UK film & TV craft certificate: lighting technician 2023 (Yorkshire)

This course is part of Centre of Screen Excellence: Yorkshire, a ground-breaking pilot delivered by Screen Yorkshire and supported by ScreenSkills using National Lottery funding awarded by the BFI as part of the Future Film Skills programme.

Lighting technicians are in huge demand across the UK’s booming film and television industries. This four month (April to July, 2023) course aims to take in entry-level trainees and give them basic electrical training, as well as preparing them for the specific rigours of working within the film and television industries.

We are looking for a cohort of trainees who bring a diverse range of experiences to the group, and we actively encourage applicants from groups who are currently underrepresented in the film and television industries.

Who it's for

No previous film and TV qualifications are required. However, an electrical qualification is desirable, a keen interest in electrics and/or lighting would be essential. Furthermore, work in the lighting department is a highly collaborative activity and suits people who enjoy working in teams working towards a joint goal.

The course is entry level and is specifically targeted towards students who have identified the goal of establishing a career path as a lighting technician.

Entrants must be 18+ and some applicants may choose to undertake this award instead of going to University. Graduates are still welcome to apply, as are people looking to change career later in life.

Applicants must be 18 years old on 6 February, 2023 to apply for this course.

For students over this age there is a course fee of £2,000 which includes an admin fee, however you may be eligible for bursary support covering the majority of the course fee.

If you would like to apply for a bursary, please fill out the bursary application form linked to in the main application form when you submit. Payment plans are available for those paying their course fee.

What it covers

Trainees will learn with an industry professional located at Prime Studios in West Yorkshire. We will endeavour to provide a work experience module on active film or TV sets. However, while best efforts will be made, placements cannot be guaranteed.

Screen Yorkshire and the CoSE:Y team will deliver a introduction week designed to prepare the trainees for the specific requirements of lighting crew in film and TV, such as their role within a department, the way departments interact with other departments during production, set etiquette, sustainability training and preparation for freelance life (including CV and application writing, tax, invoicing and networking).

As a trainee of Screen Yorkshire, we provide a real on set experience in collaboration with Leeds MetFilm School on a large filming project at the end of your course.

On completion of the certificate you will:

• Understand how to communicate effectively with colleagues in both prep and on location/set
• Be able to develop and maintain good working relationships during the production process
• Understand hazards and risks in the workplace and be able to evaluate and minimise risks
• Understand relevant equipment, materials and related issues
• Be able to select, prepare, organise and manage relevant equipment for a shoot
• Understand the performance characteristics of lights (lamp wattage, throw, spread)
• Have a developed understanding of electrical principles
• Organise effectively the accessories, including lamps cabling, connectors, colour filters and other ancillary equipment
• Demonstrate an awareness of production issues related to sustainability and the environment
• Be able to operate effectively as a freelance worker

How to apply

Applications are open until Monday 6 February, 2023. Applications received after this date will not be considered.

If for any reason you need to submit your application by an alternative method or have any other queries then please contact training@screenyorkshire.co.uk

You may be invited to a phone/online interview between 20 February – 10 March. Successful applicants will be offered a place by the end of March and will be expected to accept within three days of the offer.

We will endeavour to contact everyone who applies, however due to the number of applications we receive, if you have not heard from us by then please assume you have not been offered a place on one of the courses.

For more information, and to apply click here

Contact information

Email: training@screenyorkshire.co.uk