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TV or film camera operator

Alternative titles for this job include

Camera operators record images for film, television, commercials and online content.

Average salary (a year)

Variable

Typical hours (a week)

Variable variable

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • volunteering
  • industry training

University

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

College

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

Apprenticeship

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

Work

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.

Volunteering

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

Other Routes

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.

More Information

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.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • the ability to work well with others
  • knowledge of media production and communication
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • the ability to operate and control equipment
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

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

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

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With a lot of experience, you could become a camera supervisor, floor manager, cinematographer or director of photography.

You might also specialise in a particular field, for example:

  • documentaries
  • underwater filming
  • aerial photography
  • wildlife work
  • online productions

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a tv or film camera operator right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Film and Television

  • Provider: ESHER COLLEGE
  • Start date: 07 September 2026
  • Location: Thames Ditton

HND Film & Television

  • Provider: HEART OF YORKSHIRE EDUCATION GROUP
  • Start date: 30 September 2026
  • Location: Wakefield
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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