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TV or Film Camera Operator
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Television and film camera operators use different types of camera to record action on film, videotape or digital media. They might work on large- or small-scale productions in a studio, as part of an outside broadcast team covering sports fixtures or public ceremonies, or with special lightweight equipment in a small newsgathering team. In the studio, operators usually follow a camera script cued by the director during recording. On location, there may be more opportunity for creativity in suggesting shots to the director.

The work can include supervising the setting up of the camera and other equipment - such as lenses, filters and sometimes the lighting, practising shots and angles, taking instructions from directors, working as a team with other members of the film crew, and keeping up to date with filming methods and equipment.

Entry level

There are no set entry requirements, apart from demonstrating the drive and ambition needed to work in this field. Some employers ask for GCSE/S grades (A-C/1-3), often including English, maths and physics, although most camera operators have in practice studied for higher level technical qualifications and possess a portfolio of work. Some have specific photographic qualifications, but this job is really about gaining experience and knowledge and making contacts.

Generally, entry to the film world tends to be for young people who start as a trainee, possibly as a runner (doing fairly minor jobs), and who are then prepared to work up the ladder as they gain skills and a reputation. You find a way in as a full-time camera operator's assistant, following a training course.

You should try to gain some relevant work experience, for example working at a camera equipment hire company, or helping crews who are testing out equipment.

Possible qualifications include NVQ/SVQ, City and Guilds, and university degrees and postgraduate courses in subjects such as photography, film and television.

Making the grade

Getting started is far from straightforward: experience is what counts but TV companies like the BBC no longer run in-house training schemes. Film and TV Freelance Training (ft2) provide apprentice-style technical courses for freelance entrants but you have to be over 18 and based in London to meet their entry criteria. Furthermore, competition for the few places they offer is fierce.

There may be limited training opportunities with Scottish Screen and CYFLE in Scotland and Wales respectively (some for Welsh speakers only). Beyond that are various college courses up to degree and postgraduate level but none of these formal qualifications is a guarantee of work. It is important to get practical experience in any way you can, even if it means initially working for nothing.

Skillset, the Sector Skills Council for the audio-visual industries, offers referrals to professional short courses throughout the UK. For example, NVQ qualifications are offered as follows: Camera Assistant Level 2, Camera Operations Level 3, and Camera Direction Level 4. (Note that the NVQ qualifications are currently under review and may be replaced with new professional qualifications.)

Career progression is normally a steady process of moving from second assistant camera (or clapper loader) to first assistant camera (focus puller), to camera operator, to director of photography.

Personal qualities

As a camera operator, you would need to be passionately interested in TV/film photography and prepared to put up with short-term contracts, uncertainty of employment, lots of pressure and long working hours. You must be a team player, with a good eye for colour and composition. The work can be creative but also requires a high standard of technical awareness. Good eyesight and normal colour vision are essential, together with good hand/eye co-ordination. Some camera positions call for a head for heights!