LIGHTS, Camera, Action

Development Fund Case Study: Bectu a sector of Prospect

Electricians are essential members of a film and television crew, responsible for planning, setting up, and safely operating lighting equipment on set. Bectu (a sector of Prospect) supports the development of a skilled, locally based lighting department workforce to meet the demands of film and television productions across the country.

This year, through the Bectu Electrician Conversion Programme, two new lighting trainees were recruited to work on the latest series of River City, followed by placements on filming productions in the Spring.

The 13-week placement began in January at the River City studios in Dumbarton and the trainees worked with experts where they gained first-hand insight into using equipment and the day-to-day requirements of an electrician on a television production.

In addition, the trainees visited ‘Panalux’, Scotland’s largest lighting hire company, to build familiarity with the range of equipment used on film and TV productions.

Following their initial placements at River City, the trainees spent time on a variety of other filming productions in Scotland including Shetland and Department Q, as well as other studio-based productions in Glasgow. These placements allowed them to experience different scales and styles of production while building a professional network and connecting with electricians and other crew across the industry.

Their traineeship continued with the completion of a three-day Programme in the Application of BS7909 to temporary power systems with a cohort of experienced electricians already working in film and TV, as well as those looking to transfer their skills into the industry.

By continuing to raise awareness of the electrician’s role on set and through supporting both new entrants and experienced electricians transitioning into the sector, Bectu aims to strengthen Scotland’s lighting departments and ensure productions have access to a skilled local workforce. The training is supported by Screen Scotland and the British Film Industry (BFI) Skills Cluster Fund.