Becoming a Camera Operator

As a part of finding my route into the media industry I reached out to Camera Operator Giuseppe Ingrao who has been working as a freelance Television Camera Operator for over two decades. One of the main reasons for me to come to university and study media production was because I want to make entertaining forms of content. I felt that I could only best achieve this through learning Camera. I therefore thought it would be best if I contacted a Camera Operator to gather a small glimpse of how they progressed into the media industry.

I asked Giuseppe a couple questions regarding how he found his place in Industry.

George: Could you introduce your role in the industry?

Giuseppe: I am a freelance Television Camera Operator and have worked in the industry for over two decades.

George: What were your first steps into the industry? 

Giuseppe:  I started my journey into the television industry during my first year of A-Levels where I had a weeks work experience at the now demolished Teddington Studios, formally known as Thames TV. During my week there I met a freelance Camera Operator who took me on as a Camera Assistant and helped me learn the tricks of the trade. I passed my A-Levels in Media Studies, English Language and Theatre Studies and was accepted into Derby University where I was to study Media and Video production. Seeing as I already had a foot in the door to the profession that I wanted to do I opted to defer for a year and see how the world of television suited me. A year passed and I knew that I was lucky and fortunate to be in the position that I was in so decided not to accept my position at university and continue learning from some of the best camera operators in the country.

George: What are some key skills that you would recommend to have on a Media Graduate’s CV?

Giuseppe: There are many skills that factor in my profession such as frame composition, using the depth of field to an advantage and forward thinking but the ability and flexibility to communicate and work as a team are extremely important in achieving the end goal.

George: What advice would you give to your younger self?

Giuseppe: If I was to give my younger self any advice it would be to ask questions. There are plenty of people on the studio floor, production office or on location that will be more than willing to help on giving advice. There is no such thing as a ’silly’ question, especially if it was important to the production. Always be flexible and never say no. For example, if there is a clash on availability always contact the supervisor or someone in production and discuss what can be done. Everyone has been in your position and especially if they are freelance/self employed. Another would be to keep trying to get that job or role. I received many knock backs in finding work but I persevered, kept my head down and achieved what I had planned out in my head.

Freelancing is the next stage after my graduation so it was important for me to find out and understand how it works from the perspective of an industry professional. Getting an overview of his story is helpful enough as it provides hope and inspiration because I can see the passion that has gone into finding his place within the industry. His motivation and drive allows me to gain key insight into how I should approach my next step.