Senior Camera Operator at BBC

Job Family: Technical Production
Band: C

Job Purpose

• Be part of the team responsible for the operation of various types of camera in studios, on outside broadcasts and on location, providing a high degree of technical expertise as well as a flexible and efficient service, to meet the visual requirements of the Producer or Director.
• Routinely filming and editing complete packages for use across multiple platforms.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

• Operate cameras without supervision to a medium level of artistic complexity.
• Use a range of video, audio and digital equipment and information technology to research, write, shoot, assemble, edit and deliver outputs in the appropriate medium, to the highest professional standards – recognising the distinct requirements of different types of output.
• Routinely shoots and edits packages, long form pieces.
• Operate lighting for camera to a basic level of complexity (normally restricted to basic lighting kit).
• Operate and rig the full range of camera equipment for high complexity productions (multicamera).
• To undertake pre- and post-production and studio work, live and pre-recorded. Use a range of video, audio and digital equipment and information technology to research, write, assemble, edit and deliver programmes in the appropriate medium, to the highest professional standards.
• To liaise closely with other team members and with other departments in the BBC, to ensure that output material is shared, duplication is avoided, and best practice is upheld.
• Work to the highest level of craft complexity on directed multi-camera productions including handheld.
• Delivering to tight deadlines while maintaining the highest editorial standards.
• Willing and adept at passing on skills through training and mentoring.
• At all times to carry out duties in accordance with the BBC health and safety policy.

Knowledge, Skills, Training and Experience
Essential:

• Experience as a camera operator and editor.
• Candidates will have relevant experience in News broadcasting environment, practicing a range of location craft skills (e.g. camerawork / lighting / editing / location facilities). They will be able to demonstrate strong interest in and proven commitment to News.
• Proven knowledge of issues and stories relevant to African audiences.
• Experience of filming, editing and packaging content for TV and radio.
• Ability to gather and prepare audio and video material for use on any service, recognising the distinct requirements of different types of output, self-shooting and editing routinely.
• Significant recent experience as a journalist, with a good knowledge of production techniques especially self-shooting and editing.
• Industry recognised training.
• Experience in working across a range of programmes genres, both recorded and live.
• Excellent communication skills, tact and diplomacy and be able to liaise with people at all levels.
• Must have the full range of location craft and technical skills, the ability to operate current broadcast technical equipment on location and at base, demonstrating a well-developed sense of visual awareness and a willingness to learn how to use new technology and kit.
• Excellent digital skills with track record of researching and discovering stories and after appropriate training use PNG, Quickfire and other newsgathering systems.
• Demonstrate excellent knowledge of digital boradcast – Using WMT (Mobile), Lucy live, livestreaming, DSNG etc.

Decision Making:

• High level of responsibility and decision making; able to operate alone.
• May be informally supported by junior staff i.e. VT Editors, News Director.

Scope:

• Covers a wide range of journalism activity, producing news content and supporting the production and post-production of genre programmes.