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Studio Camera Operator (multi-camera TV)

Operates pedestal/crane cameras in multi-camera studios or OBs to gallery calls — different skillset from single-camera drama ops.

Duties

• Read the call sheet and sides before arriving
• Maintain radio/set etiquette and H&S
• Hand over notes/kit status at wrap
• Frame to camera script
• Respond to talkback
• Rehearse and record live/as-live

Reports to

Gallery Director / Vision Mixer; camera supervisor where used

Works with

Gallery, Vision Mixer, Cable basher, Lighting, Floor Manager

Career path

Camera Assistant → Studio Camera Op → Senior/Crane Op

Day to day

Shade and frame to gallery; hit rehearsed shots; cable management with bashers; stay on talkback; adapt to as-live changes.

Call times

Camera call is frequently earlier than general unit for build and prep. Focus/loader/trainees often pre-call. Check camera call, lunch and estimated wrap on the sheet; split days and nights are common on features.

What to wear

Studio blacks; soft shoes; sometimes branded polo for entertainment shows.

Tools & kit

Headset comfort kit; personal gloves for crane if used.

Tips

Confirm title, agreement, budget band, prep/wrap and kit fee on the deal memo before accepting. We never invent Bectu figures — check bectu.org.uk ratecards / your branch.

Software

• Gallery/camera script apps
• PDF annotators
• QTAKE / video village tools
• ShotPut Pro / Hedge / Silverstack (DIT workflows)
• Pomfort Livegrade / LUT tools
• Frame.io / PIX for dailies as issued
• ChatGPT for quick lens/DoF notes (verify with DoP)

Related roles

Vision Mixer (studio TV)

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