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Film Lighting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Crew Member (evergreen)

Kent, WA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.50/hr

Background in theatrical lighting, live music, or film production. Why Join Us? * Ongoing, part-time opportunities with a company that values skill and creativity. * Work on high-profile events and ...

Filmmaking Mentor

Calistoga, CA · On-site

$31.80/hr

Programs culminate with a student film screening opportunity at the Los Angeles Latino ... Casting and directing * Production (camera, sound, lighting) * Editing and post-production

Crew Member (evergreen)

Kent, WA · On-site

$26 - $55/hr

Background in theatrical lighting, live music, or film production. Why Join Us? * Ongoing, part-time opportunities with a company that values skill and creativity. * Work on high-profile events and ...

Senior CG Lighting Artist

New Orleans, LA · Hybrid

$122K - $146K/yr

Replicate and adjust lighting from live action plates onto our characters with an emphasis on fine details, performance nuances, and the overall aesthetic of our film. * Establish and maintain the ...

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Film Lighting information

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How much do film lighting jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for film lighting in the United States is $21.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Film Lighting job?

A Film Lighting job involves designing, setting up, and controlling the lighting on a film set to achieve the desired mood, visibility, and cinematic effect. Lighting technicians and gaffers work closely with the director of photography to enhance the storytelling through proper illumination. Responsibilities include positioning lights, managing power distribution, and adjusting intensity or color. Proper lighting enhances the atmosphere and ensures high-quality visuals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Film Lighting position, and why are they important?

Excelling in Film Lighting requires a solid understanding of lighting principles, color theory, electrical safety, and experience with different lighting equipment, often gained through formal training or hands-on work in film production. Familiarity with tools such as DMX lighting control systems, LED panels, Fresnels, and grip equipment, as well as OSHA safety certifications, is highly valued. Strong teamwork, adaptability, problem-solving, and clear communication help lighting professionals coordinate with directors, cinematographers, and other crew members. Mastery of both technical and soft skills ensures that lighting enhances the artistic vision safely and efficiently on set.

What kinds of career growth opportunities are available for professionals in film lighting?

Film lighting roles offer a clear path for career advancement, often starting as a lighting technician or electrician and progressing to roles like best boy, gaffer, or even director of photography with experience and demonstrated skill. Professionals can expand their expertise by learning new technologies, specializing in certain types of lighting (such as LED or specialty effects), or taking on supervisory responsibilities. Many find that building a strong reputation and network within the film industry leads to opportunities on larger productions and in leadership roles. Collaborating closely with cinematographers, directors, and other departments can also open doors to creative responsibilities and higher-level positions.

More about Film Lighting jobs
What cities are hiring for Film Lighting jobs? Cities with the most Film Lighting job openings:
What states have the most Film Lighting jobs? States with the most job openings for Film Lighting jobs include:
Lighting Artist, Environment (Contingent)

Lighting Artist, Environment (Contingent)

Naughty Dog

Santa Monica, CA

Other

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

This position is for temporary engagement through our staffing partner, Yoh Enterprise Solutions.  Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States for this position.

This is a hybrid / onsite position.  

For nearly 40 years, Naughty Dog has been crafting best-selling, critically acclaimed games that constantly push the boundaries of narrative, gameplay, and technology. We've been busy at the Kennel, most recently releasing The Last of Us Part I, a complete and faithful remake of the original game, rebuilt from the ground up and fully optimized for the PlayStation 5 and currently in development for PC. As a part of the Naughty Dog legacy, you'll be continuing the development of extraordinary and enduring experiences for a broad, global range of audiences.

Naughty Dog games have long been lauded for their evocative, character-driven stories and attention to detail. We are committed to innovation within our games and as such have curated some of the top creative and technically innovative minds in the industry. We welcome diverse candidates and believe that a broad range of cultural and life experiences contribute to the overall well-being and success of the studio and the titles we craft together.

The Lighting Artist will be crafting lighting and post effects for background lighting.

What you will do:

  • Develop the lighting scheme, color-palette, post-processing-fx, and general visual mood that turns unlit 3-D environment models into exciting and visually compelling 3D game environments

  • Work with modelers and texture/shader artists to optimize the visual look and run-time performance of the Environments

  • Work with outsource vendors and lighting artists, collaborating on visual looks, tech, training, and workflows both giving and  receiving feedback

  • Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed

What skills you will use:

  • 1-3 years of industry experience in Film or Games generating final picture

  • Has shipped at least one AAA game

  • Excellent competency in Autodesk Maya and knowledge of Global Illumination

  • Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work with minimal supervision

  • Thorough understanding of direct/indirect light, luminance / exposure and color-theory

  • Proven work experience with generating light-maps, pre-lighting or baked lighting is desired

As a part of the Naughty Dog application process, candidates will be expected to provide a portfolio or demo reel of their work and may be asked to complete an art test.

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