Need advice on starting in the lighting dept

[rc444]

I'm interested in cinematography, but have a bit of an issue with the loading aspect of clapper loading. I graduate from film school in a few months and am considering starting in the lighting department as an alternative towards the camera dept.

How hard or easy is it to start in the lighting department? I assume one starts as a best boy.

Is it vital to have a certificate of some sort that proves you understand safety issues, i.e. knowing what plugs go where to avoid electrocution?

 

[Andrew Brinkhaus]

No offense, but you will not start as a BB. Not on anything with money at least. You would start as an electric (if you were lucky) and work up to Best Boy. I'd start with taking a look through a couple books, and becoming very familiar with what every position is, and the duties of that job.

I am not familiar with New Zealand, but I am guessing it is unionized for the most part? If so, look into IATSE, and getting into a local electrics union out there, that way when the big boys roll into town, they can at least consider you for a job. Best of luck.

 

[Gopher_Greene]

There are so many ifs in your question its hard to know where to start. I'm talking how things work in indie films in a small market in the US, so things maybe very different in New Zealand.

If you want to do camera work, get on the camera crew. It is hard to break in and 2nd ac, or even a camera PA is where you'll probably get your first job. Film school is great, but this business is all about proving yourself. Rarely is a production going to give a crucial position to anyone that has no history. Take what you have learned in film school, and prove yourself to the crew and then you'll sart moving up.

As far as the lighting crew, you won't start as a best boy. Grip or Jucier on a low budget maybe. I don't know of any certificates for juicers or grip, but maybe in New Zealand thing are different.

Best thing is just get on the set, you'll learn a lot on your first production. Try to meet the people in your area that are making films, they will be a much more valuable resource to you getting started than anything said here.