TV or film camera operator
Camera operators record images for film, television, commercials and online.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
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
Working environment
You could work at a TV studio, at a film studio or on a film set.
Your working environment may be at height, outdoors in all weathers and you may spend nights away from home.
Career path and progression
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.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- 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
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards the role
- volunteering
- industry training
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
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
More Information
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
You'll usually need:
- 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
More Information
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
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
More Information
You could start out as a camera assistant and learn while you work from an experienced camera operator.
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
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.
Further information
You can get more advice about how to become a camera operator from ScreenSkills.
You can find out more about creative careers from Discover Creative Careers and Get Into Film.
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