The Lighting Camera Operator for the portable single camera shoot leads the camera team and is responsible for realising the director’s creative vision for the programme.
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Working Life
The Lighting Camera Operator for the portable single camera shoot leads the camera team and is responsible for realising the director’s creative vision for the programme.
Role and Responsibilities
The lighting camera operator has the creative and technical camera and lighting skills to deliver the highest standard of rushes that comply in every way with the agreed narrative and aesthetic. On larger productions, and in TV drama, this would be equivalent to the director of photography.
The lighting camera operator’s involvement starts before the shoot, and requires having closely read the script, and completing any recces necessary for any locations, including studios.
This allows the selection of camera set-up positions, and the creation of a comprehensive list of lights and equipment (tracks, dolly etc.) needed for the shoot.
Occasionally, when required, the role also covers that of crane operator. Cranes (or jibs) are mechanical devices that allow cameras to create wide, sweeping movements, and to move above performers on a stage, for example.
As projects are almost exclusively shot with cameras that record footage onto media cards, the role also involves coordination of the handover of media cards to the data wrangler (on bigger projects or series), or production assistant.
The role is by its nature location-based, requires a full driving licence, and usually requires the operator to have his or her own car.
Works with
- Director
- Producer
- Camera Team
- Line Producer
- All location and studio production crew
- Talent/Cast
Qualities - Lighting Camera Operator – Single Camera
Is this role right for me?
To perform this role, you must:
Be an experienced and highly skilled camera operator, capable of collaborating closely with the director to deliver the creative vision for the programme.
Have a deep technical knowledge of operating broadcast cameras and all relevant technical ancillary equipment.
Have excellent skills working with colour.
Fully understand the process through which a script is filmed – shot-by-shot, sequence-by-sequence – and brought to the screen.
Be familiar with all equipment and lights necessary for filming on both location and in studio, and know who the best suppliers are for each category of equipment.
Have the interpersonal and communication skills to manage a camera team and all other crew that work closely with the camera team on shoots.
Have the interpersonal skills to help the director get the best performance from any talent.
Be capable of working long days, sometimes in locations that are “inhospitable”, and when necessary, being on the road for several weeks at a time.
Be fully conversant with all aspects of sound-recording.
Have an extensive contact-base of freelance camera and related roles, as well as rental companies of all ancillary equipment.
Have full knowledge of all health and safety regulations and safe practice relating to filming.
Interests - Lighting Camera Operator – Single Camera
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Creative
Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.
Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Entry / Progression - Lighting Camera Operator – Single Camera
Education Route: The lighting camera operator may have come through film school or media Studies.
Career Path to Lighting Camera Operator - Single Camera: Many of the most successful senior operators will have “graduated” by way of unofficial, on-the-job apprenticeships, and will have worked their way up from camera runner, sound recordist and assistant camera operator.
Career Path from Lighting Camera Operator - Single Camera: Senior Camera Operator, Steadicam Operator, Camera Supervisor, Director of Photography.
