Assistant Camera Operator, Sky News 62455

Sky News is looking for Assistant Camera Operators/Sound Recordists to be based in London, who will be expected to work and travel on UK and international stories, including those in hostile environments.

The primary role will be to work alongside and support camera operators in the field to acquire and deliver LIVE and raw video news content to Sky Studios in London by using a variety of equipment depending on what each individual assignment demands.

In order to develop camera operating skills throughout the department this role will include some camera operator shifts.

Although editing is not a requirement, the desire to learn and develop this skill for use in the future is also essential.

In this role you will work closely with teams of producers, reporters and editors. Alongside the technical requirements of the job you will be expected to contribute editorially and creatively to deliver stand out visual journalism.

Job Purpose & Key Responsibilities
- To cover a wide variety of news stories in London, the UK and abroad, often at short-notice and at times on your own.
- To fulfill a flexible role as part of a clear and equally shared priority system with regards to teams responding to breaking news.
- The operation of ENG sound equipment, including for use on LIVE broadcasts when required.
- The operation of current ENG cameras including the Panasonic P2 2100, the Sony PXW-X400’s / PXW-X200’s.
- The operation of bonded, IP technologies to deliver LIVE and recorded video content from the field.
- To take responsibility for ENG camera, sound and personal broadcast equipment including the use of company pool vehicles when required.

This role requires:

- A highly motivated individual with a keen sense of what makes high quality visual journalism and an enthusiasm for new and exciting ways to tell stories on all news platforms.
- Strong interpersonal, organisational and communication skills as well as the ability to positively interact with a variety of people and situations.
- A strong desire to develop a career in broadcast newsgathering by continuing to learn new skills that the Sky News camera department requires.
- A keen interest and desire to travel, at times with limited or no notice, to anywhere in the World, including to hostile environments.

The key technical requirements for this role are:

- Having the ability to operate a range of ENG sound and transmission equipment for all news gathering purposes.
- Having a basic understanding of ENG cameras e.g. P2 2100’s, Sony PXW-X400/X200’s

Other requirements and responsibilities:

- A full driver’s licence and passport.
- Overseeing and reconciliation of corporate production expenses and management of VISA cards

The working week
- A 45-hour week comprising of 11 hour shifts.
- A rolling-rota that runs for approximately 11 months on each cycle.
- 1 x Fri-Sun camera 1900 night-shift every 4 weeks.
- A built-in system that defines periods within the rota when you will be part of a standby team who will need to respond to breaking news.
- Start times will vary.
- Additional time worked will be repaid with days off in lieu unless overtime is approved.