PL System

Term from Television Production industry explained for recruiters

A PL System, or Production Lighting System, is the main setup used to control stage and studio lighting in television and live event production. Think of it as the central command center for all lighting needs. It includes both the physical control board (often called a lighting console) and the connected lights that can be adjusted for brightness, color, and movement. This system lets lighting operators create, save, and quickly change different lighting arrangements for various show segments, much like saving different presets on your home stereo system but for professional lighting.

Examples in Resumes

Operated PL System for live news broadcasts and talk show productions

Programmed Production Lighting System cues for multi-camera studio shows

Maintained and troubleshot PL System equipment for 3 studio spaces

Typical job title: "Lighting Technicians"

Also try searching for:

Lighting Director Lighting Operator Studio Lighting Technician Production Electrician Lighting Board Operator Television Lighting Designer

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you handle a complete PL System failure during a live broadcast?

Expected Answer: A senior lighting professional should discuss backup systems, emergency protocols, manual override options, and how to quickly transition while maintaining essential lighting. They should also mention communication procedures with the production team and preventative maintenance practices.

Q: Describe a complex lighting setup you designed for a multi-set production.

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate experience with managing multiple lighting zones, creating efficient preset arrangements, coordinating with different departments, and solving practical challenges while meeting artistic requirements.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What factors do you consider when programming lighting cues for a talk show?

Expected Answer: Should discuss timing of transitions, accounting for different segments (interviews, performances, audience shots), maintaining consistent look, and working with camera operators' needs.

Q: How do you maintain and troubleshoot common PL System issues?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain regular maintenance procedures, common technical issues, basic repair processes, and when to call in specialized support.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What are the basic components of a PL System?

Expected Answer: Should be able to identify main parts like the control console, dimmers, fixtures, and basic understanding of how they work together.

Q: How do you save and recall lighting cues on a basic PL System?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of basic console operation, creating and storing preset looks, and basic playback functions.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic console operation
  • Understanding of lighting terminology
  • Following lighting cues
  • Basic maintenance and safety procedures

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Programming complex lighting sequences
  • Troubleshooting system issues
  • Operating during live broadcasts
  • Understanding DMX protocols

Senior (5+ years)

  • Designing complete lighting plans
  • Managing multiple studio setups
  • Training junior technicians
  • Emergency procedure management

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No hands-on experience with professional lighting consoles
  • Lack of live production experience
  • Unable to explain basic lighting concepts
  • No knowledge of broadcast safety procedures