Short Film Lighting Director

Being a lighting director in short films (or features for that matter) means being involved both with the creative and the technical aspects of filmmaking.

When working on a short film as a lighting director, you are in charge of planning all the lights and lighting effects for a shoot. You need to work closely with other crewmembers on everything equipment and location related. You make ongoing decisions by liaising closely with the director(s) and set designer(s) for the film, and you are also in charge of directing and advising the lighting technicians on the set. Everything that has to do with lights is your responsibility – and you need to make it work, whatever the camera angle, position, equipment, location or other situation the director or set designer confronts you with.

Sometimes a lighting director also needs to have an in-depth understanding of special effects, locations or other equipment to help make his or her job complete. By getting involved in several different short films, you can get exposure to a variety of lighting challenges - and learn from them.

How to get started? Your best bet is to inquire with local broadcasters, production companies or other creative institutions where they shoot and need lighting technicians, production runners or any kind of electrical crew. Talk to other filmmakers who are shooting short films, and ask to be part of the crew. Always make sure you spell out what you are interested in, so that you get the most out of your experience on the set.

Good luck!