Lighting designer
Creative and Cultural Skills and Equity, two industry bodies, say:
Lighting designers design and arrange lighting to enhance productions. They read the script, and discuss requirements with the director and set designer. They attend production meetings with the director and other heads of department, eg set designer, costume designer (these two roles are often combined), master carpenter, stage manager, make-up artist and sound supervisor. They discuss in detail the logistics of the production, and resolve any conflicts. Lighting is influenced by a wide range of factors, including: the script, the director’s requirements, set design, costumes, make-up, budget and the available equipment
Freelance lighting designer Adam Bassett, 28, has a theatre practice degree from Central School of Speech and Drama. He said: "Every job I do is different and there’s new challenges each time. I’m always learning and discovering new ideas or ways to achieve something and finding the opportunity to collaborate with many other ideas and people.
“But, my work can be extremely stressful and often involves many weeks or even months spent travelling abroad or working away from home”.
Another freelance lighting designer Simon Corder started his working life as a follow-spot operator, which he says is a common apprentice role. He has no qualification relating to lighting design.
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Advice from Association of Lighting Designers
Association of Lighting Designers is currently campaigning to increase minimum fees for its members.
