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Apprenticeship training course

Camera prep technician (level 3)

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Information about Camera prep technician (level 3)

Prepare camera equipment that is complete, works effectively, is correctly maintained and is appropriately configured and accessorised to be suitable for a given production or purpose.

Knowledge, skills and behaviours
View knowledge, skills and behaviours

Knowledge

  • The role of camera preparation in the production process and the impact of camera preparation on production schedules and budgets.
  • The workflow for camera preparation including the roles, responsibilities and dependencies of everyone involved and the impact of own punctuality and attendance on the organisation and productivity of self and others.
  • The differences between film and digital cameras and the features and capabilities of industry standard cameras and how they are useful or limited in different production genres, applications and contexts.
  • The functional role and compatibility of camera accessories, lenses and other peripherals and the features, capabilities and limitations of general and specialist lenses including parfocal, anamorphic, spherical, coated, uncoated, prime and zoom.
  • The range, capabilities and role of timecode and its role in production.
  • The capabilities, limitations and uses of different battery types, maintenance and charge logs and current related legislation including that related to the transportation of industry standard batteries.
  • Digital formats, compression codecs and workflow and their use in appraising standards including those for delivery specifications, shooting specifications and signal output standards.
  • The features, role, capabilities and limitations of currently used grip, sound and lighting equipment, including radio channels for wireless mics and video, and their impact on camera preparation and use.
  • The purpose and format of camera kit list specifications, the terminology and industry colloquialisms used and how long it takes to prepare typical kit lists.
  • How to technically compile equipment in order to meet specification for both equipment kit lists and to meet specification for storage after use. This includes identifying when it is appropriate to replace and when it is appropriate to substitute equipment.
  • Company procedures, processes, protocols and record keeping requirements for checking availability, logging equipment in and out, preparing kit, making changes and substitutions to specified kit, amending kit lists and dispatching and returning kit including resolving issues with resource availability, authorisation processes for amendments to kit lists and GDPR requirements.
  • The importance of camera and lens testing, why and when they should be carried out, the facilities and conditions required, appropriate methods of testing different types and configurations of equipment and the remit and boundaries of own role in supporting camera crew with camera tests.
  • The purpose of quality assessments on lenses, filters, LCD and other screens and delicate optical/visual surfaces and the process for carrying out quality assessments of optical elements.
  • The importance of regular maintenance of equipment, types of basic first-line maintenance and repairs that fall within own expertise and responsibility and how to carry them out.
  • How all items of camera equipment should be protected and packaged to avoid damage during transit.
  • Relevant health and safety legislation and company-specific policies to ensure environmental sustainability and a safe working environment for themselves, colleagues and clients, including manual handling.
  • The importance of, and company protocols for, accurate, effective and timely communication with own team, other departments and clients including where, when and how to seek clarification on kit list specification or instruction and where when and how to offer suggestions and alternative solutions.
  • The advantages and disadvantages of communicating in person, by phone and by email and different communication techniques that might be applicable for each.
  • Typical difficulties that may arise during equipment use and how to combat them to pre-empt complications on a shoot.
  • The protocols for, and differences of, working on location or in a studio as opposed to working in the kit room, camera floor or warehouse.

Skills

  • Analyse and interpret kit lists to identify equipment and configuration requirements, identifying incompatibilities and cameras, accessories, lenses and other peripherals that do not meet requirements. Make changes and substitutions to cameras, accessories, lenses and other peripherals specified in kit lists in line with company procedures including as requested by crew when possible.
  • Plan and prioritise own camera preparation activities in order to meet required timescales and quality requirements.
  • Select camera accessories, general and specialist lenses and other peripherals that are compatible and meet kit list specifications. Lenses might include parfocal, anamorphic, spherical, coated, uncoated, prime and zoom.
  • Configure cameras, accessories, lenses and other peripherals during the prep stage so they are complete and shoot-ready, taking account of the requirements of any related grip, sound or lighting equipment and removing any camera accessories that are not relevant or required to meet production requirements.
  • Provide advice and recommendations about alternative compatible peripherals which meet or benefit kit list specifications.
  • Communicate work progress to managers, colleagues and clients as appropriate and alert appropriate people at appropriate times about issues which may affect the job preparation, specification or quality.
  • Give advice about the capabilities or compatibility of cameras, accessories, lenses and other peripherals using language that promotes understanding.
  • Test cameras, accessories, lenses and other peripherals to ensure they work in the configuration specified and for which they are intended to work.
  • Identify damage and imperfections on lenses and other optical elements and record and log them as per company procedures.
  • Support camera crew during camera tests either in camera testing facilities in warehousing environments or on filming locations.
  • Assist clients on ways to resolve operational difficulties with camera equipment during use.
  • Carry out first-line maintenance and other checks to identify required repairs and maintenance to cameras, accessories, lenses and other peripherals.
  • Maintain accurate records of equipment dispatch and return and amendments, changes and substitutions made to kit lists as per company procedures.
  • Hand equipment over to, and accept equipment from clients, couriers and drivers in line with logistics procedures and processes.
  • Return equipment to the specification it should be stored in after use and remove and store cameras, accessories, lenses and other peripherals in line with company requirements.
  • Comply with company policies and practices for health and safety, security and protection of equipment and to make environmentally friendly choices: identifying, mitigating and reporting any incidents or risks to the appropriate person.

Behaviours

  • Works with a high level of sustained concentration and attention to detail, producing accurate work which meets quality specifications within agreed deadlines.
  • Works as part of a team, offering and accepting support from colleagues so that work deadlines are met.
  • Applies an appreciation of the value of the equipment to their work, using appropriate handling and packaging techniques to maintain the safety and security of equipment.
  • Works safely to ensure a safe working environment for themselves and others in the workplace in line with health and safety requirements at all times.
  • Thinks creatively and logically to solve technical issues, identifying incompatibilities and alternatives that benefit and improve on given kit list specifications.
  • Maintains a key interest in the equipment and technology of the industry, identifying new and emerging innovations and developments.
Apprenticeship category (sector)
Creative and design
Qualification level
3
Equal to A level
Course duration
24 months
Maximum funding
£11,000
Maximum government funding for
apprenticeship training and assessment costs.
Job titles include
  • Camera prep technician
  • Camera equipment technician
  • VMI camera senior technician
  • Kit room technician
  • Senior camera technician
  • Rental warehouse operative

View more information about Camera prep technician (level 3) from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.