Jnr Camera Operator, Landmark Series NHU in Bristol

BBC Studios Natural History Unit is embarking on a spectacular landmark production following on from the recent success of Asia and The Americas. We are looking for enthusiastic Junior Camera Operators (JCO) to work on this major project for a third-party broadcaster. This role aims to develop emerging camera operators by providing experience for them to work alongside existing experts in their field and increasing their ability to operate at the very highest level of natural history filming. Please note the role will include regular travel overseas for weeks at a time. Though the JCO role will be on a Fixed Term Contract basis there are no BBC Studios continuing staff positions in this category. Most natural history cinematography is undertaken by freelance operators. The placement could potentially be extended, depending on business need, and on completion the aim is that the successful candidate will be ready to compete in the freelance market for work, either from the NHU or elsewhere. This opportunity is aimed at those with sufficient relevant skills and experience to enable rapid progress to full professional competence. You will need to be Bristol-based when not away filming.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Assisting the production team in purchasing, developing, and testing bespoke camera and field equipment prior to filming.
• Working closely with field directors in the preparation, transport and set up of a range of cameras, as currently used in wildlife content acquisition.
• Sharing your insights, opinions and experience as part of a collaborative team learning from each other.
• On location, undertaking the preparation, maintenance, installation and operation of a range of cameras and any ancillary equipment as necessary.
• Taking responsibility for managing kit assigned to you.
• Logging and managing recorded data on location and at base.
• Providing written and visual material for all media and platforms as required by the production team.
• Operating unsupervised when appropriately experienced and briefed.

You should have a gifted eye and a talent for storytelling, with the potential to compose exquisite, creative images and full sequences. A range of versatile camera skills would be useful such as use of Movi/Ronin, drones, long lens, time-lapse, stills. Knowledge and understanding of photographic techniques applicable to natural history production, including complex camera technology and a range of different lenses. You must have excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to remain calm under pressure, and the flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances and situations not always under our control. You will be able to demonstrate a proven ability to build strong relationships with programme contributors and collaborators and work effectively within a team. The ability to work with a range of Directors and undertake varying degrees of responsibility. Strong research, planning and organisational skills as well as experience in setting up animal behavioural sequences. Technical and IT skills to operate with confidence a range of appropriate applications used in footage acquisition and media management. A strong interest in natural history programme making and fieldcraft, with an aptitude and passion for a particular filming technique/genre. Wide experience of observing animals in the wild and setting up wildlife sequences, including remote and hostile environments.