Camera Operator

Introduction
As a Camera Operator, you will use a camera to help make a film, television
programme or video. Before filming, you'll read through the script to plan
camera positions. During filming, you will wear a headset and receive
instructions from the Director.

Work Activities
As a Camera Operator, you will compose and frame shots for film, television
and video. Before filming, you will read through the script to plan camera
angles. These are then discussed with the Director.
During filming, you'll receive instructions from the Director through a headset.
You will learn how to position the camera precisely and focus the lens at
exactly the right moment.
Film and Video Camera Operators have more opportunity to be creative than those working as part of a team in a multi-camera
television studio. As an experienced Camera Operator, you might sometimes advise the Director on the visual effect of various
shots, to produce the most effective sequence.
In film, one of the top jobs is that of the Lighting Camera Operator. In this role, you will be responsible for both the technical and
artistic quality of shots.
If you work in local or regional television, it is likely that you will have to be a technical all-rounder - you'll need to carry out lots of
different tasks in lots of different areas.
As an Outside Broadcast Operator however, you will tend to specialise in a particular area, such as music or sport.
Camera Operators sometimes have to travel and spend long periods away from home, especially if shooting a film on location. It
is likely that you will work on a freelance basis.
Being able to read, write and speak Welsh may be an advantage when you’re looking for work in Wales.

Personal Qualities and Skills

As a Camera Operator, you need:

a practical interest in photography, lenses, lighting and simple electronics

the ability to compose skilful and artistic shots
excellent hand-eye co-ordination and good hearing and eyesight
to be physically fit and able to carry heavy equipment
the ability to work as part of a team and take direction
patience
personal resilience and self-sufficiency, if working as a freelancer

Sound, editing and other technical skills may also be required in some jobs.

Pay and Opportunities

Pay
The pay rates given below are approximate.

Starting: £19,000 - £21,500

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With experience: £23,500 - £28,500
Senior Camera Operators earn £30,500

Hours of work
Camera Operators often work long and irregular hours, especially when working on outside broadcasts. Early starts, late finishes
and weekend work may be required.
Where could I work?
Opportunities for Camera Operators are mainly in major broadcasting production centres such as London, Birmingham,
Manchester/Salford and Leeds.
Employers include television, film and video companies. Many of these use freelance Camera Operators on a contract basis.
Some large companies (for example, in manufacturing) have their own media production facilities. Pop videos and film and
television commercials also require the skills of Camera Operators.
Self-employment
Opportunities occur for Camera Operators to work as self-employed freelancers.
Where are vacancies advertised?
Vacancies are advertised:

on employers' websites such as www.bbc.co.uk/careers/home and www.itvjobs.com

on job boards such as www.broadcastjobs.co.uk, www.mediauk.com, www.grapevinejobs.co.uk and www.4rfv.co.uk

Entry Routes and Training

Entry routes
New entrants often start out in a Camera Assistant role. Many hold a relevant photography, film or TV qualification. Camera
Operators are likely to start out in local television or with video production companies.
Many Camera Operators work on a freelance basis.
Training
As an aspiring Camera Operator, you should gain as much experience of filming as possible. You could also try to get a place
on a training course provided by the industry, or apply for a relevant vocational course at college or university.
If you would like some training, the National Film and Television School offer a camera operators course. This course has been
designed for inexperienced students to take the next step into the industry.
Check the website for dates and availability.
Other courses could be available in your area.
A number of degrees, foundation degrees and HNDs in film and television production/media production are available.
Apprenticeships in creative and digital media may be available in your area.
Work Experience

Previous experience gained in related areas, such as professional photography or lighting/sound technician work, are useful for
this career.
Progression
With experience, camera operators can progress to senior roles and positions in national television and film work.

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Qualifications
Entry requirements for training schemes vary. The majority usually ask for a good general education along with an artistic,
technical and practical interest in topics such as photography, film, video, lenses, stage lighting and simple electronics.
However, as competition for places is so fierce, many successful applicants have qualifications such as A levels, a degree
and/or technical qualifications.
Useful GCSEs include English, maths and physics.
Some universities accept the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate as equivalent to one A level.

Adult Opportunities
Age limits
It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a
real need to have these limits.
Experience
Skills and abilities gained in related areas, such as professional photography or lighting/sound technician work, are useful.
Courses
Some colleges relax entrance requirements for applicants who have relevant paid or voluntary experience.
Training
Advanced Level Apprenticeships in creative and digital media may be available in your area.

Further Information
Contacts

BBC Careers
Website: www.bbc.co.uk/careers/home
British Film Institute (BFI)
Website: www.bfi.org.uk
National Film and Television School (NFTS)
Tel: 01494 671234
Email: info@nfts.co.uk
Website: www.nftsfilm-tv.ac.uk
Guild of Television Cameramen (GTC)
Tel: 0300 1114123
Email: administration@gtc.org.uk
Website: www.gtc.org.uk
ScreenSkills (Skills for the creative industries)
Email: info@screenskills.com
Website: www.screenskills.com

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Guild of British Camera Technicians (GBCT)
Tel: 020 8813 1999
Email: admin@gbct.org
Website: www.gbct.org
Wireless Group (Irish enquiries)
Email: info@wirelessgroup.co.uk
Website: www.wirelessgroup.co.uk/home
Northern Ireland Screen (Northern Ireland Enquiries)
Email: info@northernirelandscreen.co.uk
Website: www.northernirelandscreen.co.uk
StartinTV
Website: www.startintv.com
ITV Jobs
Website: www.itvjobs.com
S4C (Welsh Enquiries)
Address: Parc Ty Glas, Llanishen, Cardiff, UK, CF14 5DU
Tel: 0370 600 4141
Website: www.s4c.cymru
Wales Screen
Website: https://businesswales.gov.wales/walesscreen/
Careers Wales - Welsh Apprenticeships
Tel: 0800 028 4844
Website: ams.careerswales.com/

Related Careers
Video Producer
Photographer

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