TV or film camera operator
Use film or digital video cameras to shoot films, TV shows, adverts and music videos.
About the job
Salary
Source: LMI for All
Weekly
£600
Average
Monthly
£2,600
Average
Yearly
£31,200
Average
4,900
people are currently employed
High growth
300 more jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
What it's 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.
Hours
Environment
Travel
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Creative
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:
- creative
- resourceful
- cooperating
- verbal communication
- working with technology
- implementing ideas
- time management
- reliable
- resilience
- adaptability
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.
You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.
Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Engineering Science
Media
Performance Arts
Photography
Skills for Work: Creative Digital Media
Foundation Apprenticeship: Creative and Digital Media
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
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.
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).
A portfolio and showreel of your work to send to employers.
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