If you want to be a lighting director, you should have experience in theater, film, or television, as well as a general understanding of art direction and lighting. Although this is one way to gain experience working with different lighting hardware, you do not typically need to have professional experience as an electrician. A lighting director must have a general understanding of how lighting affects a scene as well as an eye for artistic lighting, which can be acquired through a television production program. You should look for opportunities to work with different directors or production companies once you have the necessary background and experience to become a lighting director.
If you want to work as a lighting director, you should think about what kind of education you’ll need. A lighting director is someone who works on a television crew or in a theatrical production to create the lighting that illuminates a set for filming or showing a scene. In the United States, this position is known as a lighting designer, whereas in the United Kingdom, it is known as a lighting director. While no formal education is required to work as a lighting director, you should consider taking classes in theater and television production, particularly those focusing on lighting and set design.
You can become a lighting director in a variety of ways, but in general, you should consider various avenues that may provide you with the experience you need in working with lights and entertainment. Work on lighting for live performances such as concerts or stage plays, for example. While lighting directors are not required to be electricians because electrical wiring on a film or television set is typically done gaffers, you can use electrical work to gain experience in lighting setup and control.
However, actually becoming a lighting director and working professionally can be difficult. While many lighting directors were once directly employed studios, the majority now work as freelancers or for specific production companies. Because the work of a lighting director often begins during pre-production, you should keep an eye out for new projects that are about to go into production. Joining any professional associations for those involved in entertainment illumination in your country can help you become a lighting director allowing you to make contacts within the television or theater industry.