TV or film camera operator | Average UK Salary & Outlook

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

Typical task
Working hours
Attractive values

Compose and frame each shot, applying the technical aspects of light, lenses, film, filters, and camera settings to achieve the effects sought by directors.
Operate television or motion picture cameras to record scenes for television broadcasts, advertising, or motion pictures.
Adjust positions and controls of cameras, printers, and related equipment to

Compose and frame each shot, applying the technical aspects of light, lenses, film, filters, and camera settings to achieve the effects sought by directors.
Operate television or motion picture cameras to record scenes for television broadcasts, advertising, or motion pictures.
Adjust positions and controls of cameras, printers, and related equipment to change focus, exposure, and lighting.
Confer with directors, sound and lighting technicians, electricians, and other crew members to discuss assignments and determine filming sequences, desired effects, camera movements, and lighting requirements.
Operate zoom lenses, changing images according to specifications and rehearsal instructions.
Observe sets or locations for potential problems and to determine filming and lighting requirements.
Set up and perform live shots for broadcast.
Use cameras in any of several different camera mounts, such as stationary, track-mounted, or crane-mounted.
Test, clean, maintain, and repair broadcast equipment, including testing microphones, to ensure proper working condition.
Edit video for broadcast productions, including non-linear editing.
Instruct camera operators regarding camera setups, angles, distances, movement, and variables and cues for starting and stopping filming.
Assemble studio sets and select and arrange cameras, film stock, audio, or lighting equipment to be used during filming.
Read and analyze work orders and specifications to determine locations of subject material, work procedures, sequences of operations, and machine setups.
View films to resolve problems of exposure control, subject and camera movement, changes in subject distance, and related variables.
Direct studio productions.
Set up cameras, optical printers, and related equipment to produce photographs and special effects.
Read charts and compute ratios to determine variables such as lighting, shutter angles, filter factors, and camera distances.
Set up and operate electric news gathering (ENG) microwave vehicles to gather and edit raw footage on location to send to television affiliates for broadcast.
Write new scripts for broadcasts.
Design graphics for studio productions.

Read more about TV or film camera operator

TV or film camera operators typically work around 39 to 41 hours per week.

As a TV or film camera operator you will typically work evenings / weekends / bank holidays.

This occupation tends to be:

Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely

Read more about TV or film camera operator

* from ONETonline

Average salary
29,310 GBP *
per year

* data taken from the Office of National Statistics (ons.gov.uk)

Average salary for TV or film camera operator

29,310 GBP

Average salary for full-time TV or film camera operator

Showing:

29,310 GBP
29,310 GBP

Salary over time for TV or film camera operator

Salary for this role has increased over time

27,982 GBP
28,481 GBP
29,871 GBP
32,334 GBP
32,763 GBP
33,669 GBP
29,310 GBP
26,043 GBP

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Future outlook for TV or film camera operators

Balanced outlook

5 000+ jobs available

Balanced outlook

-1% yearly wage growth (on average)

Balanced outlook

49% chance of automation in the future

Which qualifications do I need?

Find out what you need to know in order to become a TV or film camera operator and the highest average level of education for people in this role.

In terms of people already doing this job:

61% of people in this role have a Diploma of Higher Education or equivalent
18% of people in this role have GCSEs or equivalent
15% of people in this role have a certificate of higher education or equivalent but no degree

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

Get the right qualification to begin your journey to becoming a TV or film camera operator

Film & Television

What soft skills do I need?

Rise above the competition by brushing up on the 5 most important soft skills you need to become a TV or film camera operator.

Active Listening Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times

Coordination Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions

Judgment and Decision Making Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one

Reading Comprehension Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents

Speaking Talking to others to convey information effectively

What technical skills do I need?

Technical skills are programmes, softwares and things you need to know in order to be a successful TV or film camera operator. Check that you know:

Document management software Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat

Electronic mail software Email software

Graphics or photo imaging software Adobe Systems Adobe Creative Cloud

Spreadsheet software Microsoft Excel

Video creation and editing software Adobe Systems Adobe AfterEffects

Improve your skills today

Film & Television

Attention to Detail Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. Dependability Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. Cooperation Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude. Achievement/Effort Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks. Persistence Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.

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TV or film camera operator | Average UK Salary & Outlook

Salary statistics

Similar Courses

Creative Media Production and Technology (Film and Television) Level 3 Extended Diploma

UAL Level 3 Diploma/Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production & Technology (Film and Television)

UAL Level 3 Diploma/Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production & Technology (Film and Television) (U3DMEF)

BA (Hons) Film Production and Cinematography (full-time)

National Film and Media Saturday Club

UAL Level 2 Diploma in Creative Media Production (Film and TV)

Film and TV Production or Creative Media Production and Technology Level 3 Extended Diploma (Banbury)

Film and TV Production or Creative Media Production and Technology Level 3 Extended Diploma (Reading)

UAL Level 3 Diploma & Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production & Technology

Future outlook for TV or film camera operators

TV or film camera operator - Your future job?

Which qualifications do I need?

What soft skills do I need?

What technical skills do I need?

Things to highlight for your TV or film camera operator interview

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