Lighting Camera (Portable Single Camera) - TV
Lighting Camera Persons play the most senior role in television camera departments. They interpret the Director's vision for the programme, and use their advanced technical skills in lighting and camerawork to produce and capture moving images. They also liaise closely with other members of the production team to create each required shot, and to motivate and encourage them in their work.
On a high-budget television drama or commercial, the role is referred to as Director of Photography (DP or DoP), and involves supervising a camera department of approximately six people. On other drama productions, documentaries, or factual or news productions, the role is known as Lighting Camera, and the crew sometimes comprises only two or three people, as budgets are usually much lower. As the DP or Lighting Camera person must work efficiently within budget and schedule restrictions, the role can be very stressful. The hours are long (around 12-14 hours a day), and the work can be physically exhausting. Most practitioners work on a freelance basis, and work opportunities can be very unpredictable making forward planning difficult. Bookings usually come from Directors with whom they've worked previously, or through word of mouth. Some foreign travel may be involved, involving long periods spent away from base. However, working as a freelance offers much more variation and creative opportunity. Although it may take many years to progress to this role, it can be financially rewarding.
What is the job?
On dramas or commercials, DPs are usually hired some time before shooting commences, to attend recces (research visits) at filming locations and to prepare lighting and equipment plans. Considerable time is spent studying the script and discussing it with the Director in order to understand his or her vision, and to develop stylistic ideas together. Once filming begins, the DP collaborates closely with the Director to design the composition and detail of each shot, subsequently liaising with the Gaffer (the head of the lighting team), the Production Designer, Costume Designer and the Hair and Make-Up Designer to create the required look. DPs direct the Camera Operator (the person who frames each shot and operates the camera) or operate the camera themselves. Usually a First and Second Camera Assistant completes the department, although a Camera Trainee/Camera Runner may also be employed.
As documentary/factual budgets are much smaller, Lighting Camera Persons are usually briefed by the Director a few days before shooting commences. Preparation may start before paid time on the project begins, and may include drawing up equipment lists, negotiating deals with equipment rental companies, or confirming logistics with other crew members. As opportunities for Recces are rare, Lighting Camera Persons must be able to assess and adapt quickly when they arrive at each location. As it is unusual for Gaffers to be employed on these productions, Lighting Camera Persons set up and operate the lighting equipment as well as the camera equipment. Smaller budget projects may not even involve a Camera Assistant, so the ability to multi-task is essential. On news productions, Lighting Camera Persons are often responsible for recording sound as well as visual images, working closely with news journalists who present the story directly to camera while holding the microphone. In some cases, the Camera operator is also responsible for editing the filmed item on a laptop computer at the location, before downloading it to the broadcaster for immediate transmission.
Typical career routes
Although some training courses offer good basic preparation for this role, practical hands-on industry experience is crucial. Most DPs and Lighting Camera Persons spend many years working at every level in camera departments across many types of productions before progressing to the role. The route usually involves starting out as a Camera Trainee/Runner or in some cases, working as Runner at a filming or video tape equipment rental company, a camera manufacturing company or a photographic or film laboratory.
Essential knowledge and skills
The craft of DP or Lighting Camera Persons involves a mix of highly creative and technical skills. Artistic ability and a real passion for creative visual storytelling are essential, as well as an in-depth up-to-date practical knowledge about cameras and other equipment. As Lighting Camera Persons work very closely with Directors throughout shoots, collaborating on style, shot composition and sometimes on content, effective interpersonal skills are essential. Assertiveness, strong leadership and diplomacy skills are vital.
Key Skills include:
Training and qualifications
No specific qualifications are required to work in this role. Most DPs and Lighting Camera Persons learn the majority of their practical skills on the job through practical hands-on experience. However, continual professional development is vital, especially as technology is changing rapidly. New shooting techniques, lighting set-ups and other practices can be learnt by testing out new equipment, studying trade journals, attending exhibitions and joining industry forums. Basic stills photography, which develops visual and composition skills, provides a useful starting point in training for this role.
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 the UK's only specialist media careers advice service; for detailed media careers information and advice, visit www.skillset.org/careers.
Websites
– The Guild of Television cameramen website holds useful forums and publishes Zerb - an excellent hands-on practical guide to camera work at all levels.
– The Guild of British Camera Technicians website aims to further the professional interests of British camera personnel
– The Broadcasting and Entertainment Trade Union BECTU, offers advice about employment terms and rights and useful information on health and safety.
– Cinematography Mailing List is a forum for all camera personnel, providing extensive information on the key principles of camera work.
Publications
– High Definition is an industry magazine which offers comprehensive information on all aspects of using the latest digital HD camera equipment.
– American Cinematographer American Cinematographer
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Lighting Camera (Portable Single Camera) - TV 
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