Dean Lester
Set Lighting Technician
Atlanta,GA
Summary
Highly skilled and motivated lighting technician with extensive experience in theatrical and film productions. Proficient in operating a wide range of lighting equipment, including dimmable conventionals to newer LED models. Possessing a keen eye for detail and a strong understanding of lighting design principles, I am committed to bringing creative visions to life.
Overview
2025
2025
years of professional experience
2
2
years of post-secondary education
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Grip
Mark Williams Blue River Production
Student Equipment Worker
University Of Mississippi Ole Miss
08.2021 - 05.2023
- Collaborated with the gaffer to assign appropriate lighting positions and rigging options for camera usage
- Loaded and unloaded grip trucks
- Broke down and packed away grip and lighting equipment
- Moved between multiple lighting setups quickly and precisely
- Assisted camera with PL lens changes
- Worked with lighting instruments manufactured by Arri, Aperture, and more
- Built and maintained dolly tracks
- Checked incoming and outgoing film gear for damages
- Hung and aimed lights from electrical grid and floor for sound stages
- Replaced dimmers and relays for studio electrical grids
- Safely rigged overhead lighting setups
- Constructed and moved sets for soundstages
- Loaded and packed film equipment onto carts
- Managed and organized equipment for facilities
- Built and maintained a Movi Gimble
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of equipment offered to students
- Kept detailed notes regarding equipment
Teaching Assistant
University Of Mississippi Ole Miss
08.2022 - 04.2023
- Lead classes and demonstrated skills to class
- Built cinema cameras and taught classes on how to safely use them
- Planned and implemented lessons following school's curriculum, goals, and objectives
- Designed and executed lighting setups
- Demonstrated safe and proper equipment usage
- First student to be invited to TA in program
Gaffer
Ink & Bleach Pictures
01.2024 - 01.2024
Electrical-Department Over Hire
Alliance Theater Company
04.2024 - Current
- Hanging and striking company equipment.
- Efficiently and safely running power and data lines.
- Reading and following lighting plots.
- Communicating and collaborating with other staff.
Gaffer
University of Mississippi Theatre & Film
05.2024 - 05.2024
PA
Interactive Entertainment Group
09.2024 - 09.2024
Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Theater And Film
University of Mississippi Ole Miss
University, MS 08.2021 - 04.2023
Skills
Lighting Proficiency
Gaffing
Rigging
Gear Inventory Management
Set Preparation
Audio Editing
Awards
- Thesis: Pinewood
- Cum laude graduate
- Dewees Alumni Scholarship
- Academic Merit Scholarship
- Eagle Scout Scholarship
- Excellence in Theatre & Film Senior
- Outstanding Contribution to Theatre & Film Production
Certification
First Aid/CPR Certified
Timeline
PA
Interactive Entertainment Group
09.2024 - 09.2024
Gaffer
University of Mississippi Theatre & Film
05.2024 - 05.2024
Electrical-Department Over Hire
Alliance Theater Company
04.2024 - Current
Gaffer
Ink & Bleach Pictures
01.2024 - 01.2024
Teaching Assistant
University Of Mississippi Ole Miss
08.2022 - 04.2023
Student Equipment Worker
University Of Mississippi Ole Miss
08.2021 - 05.2023
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Theater And Film
University of Mississippi Ole Miss
08.2021 - 04.2023
First Aid/CPR Certified
Eagle Scout
Grip
Mark Williams Blue River Production
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