Joel Rainsley

I’m not your typical applicant, because of my background, I can offer a unique skill set and a wealth of lighting knowledge and experience that you won’t find anywhere else.

• In the past 15 years working as head of the lighting department in Film and TV production I have gained a deep artistic and practical understanding of light in all it’s forms.
• From my work on many music videos, I know how to leverage lighting to enhance the mood and create a stylized and creative vibrant environment.
• By lighting intimate drama I can use light to emphasize emotion and create beautiful images that move an audience.
• I have successfully applied my real world experience into digital art inside Unreal Engine. Using HDRi images, dynamic lighting and atmospheric effects to create shots with emotion and power.

From my years of experience running the lighting department on film sets, I know instinctively how light should behave in different situations and how to control it. This allows to me to actually simulate realistic lighting behavior in a digital environment, creating realistic lighting setups that are believable and accurate. I can also asses other’s work for lighting that is not behaving in a believable manor and how to improve it.

While working as a gaffer ( head of lighting ) I manage my technicians to deliver under tight deadlines and challenging working conditions while maintaining a positive and creative atmosphere. A successful day for me is one where we meet are creative objectives while supporting each other in the team. My role is as much about communication as it is about lighting art.

Interpreting the vision of the director of photography into an artistic reality. Adding my experience and creativity to build worlds that move the audience. My problem solving skills are exercised daily to get my lights where there need to be, incorporate them into complex electrical setups and often control them remotely with the latest wireless DMX solutions.

In my personal life I’ve always had a passion for lighting. I can’t help but see the world around us in terms of light and composition and try to capture as much as I can in photos to inform my work.

I’ve been a gamer longer than I’ve been a gaffer and titles such as Max Payne 2, Fear and Alan Wake have shown me how lighting can be used in the digital world to enhance the mood, lead game play and creative a more immersive experience. I love deep, complex games that require time and dedication to master. Team games like Post Scriptum/Squad 44, DCS World and Deep Rock Galactic that need great communication and strategy are the most engaging for me.

A bit of Chivalry II mindless violence is always good for a laugh too.

I now wish to leverage the skills I have learnt in my film career, practical lighting experience, team management, budgets and deadlines, into a new adventure as a lighting artist in the computer games industry. I look forward to meeting with you and learning more about your values and goals for this position.

Until then, thank you for your time and consideration.

Joel Rainsley