3 different Jobs

                                                Director Of Photography

What is the job?DoPs must discover the photographic heart of a screenplay, using a variety of source material including stills photography, painting, other films, etc. They realise the desired look using lighting, framing, camera movement, etc. DoPs collaborate closely with the camera crew (Camera Operator, 1st and 2nd Assistant Camera, Camera Trainee and Grips). During filming, DoPs also work closely with the Gaffer (whose lighting team are key to helping create the required look of the film), the Production Designer, Costume Designer, and the Hair and Make Up Department.

Key Skills include:

Artistic vision
creativity and precise attention to detail;
good colour vision;
ability to give and to accept direction;
excellent communication skills;
diplomacy and tact when working with cast and crew;
knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures.

Training and qualifications

Stills photography provides a good all round understanding of composition and light. The National Film and Television School's MA in Cinematography provides the opportunity to specialise, and is taught by practising DoPs. Although DoPs do not need to have electrical qualifications, they do need to understand the functions of a variety of lighting equipment, and to have thorough knowledge of cameras, lenses and film stocks. They may have previously studied Drama, Stills Photography, or Art, or taken a Film/Media Studies degree, where useful research skills are also developed.

                                                      Camera Operator

What is the job?

Camera Operators usually begin work at the end of pre-production and, if the budget allows, attend the technical recces with other Heads of Department. They work closely with the Director of Photography (DoP), Director and Grip, and are responsible for the 1st Assistant Camera (AC), 2nd Assistant Camera (AC) and the Camera Trainee.

Key Skills include:

a good sense of visual composition, perspective and movement

physical co-ordination and strength

ability to combine creativity with technical skills

precise attention to detail

effective communication skills

ability to collaborate, and to work as part of a team

diplomacy and sensitivity when working with artists and crew

knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures.

Training and qualifications

No specific qualifications are required to work in this role, although film schools and training courses offer a good basic grounding in the skills and knowledge required and in practice many Camera Operators have studied for higher level qualifications. The most useful courses offer practical experience and may also include work experience placements. Relevant courses include City & Guilds courses, BTEC HNC/HNDs, Foundation degrees, first degrees and postgraduate qualifications in media, film and TV production or cinematography. Basic stills photography, which develops visual and composition skills, also provides a useful starting point in training for this role.

                                                        Script Supervisor

What is the job?

Script Supervisors' overall responsibility is to monitor whether it is possible for each shot scene to be edited into a verbally and visually coherent sequence.  During pre–production they check the script for any errors and/or inconsistencies, prepare estimated running times, and break down the script according to production requirements.  They develop story synopses and character breakdowns, and check the shooting schedule to ensure that all the required scenes are shot and adequately covered from all required angles, distances, etc.  They attend recces and pre–production meetings to feedback any identified issues, and during rehearsals they record detailed timings which inform the shooting schedule.  They work closely with Directors to anticipate and solve any potential problems.



Key Skills include:

A meticulous and methodical attention to detail

A good sense of visual composition, perspective and movement

Ability to collaborate, and to work as part of a team

Diplomacy and sensitivity when working with artists and crew

Ability to trouble shoot and respond quickly to changing circumstances

Good organisational skills

Ability to be amiable and calm in difficult situations

A practical approach to work

Knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures

Training and qualifications

Although no formal qualifications are required to become a Script Supervisor, some film schools and training courses offer a good basic grounding in the skills and knowledge required.  The National Film and Television School offers an industry recognised 6 day short course for Script Supervisors.  Knowledge of the theory and grammar of filmmaking and, in particular, of editing, is essential in order to understand the craft of constructing scenes out of individual shots. Relevant industry experience is essential.  A full driving licence is useful.


Individual course accreditation in certain subject areas is currently being piloted. As part of Skillset's and the UK Film Council's Film Skills Strategy, A Bigger Future, a network of Screen Academies and a Film Business Academy have been approved as centres of excellence in education and training for film.