TV or film camera operator

You can take a university course to develop your camera skills. Relevant courses include:

• media production
• media and moving image
• photography
• digital film technology

It may give you an advantage if you can find a course that offers practical and work experience opportunities like shadowing, internships or a 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/

You can take a college course to learn some of the skills needed to get a trainee position, such as:

• creative media production
• film and television production
• photography
• art and design
• T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

• 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

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

You might be able to find work as a production runner or camera assistant with a production company. As your experience and contact list grows, you may be able to do training on the job in camera work.

It's useful to get as much practical experience as you can, which can help when applying for jobs. This can include:

• student film or TV productions
• community film projects
• working for a camera equipment rental company

You may be able to do short courses through the National Film and Television School to get familiar with camera technology and film and TV production.

Career Tips

As a trainee, you must be prepared to be flexible and to take on different tasks in a camera department. You might also have to work long hours at times. A keen interest in cinematography is essential.

Further Information

You can find advice about how to become a trainee camera operator from ScreenSkills .

You can get more information about careers in the film industry from My First Job in Film and Get Into Film .

As a camera operator, you could:

• plan and rehearse shots and timings
• set up camera equipment
• choose lenses and work out camera angles for shots
• follow a camera script
• work closely with other technical departments
• maintain cameras, lenses, filters and cables
• produce camera reports logging shots and camera settings of each scene for production staff

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.