Junior Camera Operator, HOME: South America, BBC Studios NHU

Job Introduction

BBC Studios Natural History Unit (NHU) is the world leading producer of wildlife and natural history content. 

Renowned for innovative production techniques, the makers of Planet Earth II, Blue Planet II and Prehistoric Planet, are now embarking on an ambitious 4-part landmark series for National Geographic and Disney + on the wildlife and landscapes of South America. Filming in multiple locations, from the depths of the ocean to the highest peaks and jungles, HOME | South America will showcase the beauty and diversity of the entire continent. 

To help achieve the highest creative vision for natural history filmmaking, we’re recruiting a Junior Camera Operator for a 12-month period. This is a unique opportunity to grow and develop your filming experience across a range of formats including long lens, drone, time-lapse, remote cameras and gimbal photography– supported by the expertise of the NHU. In addition, the successful candidate will gain crucial experience in managing and prepping filming equipment and camera assisting the industry's top wildlife camera operators and programme makers to develop their existing skills. You’ll have the opportunity to gain knowledge about the latest wildlife production and photographic processes as well as preparing kit in the production offices, camera assisting and shooting in the field. The role will include travel to locations across South America. 

This opportunity is aimed at those with sufficient relevant skills and experience to enable rapid progress to full professional competence as a wildlife cinematographer.

Any offer of employment with the BBC will be conditional upon you having the right to work in UK. 

This role will require long periods away from home, sometimes in remote and hostile environments. When not filming on location, the role will be Bristol based.

You will need to include a link to your showreel or links to your filmmaking as part of your application. 

You will also need at least one previous camera related credit on a natural history programme to apply.

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

Main Responsibilities

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

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

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

• To work on location undertaking the preparation, maintenance, and installation of a range of cameras and any ancillary equipment as necessary.

• Operate key cameras to obtain high quality material of key behaviours and landscapes as directed by production members.

• Logging and managing recorded data on location and at base. Providing written records of relevant information as required by the management of the production.

• Operating unsupervised when appropriately experienced and briefed.

• Help achieve our editorial ambition in a green and sustainable manner.

• Sharing your insights, opinions and experience as part of a collaborative team that learns from one another.

Are you the Right Candidate?

• We are looking for someone with a gifted eye and a talent for story-telling, who has the potential to compose exquisite, immersive creative, images whilst understanding how to cover full sequences.

• Previous experience of shooting in 4K with main cameras such as Red, Sony or Arri.

• Able to demonstrate a range of camera skills would be useful such as use of camera traps, drones, long lens, time-lapse.

• Knowledge and understanding of cinematographic techniques applicable to wildlife production, including using complex camera technology and a range of different lenses.

• Technical expertise that includes: 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.

 
• 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 field craft, 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.

• 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 a must, together with a thirst for knowledge and an eagerness to learn. We will explore this in our conversations during the process – so practice your storytelling and prepare to share your experiences with us.

• Commitment to championing sustainability, carbon reduction and promoting green initiatives as well as our strong diversity and inclusion commitment.

Job Package

Band: B

Contract type: Fixed term 12 months

Salary: £31,000 per annum

Location: Bristol/ on location

Start date: August 2024

Interviews are expected to be held in person mid - July 2024.

We want to attract the broadest range of talent at BBC Studios and as such we’re keen for applicants from under-represented groups to apply, which include those with a disability, those from ethnic minorities, lower socioeconomic groups, LGBTQ+ community and different backgrounds to ensure we are representative of all.

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 k 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.