As account manager of set lighting at Universal Production Services UK, Karine Gama-Davidson brings both technical precision and artistic sensitivity to her work. In our discussion with her, she shares her unconventional path into the industry, the challenges she has overcome, and her deep, ongoing love for the craft of lighting.
What inspired you to pursue a career in this industry?
I started in biology, but it didn’t feel like something I wanted to do long-term. A career advisor once handed me a long list of job options and asked if I’d ever thought about working in film or TV. That question stuck with me. Coming from a small island named Guadeloupe in the Caribbean, entertainment felt so far away, but I followed the idea. I moved into scientific journalism, then video, then directing. Once I found lighting, it just made sense.
What was your first job in production?
I started as a lighting trainee in New York, working on short films and wrapping cables. I just wanted to be on set and learn everything I could. From there, I worked my way up and joined bigger productions, but lighting was always the goal.
What drew you to set lighting and rigging?
English is not my first language, and back then I struggled to communicate clearly as a director. But lighting was universal. A bulb is a bulb, a cable is a cable. At film school, nobody else wanted to do it, so I took it on and ended up lighting almost every student project. I loved how light could completely change the feeling of a scene. It felt like painting with light, and I understood it intuitively.
What challenges have you faced in your role, and how do you handle them?
The biggest challenge is being underestimated. On set, people would speak to the male trainee instead of me. Even now, people sometimes assume I’m the receptionist when I pick up the phone. I’ve learned to stay calm and let my knowledge speak for itself. When I came to the UK, no one knew my background, so I had to earn trust all over again.
What advice would you give to women entering technical roles?
Do not wait to feel 100% ready. I used to turn down jobs if I was missing even 10% of the knowledge. Meanwhile, I saw others jump in and learn as they went. You are allowed to make mistakes. Just trust what you know and go for it.
What keeps you passionate about your work?
Seeing a project, I worked on come to life is always rewarding. Even if my part is small, it matters. I still pause films just to admire the lighting. That feeling has never gone away.
