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Rigging Electrician

Specialist spark for lighting and power infrastructure: truss, motors, loft work and temporary distribution ahead of or alongside the shooting crew.

Duties

• Read the call sheet and sides before arriving
• Maintain radio/set etiquette and H&S
• Hand over notes/kit status at wrap
• Install and strike lighting/power rigs
• Work with Rigging Supervisor and grips
• Safe working at height / loft
• Label and return hired electrics

Reports to

Rigging Supervisor / Best Boy

Works with

Rigging Supervisor, Grips, venue LX, Construction

Career path

Lighting Technician → Rigging Electrician → Rigging Supervisor

Day to day

Hang and circuit temporary LX; work at height under the Rigging Supervisor; label and test; coordinate with scenic/venue; derig hired electrics cleanly.

Call times

Lighting/pre-light call is often earlier than general unit; shoot sparks usually match unit call (commonly 07:00–08:00 on UK drama) and wrap after camera unless a lighting wrap is called. Night exteriors flip the day — always read the call sheet header.

What to wear

Matte blacks; steel toe-caps or production-approved boots; gloves for hot lamps; hard hat on rigs; hi-vis when Locations require; weather layers for UK exteriors; radio pouch.

Tools & kit

Personal PPE, multimeter, gloves, headtorch, multi-tool, gel clips; production supplies lamps/distro/desk.

Tips

Confirm title, agreement, budget band, prep/wrap and kit fee on the deal memo before accepting. We never invent Bectu figures — check bectu.org.uk ratecards / your branch.

Software

• Plot PDFs
• Rig schedules / Excel
• Lightwright / Vectorworks / CAD plot PDFs
• Shared call sheets (StudioBinder / Yamdu / PDF)
• ShotDeck / PureRef for look refs
• DMX desk familiarity (ETC Eos, grandMA basics)
• ChatGPT / Claude for quick gel/CCT notes (verify on set)

Related roles

Rigging Supervisor, Lighting Technician (Spark)

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