Brendan,
Thanks for posting. If we hear of anything local, we will give you a call.
Good luck with your job search.

Kelly

Freelance is tough to get started in. Normally you would take who you know, and back it up with what you know. In this business relationships are everything.
You might try to get some one-off gigs with production companies. That way you can get to know the way they do business, and they can get to know your capabilities.

I started by working with a local rock band (for free). Other bands would come see us play and they would ask me to do the lighting for thier band (not for free). I built a small client list that way. The money was terrible, but the experience was priceless. From there I just kept doing lighting. No matter who it was for or what it paid. I figured that even if the gig did not pay well, that each event was like going to a single session of "lighting college". I actually got paid to learn lighting. It was awesome. But I stayed very skinny and very poor for a long time. But...it has been well worth it. I love every aspect of lighting, and can't imagine doing anything else.

If your very serious about your love for lighting, then the hard work and the low pay will be worth it. I know Lighting Designers/companies that make millions every year. I know console programmers that make $1,000.00 a day + all expenses. How far you take it is totally up to you.

No matter what you do in life...you must have a passion for it to be good at it.

Hope this helps.

Kelly

...I should write a book huh?...