TV or film camera operator

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards the role
• volunteering
• industry training

University

You can take a university course to develop your camera skills before looking for work. Relevant courses include degrees in media production, media technology or photography.

It may give you an advantage if you can find a course that offers practical and work experience opportunities like shadowing, internships or a year placement.

Entry requirements:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

College

You can take a college course like:

• Level 3 Diploma In Creative Media Production and Technology
• Level 3 Diploma in Film and Television Production
• Level 3 Diploma in Photography
• T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a Camera Prep Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, which may help you to secure a trainee operator role with a production company.

This takes around 2 years to complete.

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Work

You could start out as a camera assistant and learn while you work from an experienced camera operator.

Volunteering

You can get practical experience and build up your contacts through:

• community film projects
• working for a camera equipment hire company
• finding work experience as a runner or camera assistant with a production company

OtherRoutes

You may be able to apply for the Guild of British Camera Technicians' Trainee Scheme which offers training and mentoring by experienced people working in the industry. The application process is very competitive.

You can also do short courses through the National Film and Television School .

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• to be flexible and open to change
• knowledge of media production and communication
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
• broadcasting and telecommunications knowledge
• excellent verbal communication skills
• leadership skills
• knowledge of English language
• thinking and reasoning skills
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• active listening skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• concentration skills
• the ability to work well with your hands
• the ability to operate and control equipment
• the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace

What you'll do:

Camera operators record images for film, television, commercials and online.

In your day-to-day duties you might:

• set up camera equipment
• choose the most suitable lenses and camera angles
• plan and rehearse shots
• follow a camera script
• work closely with other technical departments
• repair and maintain camera equipment

Location : You could work at a TV studio, at a film studio or on a film set.
Environment : Your working environment may be at height, outdoors in all weathers and you may spend nights away from home.

Salary:

Starter : variable
Experienced : variable

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

39 - 41 hours variable

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home

Career Path:

With experience, you could become a camera supervisor, cinematographer or director of photography.

You could specialise in a particular field, like underwater filming, aerial photography or wildlife work.