Education / Lighting & grip
Support the lighting crew and learn safely.
Entry roleThe overview
Lighting trainees help the lighting department with supervised tasks, learning the equipment and the team’s working methods.
They may move equipment, collect requested items and assist the crew as directed. Electrical and rigging work carries risks, so a trainee does not take independent responsibility for plugging in or making equipment safe. Being useful means knowing when to ask and learning the limits of your task.
Equipment movement, preparation and responding to crew requests take place around changing lighting setups.
Your route in
Look for supervised trainee opportunities and appropriate electrical or technical learning.
Create a list of common lighting and grip terms with their purpose. Focus first on recognising items and understanding instructions.
Use examples of practical teamwork and punctuality. Say clearly which technical tasks you have not yet been trained to do.
Seek department or rental-company experience with a named supervisor. Confirm the limits of each task before beginning.
Trainee experience and further training can support a route towards lighting technician work.
Electrical work and rigging need appropriate competence and supervision. A written guide is not a qualification.
Try it yourself
Pick a film still and identify possible light direction, softness and colour. Make an equipment-question list rather than wiring a setup.
Check that you describe the intended effect and label what you do not know. Leave electrical work to qualified, competent people.
This is an introduction to UK film and scripted TV, rather than a complete job specification. Grades and responsibilities vary by production.
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