Camera Operator – Video Production Company Manchester & Liverpool

Video Production Company Manchester – Camera Operator Role

Thinktank Video Productions Manchester, is currently looking a Freelance Camera Operator to work alongside its in-house camera crew. As This position is for occasional freelance camera operator work. There are currently two Reality TV projects we are actively working on and we require camera operators for this work. However, we are always on the lookout for professional camera operators to join our freelance list.

Sometimes, we may seek the services of expert freelance camera operators to work alongside our crew when making or producing TV Advertising for clients. Our Production Company is part of the Thinktank Group, which includes Thinktank Marketing Manchester.

Job Description

From time to time, Thinktank employs freelance camera operators as part of its crew. Generally we employ freelancers to make films, mostly within our corporate video production company capabilities. Occasionally we employ external staff during the making of broadcast documentary films.. You may be working with a team, alone as a sole camera operator or leading a team, depending on your skills and expertise.

The Thinktank Video Production Company will provide essential kit for the job (in-house or hired-in cinema or ENG cameras), which will be your sole responsibility as a Freelance Camera Operator to take care of, at all times. If you are providing your own kit and ancillary equipment, it will need to be in good working order and suitable for the project requirements. We pride ourselves on delivering cinematic-style films, with using high production-values.

Your role as a Freelancer, will involve filming indoor and outdoor video footage, in the desired format and ensuring that the footage is made available same-day, to a member of our production team. Depending on the crew-size, you may also be expected to set up and use basic lighting and record sound, in an appropriate format.

Geographic locations will be discussed, prior to filming, however, you may be expected to make reasonable adjustments on the day, for example, moving to a different location, working slightly different hours or work overtime, depending on the particular project.

The successful applicant: Video Production Company Camera Operator

At thinktank, we treat everyone in a fair and equitable way. We fully embrace equality and diversity. Our video production company team here in Manchester, works in a way which embraces promoting each other’s positive values.

As a Freelance Camera Operator we will expect the following from you:

• You should have a good knowledge of cameras, a full understanding of filming GVs and interviews. An understanding of Canon Cinema Cameras such as C300 Mk iii or Sony Film Cameras will be a distinct advantage. We prefer, whenever possible, working with prime lenses, so you should be comfortable working with cinema-style prime lenses and be proficient in working on tripod, hand held or ideally, have experience working with a variety of camera, lighting and sound equipment.
  
• Planning and Organising: We expect all crew to arrive on time, dressed appropriately and demonstrate an organised and methodical approach to filming. Every video production that we make, relies on meticulous planning, plus the flexibility to adapt to ever-changing environments, as you would expect, when making corporate video productions.
  
• For any work we undertake with vulnerable children or adults, for example, when filming in schools, hospitals, care homes or similar settings, we would expect you to have valid DBS clearance and be willing to undergo any further security checks, as appropriate for the work involved.
  
• Problem Solving and Decision Making: From time-to-time, projects involve unexpected events or circumstances. We work with individuals who have the capacity and capabilities to think on their feet and make common-sense adjustments to their working day and/or environment, in order to successfully fulfil filming duties.
  
• People Skills & Teamwork: It’s essential that we treat clients, members of the public and colleagues with respect and dignity. Thinktank promotes working in a positive way and has a zero tolerance of discriminatory behaviours. If things are stressful during filming, we fully expect our freelance crew to remain calm, respectful and dignified. Thinktank has a zero tolerance of bullying, harassment or any kind of threatening behaviour and our Freelance crew are expected to behave in an appropriate way, whatever the situation.
  
• Expertise & Skills: You will have proven ability to demonstrate that you are able to work independently, have a basic understanding of how to use and work with lighting, plus a competent knowledge of audio recording and understand the best way to record sound using shotgun and radio microphones. You should also have a good grasp of filming techniques, understand how to control depth of field and work in a variety of indoor and outdoor conditions, including adverse weather, low-light and, you should be familiar with working with available light, when the need arises
  

Qualifications & CV – necessary for working as a video production Camera Operator

• Any references to Broadcast Television work or Feature Film work, within your CV, should also be be able to be validated through IMDB‘s database.
  
• Although formal qualifications may demonstrate a technical understanding of the Freelance Camera Operator role, you will be expected to provide evidence of previous project work within Broadcast Television, Corporate or Live Event filming, within your CV.

How to apply for the Freelancer Camera Operator Role

Apply online here, attaching your CV, along with a covering note. Please provide a breakdown of your rates (with and without equipment). If you have your own kit and have provided ‘with kit’ rates, please provide a full breakdown of your kit, including lenses provided. For any aerial cinema kit used (drones) please provide proof of valid CAA Operator / Flyer details, together with any other courses (eg A2 CofC, GVC etc) that you hold and currently valid. Please detail if you carry valid insurance for your equipment also and any valid Public Liability Insurance.

We treat information with the utmost confidentiality at Thinktank Video Productions and never share details of any employee or freelancer, unless we receive a valid request from a client – for example for Safeguarding or National Security reasons.

Pay: £TBA, depending on experience.