Television camera operator job profile

Television camera operators use digital, electronic and film cameras to record moving images for broadcast television, online platforms and video-on-demand services

You'll typically work under the direction of a director, producer or director of photography, and may work alongside camera assistants, sound technicians and other production crew members.

Your work can cover a range of formats and genres, including studio-based programmes, live outside broadcasts, news, current affairs, television dramas, documentaries, sports events and commercials.

You may operate a fixed studio camera, use a handheld or mounted camera or work as part of a multi-camera setup or with a portable single camera (PSC) device.

Types of television camera work

You may choose to specialise in one or more of the following areas:

studio - following a camera script (which outlines the sequence of shots) and having rehearsed in advance, you'll respond quickly to the director's cues to achieve the required visual output in a controlled environment
outside broadcast (OB) - working as part of a team of camera operators, you'll cover live events such as sports fixtures, state occasions, festivals and concerts, often using multiple cameras and working in challenging, fast-paced conditions
on location - typically working with a portable single camera (PSC) setup, you'll have more scope for creative input, often suggesting and framing shots in collaboration with the director on documentaries, drama, factual or news content.

Responsibilities

As a television camera operator, you'll need to:

assemble, set up and test camera and related equipment, such as tripods, monitors, lighting, cables and lenses, prior to filming
plan and rehearse shots in advance, especially for complex or high-risk scenes where precision is critical and there may be only one chance to capture the shots
operate cameras during filming, responding quickly to director cues and adapting to live or unpredictable environments
interpret scripts and the director's creative vision to help tell the story effectively through camera work
offer advice on shot composition, camera angles and movement to enhance the visual impact of a scene
adjust framing, focus, exposure and camera settings to adapt to changing lighting and technical conditions
troubleshoot technical issues on set, collaborating with technical teams to resolve problems efficiently
ensure camera equipment is handled, transported and set up safely, following health and safety guidelines
stay up to date with new camera technologies, shooting techniques and industry standards
maintain and clean camera equipment and accessories, reporting faults when necessary
maintain good working relationships with other members of the crew and cast, such as directors, producers, actors, lighting and sound teams to achieve the desired visual outcome
take sole responsibility when working independently on smaller-scale shoots or with portable single camera (PSC) setups.

Salary

Camera operators often work on a freelance basis and rates of pay vary according to the type of production. Recommended rates of pay are set by the Broadcasting, Entertainment, Cinematograph and Theatre Union (Bectu).

For a camera assistant working in factual or outside broadcast, Bectu recommends a day rate of between 拢230 and 拢360, depending on the type of programme. This is based on nine hours, plus a one-hour break for lunch. For a cameraperson, the recommended day rate rises to between 拢350 and 拢485 for nine hours, plus a one-hour lunch.
Day rates for camera operators working on TV dramas and streaming video on demand (VOD) range from 拢563 (Band 1) to 拢673 (Band 3) for ten hours plus a one-hour lunch.
Day rates for camera operators working on motion pictures range from 拢565 to 拢808, depending on the type of picture (e.g., indie, low budget, mid budget or major feature) for ten hours plus a one-hour lunch.

Extra payments can be charged for overtime and unsocial hours. Full information on the different freelance rates is available from Bectu. It may be possible to negotiate rates of pay based on your previous experience, as well as the type of production.

Income data from . Figures are intended as a guide only.

Working hours

Working hours can be long and irregular, depending on the type of production. While studio-based work may involve more predictable schedules, including standard weekday hours, many shoots, particularly those for news, outside broadcasts or location filming, require early starts, late finishes, overnight shifts or weekend work.

Live events, such as sports or music broadcasts, and tight production deadlines can also mean working under pressure for extended periods.

Freelance camera operators often experience varying workloads, with busy periods followed by quieter spells, and may need to be available at short notice. Flexibility and a willingness to travel are key aspects of the role.

What to expect

Outside broadcasts and location shoots can involve working in all weather conditions, which may be physically demanding and uncomfortable at times. Filming can take place in challenging environments, from busy city streets to remote landscapes such as deserts and mountains or even underwater, if you have specialist training.
Work is often concentrated in and around major production hubs, including London, Manchester, Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow, Leeds, Birmingham and Liverpool. However, travel across the UK, and sometimes internationally, is often required, particularly for location shoots or outside broadcasts.
Many television camera operators work on a freelance or self-employed basis, especially once they've gained some experience. Job availability can be unpredictable, particularly early in your career, so building a strong network of contacts and a good reputation is essential.
Women are still underrepresented behind the camera. Support for women in the creative media industry is provided by the organisation .
The work can be physically and mentally demanding, requiring stamina, patience and attention to detail. You may spend long hours standing, carrying equipment, working to tight deadlines and repeating takes to get the perfect shot.

Qualifications

To work as a camera operator, you'll need technical skills and industry experience. You'll typically start in a role such as kit room assistant, runner or camera trainee before moving into a camera assistant role and then working your way up to camera operator over several years.

Although you don't need a degree or HND to become a camera operator, a degree in television production, film and television production or photography can be helpful.

Look for courses that have strong links with the TV industry and allow you time to develop your portfolio. Check out the type of equipment they have and what software they use. It's important that courses also provide practical experience of using cameras, so you gain a grounding in the essentials of camera work.

Search for .

The Guild of British Camera Technicians (GBCT) also runs training courses and workshops, as well as a .

Other degrees that may be useful include film and television, journalism, media production and media studies.

Relevant A-level subjects include maths, physics, art, art and design, graphic communication and photography.

There are also a range of vocational qualifications available that are helpful when looking for a job or apprenticeship. These include Level 3 qualifications in subjects such as:

art and design
creative digital media production
creative media production and technology
digital media (moving image and audio production)
film and television production
photography.

Getting a job as a kit room assistant (working for rental companies providing technical equipment to TV crews) can also be a useful way of breaking into the industry as you'll find out about the equipment used and will meet camera operators and related staff that you can network with.

You could also develop your camera operating skills by taking short specialist courses. For relevant courses, search .

Skills

You'll need to have:

up-to-date technical knowledge of cameras and associated equipment
excellent hand-eye coordination, with the ability to frame and compose shots and perform camera moves accurately
good hearing and colour vision
effective interpersonal and communication skills, particularly when working as part of a crew
the ability to multi-task and take direction from others
the ability to think on your feet and take a creative approach to problem solving
teamworking skills to work with other crew and production staff
tact and diplomacy
the ability to remain calm under pressure, stay focused and work to deadlines
flexibility to adapt to the requirements of different shoots
concentration, patience and attention to detail
general IT and file management skills, especially when working with digital footage
physical stamina, for working long hours and carrying heavy equipment.

A driving licence is helpful.

Knowledge of safe working practices is essential.

Work experience

At entry level, employers look for candidates with a well-developed interest in photography, along with related experience. This includes film stills, a collection of photographs, a showreel of work, or amateur films and videos that demonstrate your passion for television and camerawork.

Contact local production companies and facility houses to ask if they have any work experience or work shadowing opportunities. Also, investigate opportunities with companies such as:

- runs the Indie Diversity Training Scheme.

maintains a list of jobs sites, which is useful when looking for work experience opportunities and jobs.

Working as a runner can be a useful entry point into the industry, but it's vital to have a career plan and to keep your overall career aims in mind. Working for a rental company can also be a useful way of making contacts and learning about camera operating equipment.

Read trade journals, attend exhibitions and join relevant industry forums to keep up to date with the latest industry news and new technical developments. Make contact with people already in the industry and find out how they got their job.

Student membership of the GBCT is also useful in terms of access to resources, training and networking opportunities.

Find out more about the different kinds of聽work experience and internships聽that are available.

Employers

Competition for entry-level jobs is fierce. Vacancies are not always advertised, so it's vital to build a professional network and approach companies directly.

Key employers in the UK include:

BBC
Channel 4
Channel 5
ITV
S4C (Welsh-language channel)
Sky
STV (in Scotland)
independent production companies supplying content to major broadcasters and streamers
subscription and on-demand platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+.

Employment is predominately freelance, although larger broadcasters like the BBC and ITV may offer permanent contracts for some roles.

There is a lot of work within the independent production sector, covering a wide range of formats including:

broadcast television
commercials
branded content
music videos
short films
digital and online content.

Most independent companies are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), often hiring freelance camera operators on a project-by-project basis.

Look for job vacancies at:

For information on where to look for work in and around film, TV and media, see鈥�.

You can find contact details for making speculative applications for freelance work in specialist directories including:

You can also find jobs by marketing yourself through an entry in a crew directory or diary management service, such as .

If you're interested in freelancing, find out more about self-employment.

Professional development

Training is predominantly on the job, and you'll typically start by observing experienced crew members and gradually gaining practical experience. Some television companies set up their own in-house training programmes, as and when they need staff to work in certain technical roles.

As you'll typically work on a freelance basis, you'll be responsible for identifying and meeting your own training and development needs.

Training courses are run by a range of organisations. Look into opportunities at:

Networking opportunities and the chance to exchange your views and experiences, as well as raise your profile, are provided through membership of organisations such as the GBCT and GTC.

It's also possible to study for a postgraduate degree in television production. Search postgraduate courses in television production.

Continuing professional development (CPD) is vital and you need to take responsibility for keeping up to date with changing technology and techniques in the field through reading trade journals, taking specialist courses and joining online forums.

Career prospects

You'll usually start in an entry-level role such as runner, kit room assistant or camera trainee before progressing to roles like camera assistant or technical operator. With further experience, you can move into camera operator positions, working across genres including studio, location and live broadcast.

Career progression may lead to roles such as studio camera supervisor (with responsibility for managing technical crews) or director of photography (DoP) or cinematographer, overseeing the creative visual style of a production.

To progress in your career, you'll need to:

demonstrate high-level technical and artistic skills
build a strong portfolio of work and on-screen credits
develop a network of professional contacts (particularly as a freelancer)
keep up to date with new technologies, techniques and equipment
build positive relationships with producers, directors and directors of photography
successfully market yourself, your skills and experience.

As you gain experience, you'll build up a list of credits, which can lead to further opportunities and offers of work.

There are also some opportunities to move into specialist areas such as:

aerial photography (using drones or other aerial platforms)
special effects (SFX) and virtual production
Steadicam work
underwater filming
wildlife filming.

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