Camera Assistant

Camera Assistant – Cardiff

The BBC is looking for a Camera Assistant to join our team in Cardiff – Roath Lock Drama Studio.

• JOB BAND: B
• CONTRACT TYPE:
  Fixed‑term Contract – full time until 11 September 2026
• Positions: 2
• DEPARTMENT: BBC Nations, Wales Operations – Cameras
• LOCATION:
  
  Cardiff – Roath Lock Drama Studio
• PROPOSED SALARY RANGE: £25,700 – £30,000, depending on relevant skills, knowledge and experience. The expected salary range reflects internal benchmarking and external market insights.

• Be part of the creative process:
  You’ll play a key role in bringing stories to life on screen, working closely with directors, performers, and crew.
• Hands‑on experience with cutting‑edge gear:
  Get direct exposure to professional cameras, rigs, and recording equipment, building technical skills that are highly valued in the industry.
• Learn from experts:
  Work under the guidance of experienced cinematographers and operators, gaining mentorship and practical knowledge every day.
• Collaborative environment:
  Join a supportive team where communication, teamwork, and problem‑solving are at the heart of success.
• Career growth opportunities:
  Build a strong foundation in camera operations that can lead to roles like Camera Operator, Cinematographer, or Technical Director.
• Dynamic and exciting work:
  No two days are the same – you’ll be part of productions that challenge your creativity and adaptability.
• Contribution that matters:
  Your work ensures smooth filming and high‑quality visuals, making you an essential part of the storytelling process.

• Help set up and pack down cameras and equipment, making sure everything is safe and working properly.
• Operate or guide the use of camera mounts and cables so the production looks and sounds as intended.
• Support the team in solving practical issues with camera positions, movements, and shot setups.
• Carry out basic maintenance (with guidance) if equipment stops working during filming.
• Work with cast and crew to capture the best shots, and pass on bigger problems to the right person. Share ideas and assist in developing new techniques when using updated equipment or meeting new production needs.

• Setting up and packing down monitors, projectors, and prompting devices.
• Handling and organizing cables.
• Driving vehicles within your licence limits (with consent).
• Adjusting sound levels and colour balance for simple recordings.
• Set up and operate playback monitors, including loading and unloading card rushes.
• With experience, operate a camera independently to provide footage for larger productions or technical setups.

• Technical know‑how:
  Understanding how cameras, mounts, monitors, and recording equipment work.
• Problem‑solving:
  Ability to quickly troubleshoot issues with camera positions, movements, or equipment malfunctions.
• Attention to detail:
  Keeping track of cables, colour balance, and ensuring everything is set up correctly.
• Organisation:
  Managing gear, camera cards, and accessories so the crew can work efficiently.
• Communication:
  Working smoothly with actors, directors, and crew to capture the best shots.
• Adaptability:
  Learning new techniques and handling updated equipment as productions evolve.
• Physical readiness:
  Comfortable with lifting, rigging, and sometimes driving vehicles as part of the job.

• Practical experience working with camera equipment, and relevant theoretical based training.
• Working knowledge of green and blue screen effects in liaison with the special effects team.
• Knowledge of relevant health and safety guidelines and legislation.
• Ability to follow instructions from within the camera team.
• Strong communication.

If you can bring some of these skills and experience, along with transferable strengths, we’d love to hear from you and encourage you to apply.

This job description is a written statement of the essential characteristics of the job, with its principal accountabilities, incorporating a note of the skills, knowledge and experience required for a satisfactory level of performance. This is not intended to be a…