Camera Operator

ITV

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The ITV Central region is seeking a Camera Operator to capture images for news stories and bring untold stories to screens. This role involves covering breaking news and uncovering stories in underrepresented communities, aiming to bring them to mainstream programs and online platforms. The Camera Operator will provide first-class camera and newsgathering skills, working with journalists to deliver high-quality, trusted news. The position is on-the-road, fast-moving, involving filming at various locations across the Midlands daily, working with reporters or independently under tight deadlines. The role requires self-sufficiency, excellent communication, problem-solving skills, and flexibility with working hours and travel. A passion for news, a strong work ethic, and the ability to work effectively in a multi-skilled team are essential. The role also involves working closely with the editorial team to ensure online stories are up-to-date and relevant, and contributing ideas for a polished product. The operator is expected to live in the patch to be part of the community and react quickly when needed, including covering breaking news outside normal hours. The role requires a full UK driving license to operate newsgathering vehicles. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are central to ITV News Central, and applications are encouraged from diverse backgrounds.

Requirements

Experience as, or ambition to be, a frontline camera operator working in a news environment across all output from ‘hard’ news to features.
A full UK driving licence.
Excellent technical skills encompassing camera skills, sound, lighting, and editing.
Ability to quickly embrace new technology & workflows.
Working knowledge of Ofcom code, media law, and compliance.
Demonstrable passion for video news production, particularly in a creative and operational capacity.
An excellent communicator who is quick thinking and calm under pressure, able to digest and react to information efficiently.
Willingness to work flexibly, to be able to react to the demands of newsgathering.
Ability to shoot and edit a polished news item and deliver it to base using appropriate technologies.
Ability to keep up to date with new techniques.
Excellent communication and listening skills; friendly and approachable towards the newsroom and when on location with journalists, contributors, and the public.
Willingness and ability to use the full range of newsroom technology (following appropriate training).
A strong knowledge of the patch, its cultural heritage, and an awareness of the types of stories that engage audiences.
An understanding of the importance of Diversity and Inclusion in determining output.
Commitment to working as part of a successful team, sharing responsibility for supporting programme production and digital platforms.
Ability to work to deadlines is crucial.
Organized approach with effective logistical skills.
Ability to plan well, work efficiently, and keep calm and focused under pressure.
Ability to use initiative, be self-motivated, and quick-thinking with strong and decisive decision-making skills.
Ability to remain calm and resilient in a busy work environment.
Willingness and aptitude to learn new skills and share skills with others.
Excellent attention to detail.
Clear understanding of and commitment to DE&I and Health & Safety policies.
Must be willing to cover breaking news outside of normal rostered hours, including evenings and weekends.
Must be willing to live in the patch.

Nice To Haves

Ability to travel to district offices or work in other news operations.
Ability to attend relevant forums, development sessions, and meetings offsite.

Responsibilities

Shoot, collate, edit, and send high-quality footage/packages for all aspects of output using various production tools.
Choreograph and shoot live segments using the News Production Vehicle (NPV), LiveU, or other newsgathering technology.
Maximize the quality of on-screen and online output by developing a strong knowledge base of the region, its locations, and keeping up-to-date with technology for shooting and sending.
Understand the requirement for flexibility to cover new stories, including working outside normal rostered hours.
Utilize Wolftech for story briefs and assignments, maintaining proactive contact with the news desk throughout the day.
Ask questions at the scene of a breaking news story or conduct interviews for simple contributions, following a briefing.
Provide front-line technical support on camerawork and editing for the editorial team, flagging and resolving technical issues.
Provide support within the Production Specialist pool if capable.
Act as an ambassador for the company when on location or dealing with the public.
Be proactive about diversity, equity & inclusion, ensuring output reflects news stories and issues across the audience spectrum.
Edit packages confidently, creatively, and efficiently, utilizing all production tools.
Curate ITV’s digital offering on the website or ITVX as required.
Meet all online and on-air deadlines, reacting quickly to breaking stories, and liaising with the news desk.
Undertake project work and contribute to network news output as required.
Provide guidance to colleagues with less experience, maintaining professional standards and adhering to ITV’s Legal & Compliance, ITV Trust, and OFCOM guidelines.
Be proactive in encouraging interaction with the audience.
Promote and sustain a multi-skilled approach to news journalism and production.