Camera Operator

A camera operator operates digital, electronic and film camera equipment to produce films for video, television or cinema. Film work can relate to feature, dramatic, current affairs or advertising sequences.

The Work

You could be:

• setting up the camera equipment indoors within the studio or outdoors on location


• choosing the type of film and type of lens


• reading and following the camera script


• discussing with the director the effects required, giving advice about how to achieve this and fixing camera angles, lighting, colour, lens focus and settings


• in outdoor shots taking account of natural light: the time of day and the weather conditions


• moving the equipment around and practising pre-arranged shots beforehand using one or more cameras


• using the clapperboard, counting the takes


• repairing and maintaining equipment


• keeping up to date with digital technology.

Conditions

• You might be working indoors or out in any kind of weather or environment, including war or disaster zones.


• You will have to lift heavy equipment and may have to work on scaffolding.


• You will work long and irregular hours - the media business is 24/7 and 'weekends' don't exist.


• You will probably be employed on short freelance contracts.


• You may have to spend periods away from home, possibly abroad.


• You might wear a headset to follow instructions from the director.


• Most camera operators especially if working in video, provide and maintain their own equipment.


• Multiskilling is the future.

Getting In

• You need a good portfolio of work, and practical experience in a relevant area such as professional photography or lighting are more important than educational qualifications.


• Employers rarely advertise posts. The best way in is to make contacts in the field and send in your portfolio. Make a show reel with impact - keep it short, use clips and include as much information as you can in 5 minutes.


• If you get a 'runner' job in a broadcasting studio, or a big camera facilities house, you will be in the right place to try for any camera jobs. You may have to do several work experience placements without pay before getting your first job.


• You will normally start as a camera trainee or assistant, moving on to become a 2nd assistant camera (clapper loader), then a 1st assistant camera (focus puller) before becoming a camera operator.


• You must be able to show interest in electronics and lighting as well as in current affairs, film, television and drama. Analyse TV and films - what works and what doesn't work? What is the lighting and the pace of the film?


• You must have normal colour vision.

What Does It Take?

You would need:

• creativity


• a good eye for visual effect, composition and colour


• good hand co-ordination


• flexibility and team work skills


• good communication skills


• physical strength and stamina for carrying and manoeuvring equipment
• technical aptitude, scientific approach


• patience


• attention to detail


• diplomacy and tact when working with artists


• a good knowledge of health and safety procedures


• a willingness to work long hours

Training

Training is mostly on the job.

• Skillset and Scottish Screen provide lists of relevant courses on their websites.
• Scottish Screen and Skillset offer bursaries of up to £800 to people working in the Scottish film, TV, animation, computer game and interactive media industries (Skillset Scotland Training Bursary Scheme).


• BBC Training and Development run short courses on directing single and multi cameras. See their website.


• The National Film and Television School website lists courses which may be relevant.


• There are some training schemes with television companies but entry is highly competitive, with a range of qualifications acceptable.

Getting On

• Digital technology is bringing changes. However, film and television use different skills, and it is still rare to cross over from one to the other.


• Increasingly work is short term and offered on a freelance basis. There are a few permanent jobs in broadcasting companies, but these are very much in demand. Hiring an agent will help you find short term contracts.


• The number of job opportunities in broadcasting involving community languages such as Gaelic, Urdu or Punjabi is increasing.


• When you do get a camera job, expect to do a long “apprenticeship” before moving on.


• When you have a track record of success you can perhaps move on to be a senior camera operator and then a director of photography, with responsibility for managing the team. You must be prepared to move about the country to find work.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual salaries may vary, depending on:

• where you work


• the size of company or organisation you work for and whether or not you work freelance


• the demand for the job.

More Information

The Network scheme runs in connection with the Media Guardian Edinburgh International Television Festival. 150 young people got the opportunity in August 2009 to work behind and in front of the camera and make useful contacts.

Find information on the next programme on the MGEITF website (see Addresses).

Addresses

The following organisation(s) may be able to provide further information.