TV or film camera operator
Salary range: Variable
How to become a TV or film camera operator
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 experience and possibly a work placement.
Entry requirements
You’ll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
More information
- equivalent entry requirements
- student finance for fees and living costs
- university courses and entry requirements
College
You can take a college course like:
- Level 2 Diploma In Creative Media Production & Technology
- Level 3 Certificate in Media Techniques
- Level 3 Diploma in Photography
Entry requirements
You’ll usually need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
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Apprenticeship
You may be able to get into this career through an advanced apprenticeship in creative and digital media.
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
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Work
You could start out as a camera assistant and learn while you work from an experienced camera operator.
Volunteering and experience
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
Skills and knowledge
You’ll need:
- knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
- knowledge of media production and communication
- to be flexible and open to change
- 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
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
What you’ll do
Day-to-day tasks
Your day-to-day duties might include:
- setting up camera equipment
- choosing the most suitable lenses and camera angles
- planning and rehearsing shots
- following a camera script
- working closely with other technical departments
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 and progression
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.