Lighting technicians or lighting assistants in the film, television or live performance industries apply the skills and knowledge described in this unit.

In this largely operational role, lighting assistants are required to plot, record and modify lighting cues based on a lighting plan supplied to them by a supervising senior lighting technician or lighting designer.

Operators must be familiar with the functions and set-up of lighting consoles and associated peripheral equipment.

Skills associated with operating more complex cues and working with advanced equipment are covered in:

CUFLGT402A Set up, record and operate lighting cues and effects.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Record, modify and replay lighting cues

1. Identify the functions of controls on consoles, including function of the unit displaying data and controls to produce text

2. Undertake channel selection and intensity setting, then identify on display unit and make appropriate modifications

3. Record cue numbers and fade/wait times according to lighting plan, identify these on display unit and make appropriate modifications

4. Identify recorded cues on display unit after playing them in correct sequence and time

5. Create, modify and replay group and sub-groups in correct sequence and time using relevant controls correctly and then identify on display unit

Test facilities in preparation for plotting lighting cues

6. Ensure that working area is clear, tidy, properly illuminated, and relevant documentation is easily accessible

7. Check communication equipment and ensure that it is in working order

8. Power up dimmers, control desk and control desk peripherals using safe working practices

9. Use appropriate test equipment to ensure lights and accessories and general operating environment meets manufacturer operational and safety specifications

10. Test lighting instruments, accessories and other lighting elements to ensure all items are in correct working order

11. Test venue lighting to ensure it is fully operational and in a safe condition

12. Identify problems with equipment promptly and take appropriate action, or refer to relevant personnel as required

Plot and operate lighting cues

13. Check instructions and lighting plan to verify practicality before plotting and check again once plotted

14. Test line of sight needed for visual cues for feasibility during performance

15. Action cues without delay according to directions and production needs

16. Complete cue modifications according to instructions and accurately update appropriate documentation

17. Establish suitable back-up lighting states in the event of the failure of those recorded

18. Store recorded lighting cues and other data electronically on device external to main lighting console

19. Identify and rectify problems safely and according to venue procedures, or refer to relevant personnel

Conduct basic troubleshooting

20. Identify the nature of faults and locate promptly

21. Assess the need for remedial action taking into consideration safety issues and the need for uninterrupted performance

22. Follow manufacturer diagnostic and remedial procedures according to enterprise policy

23. Report fault to relevant personnel if fault cannot be immediately rectified, providing relevant information

24. Liaise with relevant personnel to identify back-up alternatives if fault cannot be rectified before next production deadline

Carry out post-performance procedures

25. Correctly power down equipment or set to standby between performances as required

26. Store and/or cover controls according to enterprise procedures

27. Make accurate changes to documentation and file according to enterprise procedures

Required skills

communication, literacy and teamwork skills sufficient to:

work effectively with other technicians and designers

interpret lighting plan requirements

interpret equipment and production documentation, including back-up systems used in conjunction with lighting control

problem solving skills sufficient to identify operational problems with lighting consoles

technical skills sufficient to:

operate computer-based lighting consoles

undertake routine maintenance of lighting consoles and peripherals

self-management skills sufficient to work within production deadlines

numeracy skills sufficient to complete simple mathematical calculations and recall numbers for channel selection

Required knowledge

general lighting terms, including:

how terms may vary between different systems

how different terms can refer to the same functions on different systems

industry terminology and protocols in relation to the operation of lighting in the relevant industry environment

lighting control concepts used in a range of lighting systems

features and operations (optical and mechanical) of the main types of lanterns, e.g.:

profile

fresnel

PC

flood

PAR (parabolic aluminised reflector) lamps

lantern accessories

understanding of the basic elements of lighting design

colour recognition in display equipment

DMX distribution techniques, including allocation of channels

basic understanding of electricity and safe electrical work practices

OHS legislation and regulations as they apply to operations associated with lighting activities

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential:

ability to record and reproduce accurately lighting cues to instruction in a given timeframe

knowledge of lighting terminology

correct patching of required cabling and peripherals

collaborative approach to work.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

practical demonstration of skills through the use of a lighting console on multiple occasions for multiple productions

use of industry-standard equipment

access to appropriate learning and assessment support when required

use of culturally appropriate processes and techniques appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of learners and the work being performed.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance

direct observation of the candidate operating a lighting console during productions

direct observation of lighting effects produced by the candidate during a production

verbal or written questioning to assess knowledge of console features and functions.

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

CUFLGT101A Apply a general knowledge of lighting to work activities.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Lighting plan may include:

colour sheet

computer generated

cue synopsis/sheet

equipment list

focus details

magic sheet

manually written

patch sheet.

Documentation may include:

accident reports

call sheet

colour coding schedules

equipment manuals/lists/instructions

fault reports

floor sheets

lantern schedules

power requirements

production schedule

running sheet

script

venue procedures/layout plans.

Communication equipment may include:

headphones

mobile phones

standard intercoms

two-way radios.

Dimmers may include:

analogue dimmers

multiplexed analogue dimmers

multiplexed digital dimmers, e.g. DMX512

MUX and DMUX units, e.g. analogue conversion

single-unit (follow spot) dimmers, e.g. Model 1, Monopak

small self-contained dimmable controllers, e.g. Fourpack, Quadpak.

Control desks may include:

controlled lighting effects

manual/memory desks

manually operated desks.

Control desk peripherals may include:

back-up units

control cables

desk lamp

effects unit

external memory storage

monitors

printers

riggers' controls.

Test equipment may include:

analogue and digital multimeters

continuity tester

DMX, cable testers

test meters.

Lights and accessories may include:

animation discs

architectural fixtures, e.g. wall lights

colour frames

cookies

cut-outs

flags

flood mechanisms

fresnel/PC barn doors

gobos/gobo holders/rotators

outside broadcast units

profile shutters

snoots

studio and theatre-based units.

Lighting instruments may include:

digital moving (intelligent) lights

special effects units

theatre-based units.

Lighting elements may include:

electrical/electronic props

floor electrics

pracs, e.g. functional lamp as prop

special effects, e.g.:

strobe lights

mirror balls and motors

smoke machines

fog machines

ultraviolet lights

chasers

haze machines

effects projectors

optic fibre lights.

Venue lighting may include:

aisle lights

backstage lights

blue light

cleaner lights

display/advertising lights

exit lights

general lights

house lights

orchestra lights

panic lights

task lights

work lights.

Relevant personnel may include:

choreographer

director

director of photography

gaffer

lighting designer

producer

production manager

senior lighting technician

stage manager

supervisor

technical director

other technical/specialist staff.

Productions may include:

animations

documentaries

feature films

interactive media productions

live concert performances, e.g. rock concerts, open-air concerts/events

music videos

stage productions, e.g. plays, musicals

television productions, e.g. drama, sport, comedy.

Unit sector

Media and entertainment production - lighting

This unit contains employability skills.