Television lighting designer Ted Wells has been honing his craft since the early 1970s. PLSN contributor Michael S. Eddy asked him about career advice. Here’s Wells’ reply: “I got two pieces of advice, and I count both of them equally in their value. One was to be available, be helpful, and have a good work ethic, because attitude and desire will take you a long way. You can be extremely talented, but if you don’t have the other qualities, it doesn’t matter who you are; ever.
“The most valuable piece of advice in terms of lighting was, it’s about the face. The television medium is about close-ups. I think that’s why people watch TV — to see those close shots of the faces of the performer or actor. It’s about being in close with them, so it is important to make sure you always get the face right. The background will always take care of itself. The background is just painting. Don’t take away from who the performer is — it’s okay to bring huge energy to the moment with lighting, but don’t overpower the performer.”
—From “PLSN Interview” by Michael S. Eddy, PLSN, April, 2013, page 42.
