Live productions don’t always go exactly to plan — and that’s where experience really counts. Knowing how to adapt quickly, solve problems on the fly and keep a show running smoothly is just as important as creative ability.

While the fundamentals of lighting design remain the same, working across concerts, film and television requires very different approaches. Live concerts demand energy, flexibility and bold visual statements, while film and TV lighting must be precise, repeatable and camera-friendly.

When people think about live concerts, they usually think about the music first — but lighting plays a huge role in how a show feels, moves and connects with an audience

Lighting has the power to completely change how a concert is experienced. It can build tension before a song kicks in, lift the energy in a chorus or strip everything back for a quiet, emotional moment. When it’s done well, you don’t notice it — you just feel it.