TV or film camera operator

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

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• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

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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• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

You could start out as a camera assistant and learn while you work from an experienced camera operator.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.