TV or film camera operator
Career outlook for TV or film camera operator
Average UK salary
£31,200
Currently employed in Scotland
4,900
"LMI for All" supplies our salary and employment status information. "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.
What's it like?
You would use film or digital video cameras to shoot films, TV shows, adverts and music videos. You would follow instructions from a director or director of photography.
You would:
- Set up camera equipment
- Plan and rehearse shots
- Follow a camera script and take cues from the director or floor manager
- Choose lenses and camera angles
- Solve technical problems such as lighting
- Work with other technical departments such as lighting and sound
You may be the only camera operator. You would then use a portable single camera.
You could also be part of a TV studio camera team. On feature films and TV drama productions you may be part of a very large crew. You would then have a specific role, such as:
- Second assistant camera (clapper loader) – load and unload film, count the takes and help the camera crew
- First assistant camera (focus puller) – judge and adjust the focus on each shot
- Grip – build and use any cranes and pulleys needed to move a camera during shooting
You would usually specialise in either film or television work. However, thanks to digital cameras and HD technology, camera professionals are finding it easier to work across different areas.
Working conditions
Hours
Environment
Travel
UK employment status
Full-time
42%
Part-time
18%
Self employed
40%
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- Adaptability
- Resilience
- Reliable
- Time management
- Implementing ideas
- Working with technology
- Verbal communication
- Cooperating
- Resourceful
- Creative
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Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Foundation Apprenticeships
Choosing a Foundation Apprenticeship as one of your subjects in S5 and S6 can help you get a head start with this type of job.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification (the same level as a Higher) plus valuable work placement experience and skills you can't learn in a classroom.
Interested? Find out what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
Qualifications
Although there are no set qualifications required to enter this role, many camera operators take a college or university course to develop their camera skills before looking for work.
Qualifications in areas like photography, lighting, media production and broadcasting such as Higher National Diploma in Television Production (SCFQ level 8) or degree in photography (SCQF level 9/10) may be of value.
It may give you an advantage if you can find a course that offers practical experience and possibly a work placement.
Training is usually on the job.
Useful subjects
- English
- Maths
- Photography
- Art and design
- Media
- Drama
- Engineering science
- Physics
You will also need
A portfolio and showreel of your work to send to employers.
Helpful to have
Once in work you can gain further qualifications such as a Professional Development Award (PDA) in Outside Broadcasting in a Multi Camera Production (SCQF level 9).
There are also a number of industry bodies that can offer relevant training and qualifications such as the Guild of British Camera Technicians (GBCT).