Who are you?
I’m Aimee! Originally from the North of Ireland, I moved to Belfast at 18 to cut my teeth in the local venue scene. Now, I’m based in Melbourne, Australia, working as a lighting director, designer and stage manager for bands and live productions internationally.
What led you to your current work?
I was 22 when I had my first intro to visual arts and lighting during my degree in Computer Animation. It was there that I learned the first principles of lighting and brought this to a live environment when I started working in clubs and venues. This is when I was introduced to my first lighting console, and I started learning to program from there.
What are you working on now or about to start work on?
Right now, I’m in the middle of programming a brand-new show for the band And So I Watch You From Afar. Their music is incredibly dynamic, which makes it a fantastic creative canvas for a lighting designer. That project will be hitting the road this October for a three-week European tour
What are the good things about your job?
Getting to travel, meet new people, and operate shows are my favourite parts of the job. It’s so nice to see what you have been working on transitioning into a live environment and getting to watch other people share part of that buzz with you.
What are the worst things about your job?
I guess the worst part is the physical grind of the schedule. Working a lot of long days can take its toll, so you have to look after yourself. You quickly learn to prioritize your well-being so you can keep bringing your best creative energy to site.
What, so far, has been your career highlight?
I recently went to China with the band And So I Watch You From Afar. They headlined Can Festival, and it was one of the most life-affirming experiences I’ve had to date. I swear it wasn’t because we had pyro…
What is the most blatant example of sexism you have encountered at work?
Unfortunately, it usually takes the form of hyper-scrutiny and unsolicited advice. On certain shows, there’s always someone watching your every move or trying to explain how to do your job—and ironically, they usually aren’t even in your department. You have to constantly prove your competence to people who don’t even understand the technical scope of what you do.
What advice would you give any woman considering a career in the entertainment industry?
First, don’t let sexism deter you. Be bold about asking questions, and absorb everything you can from your peers. On the technical side, assign yourself personal projects and master the efficiency of building and programming showfiles. The industry has so many great training resources out there—dive into them.
What is your career goal?
I’ve been incredibly happy with how my career has progressed over the last ten years, and I want to keep that momentum going. Looking ahead, my goal is to continue working on international projects that take me all over the world. I love the collaborative nature of this industry, so I’d love to see myself working with diverse crews globally, balancing roles both as a lighting designer and a stage manager.
www.aimeelights.com
