The Practical Lighting Technician (or Practical Sparks) is responsible for finding a safe and appropriate power supply at specific locations. They must assess the required supply for the lighting needed for a production in varied locations. In a building this involves taking a feed from its fuse box. They must set up lights and other electrical equipment for props, for example kettles or table lamps, to be used by actors while filming scenes. They are responsible for changing or modifying lighting equipment and fittings on a period film, so that they are appropriate to the period in which the story is set. They must restore equipment and fittings back to their original status once filming has been completed. This is a role that requires a qualified electrician with experience in working on location and a knowledge of health and safety legislation and testing.

Practical lightingexamples

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There is no usual career path to Practical Lighting Electrician, often they will have worked their way through the Lighting Department. They need to be a fully qualified electrician, with relevant Health and Safety training.