How to become a camera operator: Tamsin's story

A young woman marks up memory cards next to a camera

A young woman, Tamsin, standing outside with a camera and a clapper board

Age

What is your job?

I am a camera assistant and I help to make films and TV shows by running a camera and making sure it doesn’t run out of battery or memory on set. I use the clapper board to show the start and end of a scene. I also show the actors where to stand by putting marks on the floor, so that they are framed by the camera properly. I use a computer to find out about how new cameras work, to watch videos made by other people that I can learn from, and to save and store everything that we film.

What inspired you?

I took Film Studies at school and it was amazing. We would make films in class and I had to write a script and got marked 45/45. I was so proud.

You never know what each day is going to be like - it changes like the wind. Different scenes. Different people. Different places.

Best thing about your job?

I am lucky that I get to travel with my work. I have been in a helicopter twice! I’ve even been on a horse because of my job, and I get to meet interesting people (and once some foxes) that come into the TV studio or set to be filmed.

Tamsin writes a scene description on a clapper board that reads 'Careers'

Top tips

Try things. Trying things is where you find out what you like and what you don’t like. If you don’t try things, you will never know what you are good at!

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What to expect if you want to be a TV or film camera operator

TV or film camera operator average salary: Variable
TV or film camera operator typical working hours: 39 to 41 hours per week

What qualifications do you need to be a TV or film camera operator?

You could get into this role via a university course, a college course (such as a Level 3 Diploma or a T-level in Media, Broadcast and Production - England-only, from Sept 2023), an apprenticeship, working towards the role, volunteering or industry training.

Sources: LMI for All, National Careers Service,

This information is a guide and is constantly changing. Please check the for the latest information and all the qualifications needed and the for more on T-levels.

For careers advice in all parts of the UK visit: , , and .

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Tips and advice
Help with interviews, writing a CV and all things work experience related.

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