician, you are responsible for, among other things, installing the lighting, setting the lighting and controlling the lighting. The control of the lighting will in most cases be carried out with a special light computer and the control panel. It is also the lighting technician who applies lighting effects at the right time if necessary to create a certain atmosphere. Lighting effects are generally very important to give an extra dimension to a performance. Think, for example, of deejays and actors, who need to be highlighted at the right time. It is not the case that lighting technicians only work during concerts. For example, a lighting technician can also work during fashion shows to illuminate models in the right way.
WORKING AS A LIGHTING TECHNICIAN
Despite the fact that the profession of lighting technician has great independence, as a lighting technician you will regularly consult with other professionals who are involved in the performance, recording or concert. Think of directors, set builders, stage builders, cameramen, sound people and the production manager. This consultation usually relates to the way of lighting, so that the production will be displayed as well as possible. This can also mean that the lighting is extensively tested during the rehearsal, so that the desired results are achieved. As described earlier, a lighting technician can also have to deal with a lighting plan during a large performance. A lighting plan is a script or scenario, in which it is included exactly which lighting should be applied and how this should be done. Consider, for example, the application of the right filters, the light direction and the number of spots that must be used.
TASKS OF A LIGHTING TECHNICIAN:
- Drawing up lighting plans
- Installing light installations
- Consulting with other AV employees
- Testing light installations
- Operating the light installation
- Dismantling light installations
WHAT DOES A LIGHTING TECHNICIAN DO:
TRAINING TO BECOME A LIGHTING TECHNICIAN
There are various training opportunities for lighting technicians, such as the MBO light technician course or the MBO stage and event technician sound. These courses are broader than just lighting techniques. Think, for example, of sound theory, electrical engineering, music theory and recording techniques. There are also ample training opportunities at private institutions for the profession of lighting technician. Accounting is also important as an entrepreneur.
COMPANIES WHERE A LIGHTING TECHNICIAN CAN BE EMPLOYED
As a lighting technician, you will work within the audiovisual sector, which relates to production companies such as the film industry, television companies or the theatre. In addition, you can work for event agencies, theatres, music venues or work for specialized rental companies within the audiovisual sector. It is also conceivable that a lighting technician works as an entrepreneur.
COMPETENCES LIGHTING TECHNICIAN
The most important competence of a lighting technician is your general knowledge of technology and lighting. The technique mainly relates to the various application possibilities of lighting. In addition, a lighting technician must be able to be regarded as a mechanic, because a lighting technician is responsible for installing light installations. Another important competence is communication, because you have a lot to do with other professionals within the audiovisual sector. Generally important words are independence, perseverance, flexibility, insight, passion, creativity, planning, organizing, sense of responsibility and stress resistance.
LABOUR MARKET PERSPECTIVE AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AS A LIGHTING TECHNICIAN
The labour market perspective as a lighting technician is generally reasonable. In practice, it is not uncommon for the lighting technician to also be responsible for other activities, such as taking care of the sound. The career opportunities as a lighting technician should be seen in obtaining more responsibilities, such as being able to take care of the sound or a managerial position. Without further training, there are no real career opportunities within this profession.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT AND SALARY OF LIGHTING TECHNICIAN
There are no specific employment conditions for the profession of lighting technician, because you can work for different types of companies. The salary as a lighting technician can vary quite a bit per employer and your responsibilities. When you work as a lighting technician you will generally earn a salary between 1900 and 2500 euros gross per month, depending on your age, education and responsibilities.
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