How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- working towards this role
- specialist courses with private training providers
University
You can do a foundation degree, higher national diploma, degree or postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject.
Examples include:
- photography
- art and design
- drama
- filmmaking or film studies
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- a foundation diploma in art and design
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
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College
You can take a college course to develop your camera skills before looking for work, as an assistant.
Courses include:
- film and television production
- photography
- creative media production and technology
- T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production
You may have an advantage if you can find a course that offers practical experience and possibly a work placement.
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
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Work
You could start work with a production company in a junior role and learn on the job. Roles include:
- production runner
- second assistant camera (2nd AC) operator
- lighting trainee
Once you have built up your experience on set and completed extra training, you could become a first AC then director of photography.
Volunteering
It will help when looking for work, if you can get paid or unpaid experience with:
- community film productions
- amateur or student film projects
- independent film production companies or camera equipment suppliers
You can search for film and TV companies to approach for experience through media business listing services like PACT and The Knowledge.
Look out for film festivals and follow the social media accounts of video companies and film-makers, for advice and possible work experience opportunities.
Other Routes
You may be able to get a place on a new entrant training scheme that broadcasters and film bodies offer, for example:
You could also take short courses in camera operation run by film schools, regional screen agencies and private training providers.
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Career tips
Work is often freelance and filming can involve long hours. You'll usually be paid a day rate plus extra for overtime and unsocial hours.
It's important to make contacts in the industry, while learning about different filming techniques. You can also put together a portfolio of your work to showcase your talents through online media channels.
You may improve your career prospects by developing specialist filming skills, such as aerial, night-time or underwater photography.
Professional and industry bodies
You can join the British Society of Cinematographers for latest news and trends, professional development and to make contacts in the industry.
Further information
You can learn more about a career as a director of photography from ScreenSkills.