Camera Operator (TV)

• in the studio the camera operator usually follows a camera script giving the order of shots practised at rehearsal and cued by the director during recording. The skill lies in interpreting what the director wants and acting quickly and effectively to achieve it;
• on location there is likely to be more opportunity for creativity through suggesting shots to the director.

• assembling, preparing and setting up equipment prior to filming. Equipment used can include tripods, monitors, lighting, cables and leads and headphones;
• offering advice on how to best shoot a scene;
• practising required positions for pre-arranged shots;
• studying scripts;
• finding solutions to technical or other practical problems. In outside broadcasts, for example, the forces of nature (angle of sun, light quality, etc) need to be taken into account when setting up shots;
• being creative and aware of the visual impact created by the angle of particular shots;
• being prepared to innovate and experiment with ideas;
• interlinking with a range of functions and equipment;
• taking instructions from the director and the director of photography;
• interacting with other members of the camera crew, including sound recorders, lighting technicians and actors;
• establishing and maintaining a good working relationship with the first and second assistant camera operators;
• working quickly, especially as timing is such an important factor;
• taking sole responsibility in situations where there is only one camera operator involved in the filming;
• planning work with accuracy. When filming an expensive drama scene such as an explosion, there is only one chance to get things right. Shots need to be meticulously planned beforehand;
• keeping up to date with filming methods and equipment;
• repairing equipment;
• demonstrating sound awareness of health and safety issues.

• Rates of pay and conditions of employment vary. Freelancers can earn from around £570 per week.
• Working hours are unsocial and include evening, weekend and night shoots. Because of this a normal social life can be difficult. A standard shooting day usually lasts ten hours.
• Work is in either a studio or on location (in all weather conditions), mainly in teams.
• The work can be fairly physically demanding as you will be required to stand for long periods of time and carry heavy equipment.
• Self-employment is commonly possible as work is increasingly freelance on fixed-term contracts.
• Work tends to be concentrated in areas with major studios, such as London, Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds and Manchester.
• The number of female camera operators is increasing slowly. Of staff on permanent contracts, 12% are women, whilst 11% of freelancers are women.
• Ethnic minorities make up 11% of permanent employees and 1.2% of freelancers within this group.
• Less than 1% of the camera workforce is registered disabled.
• This profession requires dedication and stamina. It can be stressful working to tight deadlines.
• Generally speaking, camera operators need a great deal of patience. It can be frustrating having to wait long periods between shots or to repeat the same shot many times if the director is not happy.
• Mobility is less significant when working in studios.
• Travel in the UK or overseas is common for news and location filming.

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