Becoming a Lighting Designer

Running time: 1.26mins

Film maker Mike Marriage

Neil Austin is a lighting designer at the National Theatre. In this film he explains how he became a lighting designer, and offers some advice for anyone wanting to pursue a career in the same profession.

Lighting

The way a set and actors are lit have a major impact on the mood of a scene. The National Theatre's Lighting Department deploys everything from the humble parcan to complex automated lights.

Automated lighting profiles

Automated lights are essential in the National's rep system.
The use of follow spots

A look at the history of follow spots and how they are used today.
The use of moving lights

Moving lights were created for live concerts.
Becoming a Lighting Designer

A look at how to become a lighting designer.
Focusing lights for the rep

When a show changes round in the rep, there's not enough time for each scene to be laid out exactly as it is in the show to allow the lights to be focussed on it.
Automated lighting - wash

Automated lights can be utilised to create an even wash of light across a stage.
Follow spots

Follow spots have a lot more to them than just being a light that an operator can point at an actor to ensure they are lit well enough.
Stage lights with lenses

Lights with lenses are very versatile and can be used to create a range of effects, with different sizes and shapes of beam.
Stage lights without lenses

A look at the variety of lights without lenses and their uses on stage.
Programming and operating the lights

Programming lights and operating them during the show are two very different procedures.

Becoming a Lighting Designer

Lighting

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