Lighting technician

from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Lighting technicians are responsible for setting up, operating and maintaining the lighting systems and devices in film , television and theater as well as in the context of events . This includes in particular those headlights with which certain lighting situations and lighting moods can be generated.

Lighting team

Light design Genesis concert, 2007
Typical work place of the illuminator during the show
Lighting technician setting up the headlights

Gaffer

The Oberbeleuchter (short: OB , English Lighting Designer or Gaffer ) is both a technical and a creative instance on the set . In film and television productions, lighting technicians work closely with the cameramen who are responsible for the lighting design. As a rule, the gaffers are in front of them. In the theater, this hierarchical level is called the lighting master. Lighting technicians are responsible for setting up, operating and maintaining the lighting systems and devices in film, television and theater as well as in the context of events. This includes in particular those headlights with which certain lighting situations and lighting moods can be generated.

In consultation with the cameraman, the lighting objective for the respective setting is determined. The lighting technician is responsible for the implementation of the lighting requirements, both technically and creatively. He determines the lighting of the individual scenes depending on the artistic freedom granted by the respective cameraman . Using a light meter , spot meter and color meter , the OB ensures that the various (partly natural) light sources, depending on brightness and color temperature, deliver what corresponds to the desired “look”. Since many of the results are only visible after the development when exposing on film, this profession requires a lot of experience. Another tool of the top light is the gray glass with which it can assess the contrast range of the respective setting as well as the position of the sun and cloud. Correct handling of this also requires many years of practice.

Lighting technician

The "first" electric ( English Assistant Chief Lighting Technician or Best Boy ) is the assistant of the top illuminator and responsible for organizational tasks, this includes both the management of materials and the coordination of other lighting technician. In the case of smaller productions, he takes on the assembly, cabling and operation of the lighting equipment himself. In contrast to the gawker , his task is to be seen more as an executive than a creative activity.

The profession has been a recognized profession since 1998 and can be learned either through (proven) practical experience or as a specialist in event technology.
The following are required as proof:

  • Previous, proven activity for approx. 300 shooting days, including 200 shooting days as a light assistant.
  • Knowledge of the visual effect of light as a dramaturgical design tool.
  • Basic knowledge of focal lengths and image formats.
  • Knowledge of the mode of operation and handling of the various lighting devices, light sources and light-changing materials.
  • Knowledge of mobile power supply with lighting devices and their safe use.
  • Knowledge of and compliance with the statutory occupational safety and accident prevention regulations such as the AZO.
  • Technical responsibility for the safe handling of lighting devices and their accessories.

Recently, the term “Best Boy” has also been used generally to designate the first assistant to the management of a work area during filming (for example Best Boy Grip ).

Lighting technician

The lighting technicians ( English Electricians or Key Grip ) set up tripods, attach lamp heads, set them up (position, alignment, goals, focusing, torture) and cover unwanted spots of light with appropriate cover flags. Fresnel lens spotlights or HMI daylight spotlights from 125 W up to 20,000 W are usually used as artificial light. There is also a wide range of other spotlights that are specially manufactured for use on film sets.

The lighting technician performs simple repairs on ballasts and lamp heads, e.g. B. burners have to be replaced frequently.

As a rule, film and series productions are staffed with one gaffer, 2–5 lighting staff (including Best Boy) and, if necessary, an intern. For particularly elaborate scenes that are usually shot at night, additional lighting technicians are hired on a daily basis and additional equipment is rented.

The work to be carried out by the lighting technicians in Germany, such as the setting of diffusion frames and cover flaps, securing the lamp tripods and rigging work in international film productions is mostly carried out by the Grip department.

Genny operator

The genny operator or a member of the lighting crew keeps track of the required power, cabling and power load distribution. To ensure the power supply on the set, the lighting department has a powerful (usually between 60 and 100 kW), specially silenced, mobile generator (trivialized short form) Genny for every series or film shoot .

Vocational training

State training for lighting technicians (and sound technicians) has been offered in Germany since 1998 with the profession of specialist in event technology . In the past, lighting technicians usually first completed an apprenticeship in an electrical engineering , electrical installation or power engineering profession and gained further qualifications.

Web links

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ a b c gaffer. Regie.de, archived from the original on December 12, 2013 ; accessed on April 15, 2018 .
  2. ↑ a b What is a gawker? Kino.de, October 7, 2004, archived from the original on April 15, 2018 ; accessed on April 15, 2018 .
  3. ↑ a b The big film Abc: What does a gawker actually do? Gawk? Movie Jones, August 22, 2015, accessed April 15, 2018 .
  4. ↑ Markus Schleufe: Lighting technicians - lighting experts in film. Die Zeit (online), August 8, 2011, archived from the original on September 9, 2011 ; accessed on April 15, 2018 .
  5. ↑ First lighting technician. Regie.de, archived from the original on April 15, 2018 ; accessed on April 15, 2018 .
  6. ↑ a b lighting technician (description of training). Regie.de, archived from the original on September 13, 2017 ; accessed on April 15, 2018 .
  7. ↑ a b Mark: Who's Who on a Movie Crew? Vimeo, August 7, 2017, archived from the original on September 14, 2017 ; accessed on April 15, 2018 .
  8. ^ Genny Operator. Hiive, archived from the original on April 15, 2018 ; accessed on April 15, 2018 .
  9. ^ Genny Operator. Creative Skill Set, archived from the original on May 24, 2016 ; accessed on April 15, 2018 .
  10. ↑ lighting / in the Berufenet the Federal Employment Agency