Tv/Film Camera Operator

A cameraman or camerawoman may work in television, video or film. They usually specialise in certain types of cameras and film.

There are several members of the camera team:

• grip – moves the camera crane arm at the right speed

• focus puller – sets the camera focus

• clapper loader – operates the clapperboard, counts the takes and loads the film

• lighting cameraman/woman – is responsible for technical and artistic quality

• director of photography – leads the camera team on a feature film.

The work may include irregular hours, shifts, evenings, nights and weekends. The working environment can vary from a warm studio to the shooting on a cold, windy day, or even dangerous situations such as war zones.

Most cameramen/women are now freelance. Opportunities are with BBC and ITV stations and film production companies – most companies are based in London and the south of England.

It is not often for camera personnel to cross over between film and TV.

New entrants should have good grades, including English, maths and physics.

What is the work like?

Live television and recorded TV programmes may use several cameras simultaneously, and the producers decide which camera to use at any moment. However, when recording on film a single camera is usually used. This is the traditional way of producing films and still the best for high quality.

Live television production, usually in a studio, theatre or hall, uses electronic cameras. Cameramen/women work from a 'shot list' which tells them which shots to take and when. They have to decide how to take the shot, such as the best angle and distance.

TV cameramen/women may work on outside broadcasts, where the cameras may be loaded on cranes, scaffolding or vehicles. News items are often recorded with lightweight video cameras, which are also used as touchline cameras at football matches.

Cameramen/women tend to specialise in certain types of cameras and film. The work is constantly developing and digital technology is increasingly used.

A newly-trained cameraman/woman earns around £15,000 a year. Experienced people earn around £ 25,000. A senior cameraman/woman or someone working in news can earn £ 40,000 or more.

Full-time people may be paid for overtime.

Skills and personal qualities

Cameramen/women need:

• technical and artistic ability;

• an appreciation of colour and composition

• an understanding of electronics and optics

• to stay calm under pressure

• good concentration

• to be comfortable working in a team

• adaptability and initiative

• courage

• normal eyesight and colour vision

• a head for heights

• good hearing

• physical fitness

• awareness of health and safety

• a driving licence, in many jobs.

Interests

It helps to have an interest in:

• photography

• film

• video.

Getting on

In the film industry, cameramen/women can progress to lighting cameraman/woman. The top spot is the director of photography. In TV, progression is then to camera supervisor and senior cameraman/woman.

(www.connexions.gov.uk/jobs4u/printsummary.cfm?id=460)