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TV or film camera operator
Camera operators record images for film, television, commercials and online.
Average salary (a year)
£0
Starter
£0
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
39.0 to 41.0 hours
variable
Work Hours
evenings / weekends / bank holidays
away from home
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
You can get into this job through:a university course; a college course; an apprenticeship; working towards the role; volunteering; industry training
University
You can take a university course to develop your camera skills before looking for work. Relevant courses include degrees in media production, media technology or photography.
It may give you an advantage if you can find a course that offers practical and work experience opportunities like shadowing, internships or a year placement.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/
College
You can take a college course like
Level 3 Diploma In Creative Media Production and Technology, Level 3 Diploma in Film and Television Production, Level 3 Diploma in Photography, T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
search for courses|/find-a-course
Apprenticeship
You could apply to do a Camera Prep Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, which may help you to secure a trainee operator role with a production company.
This takes around 2 years to complete.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
Work
You could start out as a camera assistant and learn while you work from an experienced camera operator.
Volunteering
You can get practical experience and build up your contacts through
community film projects, working for a camera equipment hire company, finding work experience as a runner or camera assistant with a production company
Other Routes
You may be able to apply for the Guild of British Camera Technicians' Trainee Scheme which offers training and mentoring by experienced people working in the industry. The application process is very competitive.
You can also do short courses through the National Film and Television School.
More Information
Further Information
You can get more advice about how to become a camera operator from ScreenSkills.
You can find out more about creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.
What it takes
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
    To be flexible and open to change
    Knowledge of media production and communication
    To be thorough and pay attention to detail
    The ability to work well with others
    The ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
    The ability to come up with new ways of doing things
    Broadcasting and telecommunications knowledge
    Excellent verbal communication skills
Digital Skills Level
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
What you will do
Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
Day to day tasks
In your day-to-day duties you might
set up camera equipment, choose the most suitable lenses and camera angles, plan and rehearse shots, follow a camera script, work closely with other technical departments, repair and maintain camera equipment
Working environment
You could work at a TV studio, at a film studio or on a film set.
Your working environment may be at height, outdoors in all weathers and you may spend nights away from home.
Career Path & Progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
With experience, you could become a camera supervisor, cinematographer or director of photography.
You could specialise in a particular field, like underwater filming, aerial photography or wildlife work.
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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