Camera Department Overview - TV
The TV Camera department forms a subset of a larger occupational group known as “Production – Technical”. People working in the Camera department create and capture moving images using a combination of advanced technical camera and lighting skills. In the more senior roles, creative input is also a crucial part of the job.
The responsibilities of people in this department depend largely on the genre of the production. On a high-budget drama or a commercial, the most senior person is the Director of Photography (who uses advanced creative and craft skills to design the look of each shot), while the Camera Operator works the camera, usually supported by one or two Camera Assistants. The most junior role is Camera Trainee/Runner which is also the conventional entry level position in this department. On a factual production and in news reporting, the Director of Photography is known as the Lighting Camera person and operates the camera him or herself, sometimes with the support of a Camera Assistant but often alone. On some low-budget productions, a DV Director directs the filming and operates the camera at the same time.
There are also specialised camera roles on some productions such as Steadicam Operator (who operates a specific type of camera designed to film moving sequences) or Underwater Camera person. Sports and studio-based programmes are filmed by several cameras at the same time. Multi-camera Operators are given precise instructions over a headset so their role is less creative than people working in single-camera departments in other TV genres.
Camera technology is changing rapidly in the digital era. Film is still commonly used on high-budget dramas and commercials, but there is a growing trend towards a new high-definition digital format in this genre. Digital videotape is used widely in most other television productions. Film and digital formats call for differently shaped camera departments and skills, so employment patterns are changing. However the increase in the number of digital channels available means there is more television production taking place overall. Skillset has identified current skills shortages within the TV Camera department. The vast majority of work is to be found in London and the South-East.
Skillset has developed National Occupational Standards for camera work. There are several practical training and attachment schemes for camera roles and hundreds of HE/FE courses covering more general television production skills, however practical industry experience is the key to success in this area. Many people working in these roles have an unrelated undergraduate degree, while some began their work straight after leaving school. The vast majority of people working within the Camera department will have begun their careers as a Camera Trainee or Runner before working their way up the ladder.
Camera departments tend to be male dominated. There are very few people in these roles who consider themselves to be physically disabled. The work requires great physical energy and stamina as it involves the movement of heavy camera equipment. Good colour vision and hand-to-eye co-ordination are also essential for precise and accurate camera operation.
All occupations within this department demand a very high degree of commitment and determination. The hours are long and often unpredictable. The work can involve long periods away from home and some travel abroad, making it challenging for home and family life. Most people work on a freelance basis so they have to seek out work and training opportunities for themselves. Other important qualities include a passion for visual images, first-class communication and interpersonal skills, close attention to detail, the ability to multi-task, work in a team and thrive under pressure.