Junior Camera Operator (Africa based), BBC Studios NHU at BBC World Service

To help achieve the highest creative vision for natural history filmmaking, we’re recruiting an African based Junior Camera Operator for a 12-month period. This is a unique opportunity to grow and develop filming experience across a range of formats including long lens, drone, time-lapse, 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 Africa. 

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

Role Responsibility

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. 
• 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.

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, creative, images and full sequences. 
• Experience of shooting in 4K.
• A range of versatile camera skills would be useful such as use of camera traps, drones, long lens, time-lapse
• Knowledge and understanding of photographic techniques applicable to wildlife production, including 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.