As a Lighting Technician, you would be working in studios and on-set, rigging and lighting, working closely with camera operators and the Gaffer. You will also learn about relevant electrical installation, specifically the setup and safe use of temporary on-location lighting systems. Therefore, this course includes a specific electrical qualification that allows you to work safely on location with temporary power installations - BS7909. The purpose of this course is to develop and assess the competence and underpinning knowledge of individuals working in the Lighting department.
The course has been developed with reference to the National Occupational Standard for Lighting for Film and TV. The Lighting for Film and TV standards are the output of an extensive piece of research conducted by ScreenSkills to identify what is needed to work effectively in Lighting departments within the Film and TV industries.
Semester 1
The course will start with 6 weeks of specialist training from our own tutoring team and from visiting industry professionals. This training block develops students understanding of the practical application, equipment and safe working practices and is taught through a combination of practical demonstrations and theory. The emphasis of these elements is to cover all of the underpinning and practical knowledge needed to ensure you are able to make a positive & safe contribution during your subsequent production practice and beyond.
There will then be a bootcamp delivered by industry professionals focusing on career development before you begin your first 5 weeks of production practice, either working with a client on a live brief or onset with a production partner.
Semester 2
You’ll then come back to ESA for your second semester where you will get more training to further develop your specialist skills and knowledge and pass your BS7909 qualification, before completing a second round of production practice.
This course is only available to students who are 18 years old at the start of the course. We will admit a maximum of 12 students onto the programme. Please also be aware that this course is supported by VOCAT (Vocational Education and Training for the Creative Industries) - this course is a practical traineeship which places students on-set in real industry environments as much as possible. The highest levels of professionalism are expected of students.