Biography
Matthew Eric Newton - Head of Department (HOD), Electrical Rigger
Matthew Eric Newton is a seasoned Head of Department (HOD) Electrical Rigger and JIGS-registered Advanced Rigger and Scaffolder, with over a decade of experience delivering complex lighting and rigging solutions across BAFTA-nominated film, television, and commercial productions. Based in Oxfordshire and a BECTU member (K0554047), Matthew is known for his precision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to safety and crew welfare.
Holding NVQ Level 3 qualifications in both Advanced Scaffolding and Construction Management, along with CISRS Advanced Inspector and Scaffolding Supervisor certifications, Matthew is qualified to lead unsupervised rigging operations across high-risk environments. His credentials also include IPAF, Manitou/Forklift operation, and JIGS Advanced Rigger status-enabling him to supervise flying rigs, electrical special effects, and complex lifting systems.
Areas of Expertise
* Lighting Rigging & Stage Builds: High-powered lighting, crane operation, motorized softboxes, truss systems, blackout tents, and plant setups
* Safety & Compliance: Development of detailed RAMS (Risk Assessments and Method Statements) for diverse production environments
* Crew Coordination: Liaising across departments to deliver on tight schedules and adapt to evolving creative demands
* Scaffolding & Structural Support: Advanced scaffolding, modular towers, and inspection across film sets and construction sites
Selected HOD Credits
* My Oxford Year (Netflix, 2024) - Feature Film
* Surface Season 2 (Apple TV, 2023-2024) - TV Series
* Locked In (Netflix, 2022-2023) - Feature Film
* Polite Society (Working Title, 2021-2022) - Feature Film
* Secret Invasion (Disney, 2021-2022) - TV Series
* Mary and George (Sky TV, 2023) - TV Series
* The Witcher Season 4 (Netflix, 2024) - TV Series
* Heartstopper, Our House, The Gold, Anatomy of a Scandal - Various ADHOC HOD roles
Additional Rigging Experience
* Paddington in Peru, Mr Loverman, Andor, Britannia, I May Destroy You, Des, Behind Her Eyes - Charge Hand and Standby Rigger roles
* Avenue 5, Justice League, Wonder Woman, Star Wars: The Force Awakens - Construction Rigger roles
Commercials & Promos Matthew has led rigging and lighting setups for high-profile brands and artists including Pepsi, Hellmann's, Mercedes, Anne Summers, Stormzy, and Rankin-delivering controlled lighting environments tailored to creative briefs.
International Work Matthew spent 2.5 years in Australia as HOD Rigger on the naval vessel HMS Sydney, overseeing full rigging operations and health & safety management.
