Inside Story - TV Camera(wo)man



Sharon

Age Range
26-35

Countries of Work
UK

Study and Career History
I have 8 GCSE's, 3 'A' levels and a Degree in Media Studies. I must admit to skipping a few lectures in order to do work experience at the BBC but this paid off. When I graduated I got my first job as camera assistant on "Byker Grove" and this was the start of a career with the BBC. I stayed with the BBC for five years as a technical operator doing mainly cameras and sound but have now jumped into the big wide world of freelancers.

How long have you been doing the job?
8 years.

Did you decide on your career path or did it all happen by accident?
Becoming a camerawoman was a bit of an accident. My 'A' levels were in Music, Drama and English and I suppose I wanted to be an actress. I decided this was probably going to mean lots of time out of work and so decided maybe a behind the scenes job might be another option. I went to Uni to do Media Studies without any firm ideas. I thoroughly enjoyed TV Production and then wanted to be a picture editor. After a day of work experience at the BBC, sat in an edit suite for 8 hours, I quickly changed my mind. I then went out for a day with a cameraman and thought this is the job for me!

How did you get your "Glamour Job" ?
I got the job by doing lots of work experience and helping out many times for free whilst I was at University. This meant I was offered my first step on the ladder after graduation.

What does the job involve?
Before going freelance my job as a technical operator meant I could be doing cameras, sound, editing or lighting depending on what was needed. As a camerawoman you are sent to various situations, sometimes as part of a crew and sometimes on your own. It could be filming anything from news, documentaries, sporting events or concerts.

Describe a typical day at work.
There is no typical day! One day you could be warm and dry stood behind a camera in a studio, the next day you could be at a race track in the freezing cold and rain or you could be lucky enough to be filming at some warm sunny location abroad. Days do tend to be long but hours are incredibly varied. If you are part of a crew you might be working with a director and be responsible for one particular camera and its shots. If you are a singleman crew you might liase with a reporter but you will not only be operating the camera, you will also have the jobs of sound and lighting.

What do you like most about the job?
I like the variety and not knowing where you will be next. You also get to see some fantastic places and meet some amazing people.

What don’t you like about your job – if anything?
There's often a lot of waiting around and when this is in the rain and cold its not much fun.

During your teenage years did you have much vocational guidance from school, university, family or friends? What was your biggest influence?
I don't think I've had a major influence, I've just always been encouraged to do what I want to do and go for it.

If you took end of school examinations did you get exam results you were happy with from your education?
I was happy with my exam results and education as a whole.

Do you think that what you studied in school or in your further education was right for the career you are in now? Any regrets?
Although I probably could have done with studying physics I think my qualifications have served me well. I have no real regrets but sometimes think I should have gone to a university that specialised in TV production.

Have you taken further studies since leaving secondary or tertiary school. If yes, what did you study and why did you decide you needed more qualifications?
I studied for a media studies degree but that was probably because I wasn't really sure what I wanted to do. Since then I have taken various BBC and independant training courses to develop my career.

What was your first job?
Working in a supermarket at 16.

What has been your most bizarre or challenging job to date?
Interviewing Prince Philip inside Buckingham Palace was a little bizarre. It doesn't seem real when you walk across the front courtyard with thousands of faces staring at you through the gates. Afterwards its a little weird to think you have been inside the palace.. My most challenging jobs made me confront my two big phobias, heights and rats. In my first week on my own as a singleman crew I had to go up in a helicopter for some ariel shots of a stranded boat. This wasn't too bad until I realised there was no door and when we got to the scene I had to hang out to get the shots! It was a great experience and now I always jump at the opportunity to go up again. I also recently had to film rats in a garden for a BBC documentary. I did it, but was scared stiff, and must admit I was proud of myself for doing it. I wouldn't be as keen to repeat this job though!

What is your ultimate goal.... is this it, or do you have a pinnacle you have yet to reach?
I'm not sure what my ultimate goal is or even if I'll ever have one, but I know there are still lots of things I want to do. I think the more you achieve the further the goal posts move and you keep pushing on to the next level.

What are your top tips for personal success?
If you want something then go for it. Stay confident and try to keep smiling even when the going gets tough.

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