Camera Trainee
Because such large amounts of money are involved in feature film production, only the most experienced, trusted technicians are employed on the camera crew. Although this can make it difficult to gain experience where it's most needed, the role of Camera Trainee - the most junior role in the Camera Department - provides the opportunity to learn the craft. Most Camera Trainees work with the same 2nd AC and are usually requested by the 1st or 2nd AC. As gaining as much experience as possible is the main objective, they work on television drama and commercials as well as on features. This apprenticeship role lasts a minimum of two years.
What is the job?Camera Trainees work closely with all members of the camera department, but they specifically assist the 2nd Assistant Camera (AC). The degree of responsibility given to Camera Trainees ranges from making tea and coffee, to more complex tasks such as handling lenses, filling out camera reports, and eventually (towards the final stages of their training), to loading and down-loading film magazines. On bigger budget films, Camera Trainees may work as part of the 2nd Unit Camera, assisting the 2nd AC and helping to manage the heavy work load.
Good, competent trainees are always in demand, and must be willing to tackle even the most basic tasks with enthusiasm. Because this is a learning role, some mistakes may be tolerated, but by the time experienced Camera Trainees down-load their first magazine of exposed film, where they may be dealing with footage that cost the production £20,000 to shoot, a high degree of competence is expected.
Typical career routes
Camera Trainees usually begin work on shorts or student films and learn their basic skills on the job. Alternatively, they may work as a runner for one of the large camera facilities houses (Panavision, ARRI etc), where they gain experience handling cameras, and meet 1st and 2nd ACs who may be willing to help them find work as part of a camera crew.
Camera Trainees must have a good basic knowledge of cameras and photographic processes on which to build their training and experience.
Key Skills include:
Training and qualifications
FT2 (Film and Television Freelance Training) provides industry recognised training for all job roles, including Camera, involving apprentice-style attachments to professional crews, combined with short course training opportunities.
The National Film and Television School also offers industry recognised short courses for all grades, and a foundation course: 16mm Film and Video Assistants, which provides participants with a complete and thorough overview of the function and responsibilities of the role. The course combines the theory of the principles of photography and video, with practical exercises in using film and video cameras, loading, focus pulling, first line maintenance, and using different lenses and film stocks.
Individual course accreditation in certain subject areas is currently being piloted. As part of Skillset's and the UK Film Council's Film Skills Strategy, A Bigger Future, a network of Screen Academies and a Film Business Academy have been approved as centres of excellence in education and training for film.
Where to go for more information
Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries. The first sources of information for all jobs in the industry are the National Occupational Standards. Browse Skillset's website for links to our network of training partners, information about training and access to the comprehensive Skillset/BFI course database. Finally, Skillset Careers is UK's only specialist media careers advice service; for detailed media careers information and advice, visit www.skillset.org/careers.
Websites
- FT2 FT2;
- National Film and Television School NFTS;
- The British Society of Cinematographers;
- BECTU, the trade union represents camera personnel;
- The Guild of British Camera Technicians aims to further the professional interests of technicians working with motion picture cameras Guild of British Camera Technicians website;
- The Moving Image Society (BKSTS), organises events, courses, and demonstrations of new equipment, and publishes Image Technology.
Publications
- Sight and Sound, publication available through the British Film Institute website;
- American Cinematographer American Cinematographer
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Camera Trainee - Film
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