Case studies: Freelance camera operator: Brian

The job involves many different types of camera operating from hand held, funky dynamic shooting to smooth aesthetically pleasing moves using the tripod.

I work freelance as a camera operator and cameraperson. I have a BA in Film and Media from Brunel University.

I wanted to work in television as a cameraperson because I was passionate about films, photography and television. My degree helped me to get my first job working for the crew, camera and equipment hire company Transmission (TX) Ltd. That first job was as camera assistant based at Shepperton Studios and while I was there I gained some really great experience working on ‘Teletubbies’ and ‘Smack the Pony’.

I’ve since progressed from working as a camera assistant to focus puller and then to lighting cameraperson. Learning about how to light for television is something that takes years to learn and, as part of the job, I have to keep up with new technology specifically new cameras and formats, like High Definition, and new lenses and lights.

The job involves many different types of camera operating from hand held, funky dynamic shooting to smooth aesthetically pleasing moves using the tripod. Then there’s lighting shots for different moods or styles from hard-edged lighting for news or current affairs to more artistic lighting for documentaries and drama. In terms of interacting with people and performers, I have to coordinate and choreograph subjects in front of the camera and think about how the shot material will be edited. As a camera person, I also have to be familiar with sound equipment and different microphones to achieve the best sound when working as a ‘one man band’ without a sound recordist – shooting without a sound man is becoming more common these days because of budget cuts.

The things I really enjoy about my job are location shooting and working in a different environment each day, and with different people. I like working on news and documentaries because I get an insight into many different industries and ways of life. I enjoy the regular travel around Britain and occasional international travel. I get a lot of satisfaction from producing good video pictures that are well framed, well lit, stylistic and aesthetically pleasing.

The aspects of the job I don’t enjoy so much are filming outside on cold, wet days and long shoot days with lots of hand-held camera work, which gives me back ache! I don’t enjoy waiting outside people’s houses or court rooms for news programmes to get paparazzi type footage – it’s boring and not very creatively satisfying. I also don’t enjoy getting caught in traffic jams when travelling to and from locations.

But I really love my job because of the variety of work and people I work with and the interesting and famous people I get to meet.