Apprenticeship training course

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.

• Qualification level: 3 ; Equivalent to A level.
• Typical duration: 24 months
• Apprenticeship category: Creative and design
• Maximum funding: £11,000 ; Maximum amount government will fund ; for apprenticeship training.
• Also known as:
  • Camera equipment technician
  • Camera prep technician
  • Kit room technician
  • Rental warehouse operative
  • Senior camera technician
  • VMI camera senior technician
• Skills:
  Skills an apprentice will learn

  • 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.

Full information on Camera prep technician (level 3) is available from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.

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