Ah. Television and film, like entertainment in general is not really the same world at all as conventional sparking. Of course the theory is the same, but the equipment is different and the approach to design has a lot more to do with what can be reeled out and reeled in again and reused, rather than carefully cut to length and plastered in.

Systems of parallel generators, knowing how to  tap safely into local supplies, how to handle earthing of many forms, hiring in the right kit, some of which is eye-wateringly expensive, all need to be decided and set-up at short notice.

An understanding  of rigging is required, and even the role titles are different - no commercial electrician will call anyone 'gaffer' or 'best boy' or for that matter 'the grip'.

In many ways if you exchanged sparks from the two disciplines, in many ways both would be a bit lost to begin with.

Equally the basics of the C and G electrical would be a good start in either case - and then it may be worth getting some experience of the world before getting in too deep - working for a lighting hire company or similar would get familiar with the names of all the gear and what is normally used in conjunction with what.


In terms of experience you could look at  "the knowledge" on line  to see who is doing what in in your area of interest and geographically - someone may want a rigger, which is the bottom rung (though oddly the role involves a fair amount of climbing).


Mrs MAPJ1 is actually a film accountant and if her work is anything to go by,  then hours on set can be erratic, long and antisocial, especially during set-up and tear down.

(though you may get a 'free' lunch if filming is in progress, though precious little time to eat it.)

The money looks good, but the price you pay is the lack job security - productions start, run and go bust almost on a whim, if there is a panic on then weekends and bank hols get worked through none stop, and it is important to put down some reserves of cash during the good times, for what will surely follow.


Fun I think, for those who are of the right mindset, but not for everyone. Look before you leap.

Ah. Television and film, like entertainment in general is not really the same world at all as conventional sparking. Of course the theory is the same, but the equipment is different and the approach to design has a lot more to do with what can be reeled out and reeled in again and reused, rather than carefully cut to length and plastered in.

Systems of parallel generators, knowing how to  tap safely into local supplies, how to handle earthing of many forms, hiring in the right kit, some of which is eye-wateringly expensive, all need to be decided and set-up at short notice.

An understanding  of rigging is required, and even the role titles are different - no commercial electrician will call anyone 'gaffer' or 'best boy' or for that matter 'the grip'.

In many ways if you exchanged sparks from the two disciplines, in many ways both would be a bit lost to begin with.

Equally the basics of the C and G electrical would be a good start in either case - and then it may be worth getting some experience of the world before getting in too deep - working for a lighting hire company or similar would get familiar with the names of all the gear and what is normally used in conjunction with what.


In terms of experience you could look at  "the knowledge" on line  to see who is doing what in in your area of interest and geographically - someone may want a rigger, which is the bottom rung (though oddly the role involves a fair amount of climbing).


Mrs MAPJ1 is actually a film accountant and if her work is anything to go by,  then hours on set can be erratic, long and antisocial, especially during set-up and tear down.

(though you may get a 'free' lunch if filming is in progress, though precious little time to eat it.)

The money looks good, but the price you pay is the lack job security - productions start, run and go bust almost on a whim, if there is a panic on then weekends and bank hols get worked through none stop, and it is important to put down some reserves of cash during the good times, for what will surely follow.


Fun I think, for those who are of the right mindset, but not for everyone. Look before you leap.