Junior Camera Operator (JCO), Hidden Planet, BBC Studios NHU Press Tab to Move to Skip to Content Link
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Language Log in to Profile BBC Employee Login CREATE JOB ALERT Junior Camera Operator (JCO), Hidden Planet, BBC Studios NHU Job Description Job Requisition ID: 24019 Job Closing Date: 6 July 2025
JOB DETAILS
JOB BAND: B
CONTRACT TYPE: Fixed-term Contract, Full-time 6 months
START DATE: Early August 2025
DEPARTMENT: BBC Studios Natural History Unit (NHU)
LOCATION: Bridgewater House, Bristol/on location. NB You will need to be Bristol-based when not away filming.
SALARY: £31,500
WE ARE BBC STUDIOS
A globally renowned media company borne of the BBC. We make and distribute the world’s most sought-after TV, audio and digital content.
Our ambition is to be the home of the most powerful, entertaining, and inspiring stories for people all around the world.
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
Following the success of The Green Planet, and two decades after the groundbreaking series Life in the Undergrowth, BBC Studios NHU is embarking on an ambitious and innovative global production focussing on the natural history of insects and other invertebrates. Hidden Planet will reveal the real lives, drama and critical importance of the planet's most successful group of animals.
We are looking to recruit a Junior Camera Operator, enthusiastic about the subject matter, to join the team on this major project. Filming will take place all over the world and in our macro studio based in the outskirts of Bristol.
To help achieve the highest creative vision for blue chip natural history filmmaking, we’re looking for someone with experience of natural history filming and a particular demonstrable interest in macro and motion control filming. This is a unique opportunity which will provide the chance to work alongside the industry's top programme makers to develop your existing skills and storytelling abilities. Please note the role will include regular travel around the world for weeks at a time.
Though the JCO role will be on a Fixed Term Contract basis there are no BBC Studios staff positions in this category. Most natural history cinematography is undertaken by freelance operators.
The placement could potentially be extended, depending on business need, and on completion the aim is that the successful candidate will be ready to compete in the freelance market for work, either from the NHU or elsewhere.
YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPACT
You will be a proactive and flexible member of the production team, both at base, in the studio and on location. The day-to-day work may include but is not limited to:
* Assisting the production team in developing and testing bespoke camera and field equipment prior to filming.
* Researching and helping the production team develop pioneering filming techniques, working with innovative motion control kit in a studio environment and on location.
* Working closely with field directors in the preparation, transport and set up of a range of cameras, as currently used in wildlife content acquisition.
* Being part of the research and development of production ideas, turning them into storyboards, shooting scripts and schedules.
* Sharing your insights, opinions and experience as part of a collaborative team learning from each other.
* On location and in the studio, undertaking the preparation, maintenance, installation and operation of a range of cameras and any ancillary equipment as necessary.
* Taking responsibility for managing kit assigned to you.
* Logging and managing recorded data on location and at base.
* Providing written records of relevant information as required by the management of the production.
* Providing written and visual material for all media and platforms as required by the production team.
* Operating unsupervised and taking full ownership of sequences when appropriately experienced and briefed
YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:
* Experience of shooting in 4K+ with at least one broadcast credit.
* Demonstrable experience and interest in macro filming techniques and innovative technology.
* A range of versatile camera skills would be useful such as use of Movi/Ronin, drones, long lens, time-lapse.
* Knowledge and understanding of photographic techniques applicable to natural history production, including complex camera technology and a range of different lenses.
* You must have 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.
* 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 fieldcraft with a wide experience of observing animals in the wild and setting up wildlife sequences, including remote and hostile environments.
If you can bring some of these skills and experience, along with transferable strengths, we’d love to hear from you and encourage you to apply.
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Disclaimer
This job description is a written statement of the essential characteristics of the job, with its principal accountabilities, incorporating a note of the skills, knowledge and experience required for a satisfactory level of performance. This is not intended to be a complete, detailed account of all aspects of the duties involved.
Please note: If you were to be offered this role, the BBC will conduct Employment screening checks which include Reference checks; Eligibility to work checks; and if applicable to the role, Safeguarding and Adverse media/Social media checks. Any offer made is conditional on these checks being satisfactory.
Redeployment
The BBC is committed to redeploying employees seeking suitable alternative employment within the BBC and they will be given priority consideration ahead of other applicants. Priority consideration means for those employees seeking redeployment their application will be considered alongside anyone else at risk of redundancy, prior to any individuals being considered who are not at risk.
Information at a Glance
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We are a disability confident employer. If you need to discuss adjustments or access requirements for the interview process, or to carry out this role, please contact us via email and we’d be happy to discuss: reasonable.adjustments@bbc.co.uk
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