In order to set the atmosphere of a scene in a movie, TV show or video, the filmmaker will provide the audience with a large number of non-verbal clues-in the scene, props, soundtrack, and even the camera angle. But an important and usually subtle signal is sent through the lighting of the scene, even in sunny conditions, which usually involves lights, lampshades, and filters.

The way the light shines on the characters in the scene can set the emotional tone of the story, just like when the characters are shrouded in darkness. The person who oversees the production of lighting and power requirements is the chief lighting technician of the crew, also known as the lighting engineer.

Lighting engineer David Goodman said that this work is partly technical and partly artistic. He illustrates this with anecdotes from his recent project "Hopeless", a dark but humorous short film that will be released next year.

Although the story took place in the home at night, the shooting was carried out during the day. Goodman can easily hide sunlight through blackout windows. The challenge is to eliminate the shadows caused by his lights in the home.

But then Goodman realized that the problematic shadow actually added to the mood of the movie. "I think it really fits the feel of the script," he said, "because the actors' performances are really interesting, dark and a little nervous."

Goodman talked to the photographer and suggested that the team use shadows as part of the film's role. "So whenever we compose a shot, if we have the opportunity to bring actors close to the wall and create shadows for their actions, we will do it," he said.

The Times interviewed Goodman, Tom Guiney, who is also a lighting engineer, and Veronica Bouza, the director of photography, to discuss the qualities you find in lighting artists and how Starting a career in this field and what skills they can share from the set experience.

Do you have a great Hollywood dream? This article is part of a series of articles about starting and building a career in the entertainment industry. continue reading.

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There are no specific educational requirements for this job. However, the lighting engineer needs to know a lot about power, lighting equipment, and camera parameters (including scene composition, film and shutter speed, lens aperture, etc.). You can learn these skills by studying filmmaking as an undergraduate.

For example, the Los Angeles Film Academy has a 36-month course that covers all aspects of the production process, including grip and electrical work. The graduate received a bachelor's degree in film production science.

Guiney believes that you don't have to be an electrician to become a lighter. You only need to understand the basics, and you will learn the rest at work. However, if you want to learn more about the specific content of electrical training, you can take some vocational and certification courses. An example: At Fullerton College, you can obtain a lighting technician certificate through a course that prepares graduates for the following jobs. The world of theater, theme parks, television and movies.

In addition, like many people in a film crew, the lighting engineer must be a creative person, a problem solver, and a team player. The collaboration starts with the pre-production; Goodman said that the lighting engineer usually cooperates with the director of photography, and in some cases, the director also participates to discuss shooting locations, equipment, and lighting plans.

Director of Photography Veronica Bouza (Veronica Bouza) said that she sees the lighting artist as her soundboard and right hand.

"As a director of photography, I hope the lighting engineer can inspire ideas, have ideas and push me to play a creative role," she said.

The lighting engineer also needs to be able to quickly adapt to the changes in the scene, which requires both mastering the technical aspects of the work and the willingness to invest a dime. Bouza said that production is usually under tight schedules, so it is great to have someone who stays calm under pressure and understands how to use time effectively.

Finally, lighting engineers need leadership skills. That's because he or she will manage a team member who will be responsible for setting up wires, lights, and related equipment.

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Goodman said that, like many positions in Hollywood, you must strive to become a lighting engineer. He will know; in his 31-year career, he has worked in various lighting and electrical positions on the set.

Large-scale productions usually equip their lighting team with electricians who set up the shooting scene, electricians who work during the shooting, lighting technicians, assistant chief lighting technicians (also known as "best boy", an outdated term for a genderless role)) And lighting engineers, as well as personnel specializing in the operation of lamps and lighting control panels. Then there are handles for setting up non-electrical equipment, including shadows and filters for changing the lighting.

But it may be easier to gain a foothold in student films and low-cost productions. This is the path that Guiney has followed. He has been a lighting engineer for reality TV shows and music videos for more than 20 years in New York and Los Angeles.

When Guiney was studying film photography at university, he started his work in the field of lighting as a production assistant. His curiosity and willingness to learn made him invited to participate in the production of low-budget movies, where he learned most of the lighting industry. He said that through conversations with photographers and lighting engineers on set, he learned for the first time the role of light in film production.

Guiney and Goodman proposed two other ways to become a lighting engineer.

Speak freely on the set. Once you have found a position as a production assistant, Guiney said, you should let everyone know that you are interested in learning more about what a lighting engineer does and how to become a lighting engineer.

He said that he is usually reluctant to accept help from production assistants, but he is an exception for those who really show interest. You can do this by allowing yourself to help in any way (even if it means wrapping the rope), knowing when to ask questions, and keeping watch on the set.

"We always need more people, so if you have a basic level of understanding and learn quickly, you will be considered," Guiney said. He said that once you get permission for help, you can work in various grip and electric positions under the lighter.

Working in an equipment rental warehouse, Guiney said, this may not be an ideal stepping stone, but working in a rental warehouse where a lighting engineer obtains equipment is a good way to learn everything. According to Guiney, there are "one million small pieces of equipment" and you need to know how to pack and store them properly.

He said that usually, crew members who come in to get equipment will say that they need more people and ask the shipowner if they have spare personnel. Although you may not understand the process of a lighting engineer, you will know what everything is and can be a valuable addition to the team.

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There are opportunities both inside and outside the entertainment industry. Bouza turned her experience as a photography assistant and lighting engineer into a director of photography and cinematographer. Guiney works as a lighting engineer in the Bay Area, mainly responsible for company and marketing videos.

Guiney said that when you are a junior lighting engineer, you won't make a lot of money, and you probably "need a lot of roommates." Not only will the work be intermittent, but your daily wage rate will be lower than the level that an experienced lighting engineer can control.

Once you have joined the International Theatre Staff Union (Local 728 represents the lighting engineer in the Los Angeles area), your rate will depend on which union contract (if any) is in effect for your project. IATSE sets salary standards for all positions in the crew's electrical team, including lighting engineers.

Different types of projects have different minimum rates, ranging from $27 per hour for low-budget productions to nearly $52 per hour for movies and TV shows.

Not all productions employ union staff. When there is no contract, the producer usually sets the wage rate below the union level.

Both Goodman and Gini, who work on union and non-union projects, said that you may have to volunteer for another job at the beginning, or provide a salary of $150 or less for a 10- to 12-hour working day.

Neither professional supports the idea of ​​newcomers working below the minimum wage, but they say this is a common practice in the industry. Based on their experience, they say it will take at least five years to make ends meet. It all depends on how many projects you can line up in a year.

Goodman remembers that his father encouraged him not to belittle himself many years ago. "He told me,'What the hell are you doing? Why are you working for all these clowns without money? They are just abusing you,'" he said.

Goodman's father advised him to charge a minimum of $300 a day, never lower than this standard, in order to eliminate those who took advantage of him. He told Goodman to hug and say "no".

He said that at first it was difficult to refuse an offer lower than him, but the reward was worth it. Goodman said that even to this day, he has never accepted a new project that is slower than his speed.

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Guiney said that the main game changer in the world of lighting engineers is LED lights. Battery-powered light bulbs eliminate the need for portable generators and bulky cables. The versatility of this new device saves the lighting engineer money and time. But this also means that the number of people in a team has shrunk.

He said that in a large-scale studio project, a lighting engineer can manage a team of 20 or more people. But in small projects, Guiney will handle the lighting and electrical work alone.

Situational awareness knows when to take action and make recommendations, and when to avoid obstacles. Guiney said, don't ask questions while the camera is moving. When you notice that the grip and electric team is dismantling the equipment, please take the initiative to help.

Similarly, Goodman said, there will be some directors of photography who want to collaborate, while others want to tell you what you are doing. "You must be able to understand the direction, you must be clear about your direction for your crew," he said.

Enjoying this job Bouza said that having a lighting engineer who really likes lighting scenes actively contributes creative solutions or ideas to each image at any given moment, injecting infectious energy and illuminating the overall mood of the team.

Investing in equipment Guiney says that investing in your career means buying your own equipment and staying organized. In the long run, it also helps because it can save you rent.

Guiney said that if you are just starting out, you need a set of common tools, including circuit testers, voltage and current meters, various specifications of wires and Setwear brand professional leather gloves for handling thermal equipment. However, a complete set of basic tools is not cheap. It is estimated to cost 1,000 to 2,000 US dollars, depending on whether you choose new or second-hand equipment.

What do you want to know about working in Hollywood?

Send your questions about entering and working in the entertainment industry to the Los Angeles Times.

Inside the entertainment industry

Wide Shot brings you news, analysis and insights on everything from streaming wars to production, and what all this means for the future.

You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.

Karen Garcia is a reporter on the Los Angeles Times' utility news team, which publishes stories and information to help people solve problems, answer questions, and make major decisions about life in and around Los Angeles.

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