Lighting Staff occupation

merits & demerits ?



The job of a Lighting Staff has many attractions! Firstly, it is a profession that emphasizes creativity, playing a crucial role in bringing works to life. It is essential to skillfully manipulate the arrangement and color of lights to enhance the beauty of stage and film. Working in such an environment also allows individuals to refine their artistic sensibilities, which is a significant advantage. Moreover, the opportunity to gain experience in various settings naturally leads to an improvement in technical skills!
However, there are some disadvantages associated with being a lighting staff member. In particular, this profession often involves long working hours, which can be physically demanding. Additionally, certain locations may require more nighttime work, leading to disruptions in one’s daily rhythm. Since teamwork is fundamental, there may also be stress related to interpersonal relationships. Therefore, flexibility regarding work style and environment is essential.

Lighting Staff occupation
merits

◎Creative Freedom of Expression

One of the wonderful aspects of working as a lighting staff member is the creative freedom of expression that is granted. Lighting significantly influences the atmosphere of a stage or film, allowing you to unleash your creativity through various productions. The ability to control colors and brightness, and evoke emotions for each scene, is a privilege not found in other professions!

◎Moments of Feeling Your "Impact"

Just changing the lighting can transform the atmosphere on set like magic. In that moment, you can truly feel your great impact! For example, even in the same scene, whether you choose to illuminate it brightly or create a dim ambiance can give completely different impressions. In that moment, you are moved by the world you have created with your own hands!

◎Encounters with Diverse People

As a lighting staff member, you are in a profession that engages with many people, providing encounters with diverse individuals. By collaborating with creative comrades such as directors, actors, and sound staff, you receive countless inspirations and can foster friendships. These kinds of relationships enrich not only your work but also your life.

◎Flexible Working Style

Working as a lighting staff member allows for a flexible working style. You can dive into new environments with each project, freeing yourself from monotonous routines. There are always new challenges waiting for you, so you won’t get bored. Moreover, in between work, you also have the time to pursue your own hobbies.

◎Realizing Personal Growth in the Environment

Lighting technology and equipment are evolving daily, and adapting to these changes allows you to feel personal growth, which is one of the appealing aspects of this profession. By learning new technologies and trends, you enhance your skills as a professional, contribute to creating better works, and simultaneously enjoy the journey of building your career!

◎Opportunities to Thrive Around the World

The lighting staff profession is sought after regardless of the country, providing abundant opportunities to thrive around the world. The chances to be involved in domestic and international films, festivals, and stage productions are endless! Working while experiencing new cultures in new places is an incredibly exciting experience.

Lighting Staff occupation
demerits

×Unusual Work Hours

Lighting staff are often subjected to unconventional work hours. It is not uncommon for them to work from early morning until late at night to accommodate shooting or event schedules. This irregular lifestyle can lead to sacrifices in time spent with family and friends, resulting in mental fatigue.

×Physical Strain

Additionally, lighting equipment is quite heavy, which contributes to a significant physical burden. Long hours of work and the transportation of heavy gear can have a substantial impact on the back and shoulders. This can lead to chronic pain or injuries that are difficult to avoid.

×Constantly Required High Skills

To work in this field, a high level of skill is constantly required. With new lighting equipment and technologies emerging frequently, professionals must continue to learn, and the pressure to do so can be quite intense. Especially for those who have been in the industry from a young age, there is often a continual demand for self-improvement, which can feel suffocating at times.

×Mental Stress

Lighting staff often receive harsh feedback from managers and directors. Particularly during events or performances, lighting has a significant impact on the overall quality, which creates a high level of tension. This stress can have serious consequences on mental health.

×Unstable Income

Moreover, the lighting industry predominantly consists of freelance and contractual work, leading to unstable income. When work is available, it is great, but there are times when income can drop to zero, making life very difficult. This makes it challenging to outline long-term career plans, resulting in anxiety about the future.

Working as a lighting staff comes with several merits! First, by creating ambience through lighting, you gain creative freedom of expression, and the moment when your ideas take shape is incredibly fulfilling. Additionally, there are captivating moments when you can feel the "impact" that your effects have on the audience during performances and events. Furthermore, you meet a diverse range of people, sharing new experiences while collaborating with each other. The flexibility of working hours also allows for a conducive environment for self-growth, which helps in enhancing individual skills!
On the other hand, there are several demerits associated with being a lighting staff. Unusual working hours and irregular schedules can take a toll on your body. In particular, working long hours on-site can easily lead to fatigue! Moreover, there is constant pressure to maintain high technical standards, which can lead to mental stress. Additionally, since the work is project-based, concerns about unstable income can also arise. Thus, while there are many attractions to this profession, there are also tough realities to face.
Lighting Staff merits and demerits? [occupation] merideme