1. Employment search
part of camera crew
Omar Soomro second camera assistant person - experience

2. What degree did you study?
• He graduated in film in 2020 and studies at University of Derby. Since
then he is a second assistant camera person working on HETV/film for
companies such as Netflix, Amazon, HBO and Disney. He is pursuing a
career as a cinematographer currently and is working on a BFI funded
short film in Bristol.

3. How did you get your job?
• He gained on-set experience through various networking events and
opportunities alongside studying my course. Over the three years he
understood the industry and how he could fit in and informed his goals
and objectives. When he graduated he managed to become a camera
trainee on Netflix's Sex education, through out the seven months of
filming the show he developed his skills and professional network which
had helped for his very early career. As of today he is a second assistant
camera person and has and currently working on various TV shows and
feature films across the UK.

4. How relevant is your degree?
• His degree is very relevant as it introduced him to the practical and
theoretical side of film production which formed the knowledge and
experience he has today. In his specific department as a camera person
he execute mainly practical techniques such as building, running and
maintaining cameras like the Sony Venice and Alexa LF. He also prepare
schedules in conjunction with production to plan for unit moves, splinter
units and double banking units.

5. What's a typical working day like?
• Most TV and film shows have a standard working days which is ten hours
of working with a one hour lunch break. He gets in an hour early and
starts to run through todays schedule. If he is the first in he takes the lens
inside to acclimatise as they can get quiet cold overnight. A cinema lens
can average over £30,000 each sometimes, so we take extra special
care for our equipment. Even if that just means making sure the glass is
nice for when we're ready to film.

6. What do you enjoy most about
your job?
• He gets a massive satisfaction from a job well done. He is also grateful
that he found occupation that he can give all effort towards and feel so
fulfilled. He enjoys the great community he works with as there is
thousands dedicated, experienced and successful people all coming
together to achieve a goal. They are all here to make a great product and
it's an incredible experience to see that vision come to life.

7. What are the challenges?
• Working in film and TV has its ups and downs like others jobs- the
working hours can be punishing and he finds himself having to dig deep
to get through a hard week sometimes. That's why it's so important to
look after yourself mentally, emotionally and physically. Make sure you
have wonderful people around who are compassionate, patient and like
minded and who you can always go to.

8. Where do you hope to be in five
years?
• He is so grateful to have hit his five year goal in under three years. He
hopes in five years he can continue to work alongside talented and
passionate filmmakers. He hopes to keep learning and growing,
developing his skills as a technician and a creative, gaining more
opportunities as a cinematographer, and working on bigger and better
jobs with teams of people he love to work with.

9. What advice can you give to
others?
• Say yes. Take loads of different opportunities and just go for it, throw yourself in.
You can definitely do it so go for it and see what you like.
• If you're interested in film and TV there are so many avenues to explore, so get
out there and find out what fulfils you.
• Really look after yourself, time management is everything. Make time for your
family, friends, partners and mostly yourself. Ultimately it's up to you to be the
best version of yourself.
• These are information I have gathered from what they asked Omar about his job
and how he different situations have helped him in becoming part of the film
crew and the different job opportunities he wants to get into in the future.

10. Job roles within camera crew
• They are responsible for capturing and recording all aspects of a scene
for a film or television. They use principles of lighting, staging, focusing
and filtering to achieve a specific visual look for broadcast television or
motion picture.

11. Skills and knowledge
• To be flexible and open to change
• Knowledge of media production and communication
• To be thorough and pay attention to detail
• Ability to work well with others
• Ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• Ability to produce new ways of doing things
• Broadcasting and telecommunications knowledge
• Excellent verbal communication skills
• To be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

12. Day-to-day tasks
• Set up camera equipment
• Choose the most suitable lenses and camera angles
• Plan and rehearse shots
• Follow a camera script
• Work closely with other technical departments
• Repair and maintain camera equipment

13. How to become part of camera
crew – different paths
• University
• College
• Apprenticeship
• Working towards the role
• Volunteering
• Industry training

14. University
You can take a university course to develop your camera skills before looking for work. Relevant
courses can include degrees in media production, media technology or photography.
You may get an advantage if your on a course that offers practical and work experience
opportunities.
Entry requirements – 2 to 3 A levels or equivalent for a degree

15. college
Course to take :
• Level 3 diploma in creative media production and technology
• Level 3 diploma in film and television production
• Level 3 diploma in photography
• T level in media, broadcast and production
Entry requirements
You'll usually need :
• 4 or 5 GCSE at grade 9 to 4 or equivalent for a level 3
• 4 or 5 GCSE at grade 9 to 4 or equivalent, including English and Maths for a T level

16. Apprenticeship
You could learn some skills and knowledge needed from related
apprenticeships like photographic assistant or a camera prep technician
advanced apprenticeship.
You can then use the skills you have gathered when you learn the TV
and/or film industry when you have experience.
Entry requirements :
5 GCSE at grade 9 o 4 or equivalent including English and Maths for an
advanced apprenticeship

17. volunteering
You can get practical experience and build up your contacts through:
• Community film projects
• Working for a camera equipment hire company
• Finding work experience as a runner or camera assistant with a
production company