Junior Camera Operator

Job Introduction

BBC Studios’ Natural History Unit (NHU) is the leading producer of wildlife programming, creating award-winning content with a world class reputation.

Our output ranges from ambitious landmarks (Planet Earth III and Mammals) to children’s programming (Deadly Dinosaurs and Andy’s Adventures), as well as ground-breaking travel, adventure, formatted, presenter lead and event programming such as Prehistoric Planet for Apple TV+ and the BAFTA winning Springwatch for the BBC.

Following the success of The Green Planet, and two decades after the groundbreaking series Life in the Undergrowth, BBC Studios NHU is embarking on an ambitious and innovative global production focussing on the natural history of insects and other invertebrates. Hidden Planet will reveal the real lives, drama and critical importance of the planet's most successful group of animals.

We are looking to recruit 2-3 Junior Camera Operators, enthusiastic about the subject matter, to work on this major project. Filming will take place all over the world and in our macro studio based in the outskirts of Bristol.

To help achieve the highest creative vision for blue chip natural history filmmaking, we’re offering 2, possibly 3, Junior Camera Operator positions of 12 months duration (with possible extension) to individuals with experience of natural history filming and a particular demonstrable interest in macro and motion control filming. This is a unique opportunity which will provide the chance to work alongside the industry's top programme makers to develop your existing skills and storytelling abilities. Please note the role will include regular travel around the world for weeks at a time.

Though the JCO role will be on a Fixed Term Contract basis there are no BBC Studios 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.

You will need to include a link to your showreel as part of your application. In addition to this, complete sequences will be advantageous.

Please note if you do not include a link to your showreel we will not consider your application.

Main Responsibilities

The chosen candidate will be a proactive and flexible member of the production team, both at base, in the studio and on location. Their day-to-day work may include but is not limited to:

•    Assisting the production team in purchasing, developing, and testing bespoke camera and field equipment prior to filming.

•    Researching and helping the production team develop pioneering filming techniques, working with innovative motion control kit in a studio environment and on location.

•    Working closely with field directors in the preparation, transport and set up of a range of cameras, as currently used in wildlife content acquisition.

•    Being part of the research and development of production ideas, turning them into storyboards, shooting scripts and schedules.

•    Sharing your insights, opinions and experience as part of a collaborative team learning from each other.

•    On location and in the studio, 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 records of relevant information as required by the management of the production.

•    Providing written and visual material for all media and platforms as required by the production team.

•    Operating unsupervised and taking full ownership of sequences when appropriately experienced and briefed.

Are You the Right Candidate?

•    We are looking for someone with a gifted eye and a talent for storytelling, who has the potential to compose exquisite, creative, images and full sequences.

•    Experience of shooting in 4K+ with at least one broadcast credit.

•    Demonstrable experience and interest in macro filming techniques and innovative technology.

•    A range of versatile camera skills would be useful such as use of Movi/Ronin, drones, long lens, time-lapse.

•    Knowledge and understanding of photographic techniques applicable to natural history production, including complex camera technology and a range of different lenses.

•    Technical expertise that must include: an understanding of the underlying principles of video and still digital photography; hands-on operation of digital cameras; an understanding of the processes associated with supplying material for websites and web pages.

•    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 will be of value.

•    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 will be of value.

•    Wide experience of observing animals in the wild and setting up wildlife sequences, including remote and hostile environments.

•    Significant experience of macro filming and filming in studio set-ups.

•    The patience, tenacity and determination required to acquire detailed behavioural content of wildlife.

•    Appropriate experience and resilience to cope with remote and hostile locations.

•    A clear, demonstrable passion for the natural world and wildlife is essential, together with a thirst for knowledge and an eagerness to learn. An interest in  invertebrates will be especially valuable.

•    This role will require long periods away from home. When not filming on location, the role will be Bristol based, embedded within the production team and working in our macro studio on the outskirts of Bristol.

Job Package

Band: B

Contract type: Fixed term 12 months

Salary: £31,000 per annum

Location: Bristol/ on location

Working Pattern: Hybrid

Start date: mid September 2024

Interviews are expected to be held in person wb 1st or 8th July 2024.

We are really proud to share that we are a Level 2 Disability Confident Employer and so if you require any reasonable adjustments in order to apply please do contact us at [email protected] with the job reference in the subject.

We offer flexibility, competitive benefits and the opportunity to be part of the BBC's exciting mission. Some of the key benefits you’ll get from working in this role are:

Flexible/Agile working - opportunities across the business. We believe in empowering you to do your best work, so we offer support and flexibility to balance work and home. We’re happy to discuss a formal flexible working pattern. Please indicate your choice under the flexible working question in the application. There is no obligation to raise this at the application stage but if you wish to do so, you are welcome to. Flexible working will be part of the discussion at the offer stage.

Unrivalled training and development opportunities - we operate a people-first culture and pride ourselves on your development. Our in-house Academy hosts a wide range of internal and external courses and certifications.

Excellent career progression - BBC Studios offers great opportunities for employees to seek new challenges and work in different areas of the organisation. Leaders at the BBC are passionate about helping our people grow in the organisation and you will have regular sessions with your line manager to support you with your career ambitions.

Benefits - We offer a competitive salary package, a flexible 35-hour working week for work-life balance and 26 days (plus an additional day which is a Corporation Day) with the option to buy an extra 5 days, a defined pension scheme and discounted dental, health care, gym and much more.

The BBC is committed to building a culturally diverse workforce and therefore strongly encourages applications from underrepresented groups. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of their background. More information on our D&I plan can be found here.

BBC Studios puts sustainability at the heart of everything we do both onscreen and offscreen, including delivering against the BBC Group’s science-based Net Zero targets.