Camera Assistant CV Example
Demonstrate your ability to support camera departments with equipment management, lens changes, and focus pulling on film and TV productions.
Recommended template: StructuredPro
Key Skills to Include
Quick Tips
- List the camera systems you have experience with such as ARRI, RED, or Sony.
- Mention specific productions or studios you have worked with to build credibility.
- Highlight your ability to work efficiently under the time pressures of a production set.
- Include any relevant training from film schools or industry organisations.
Ready to build your CV?
Start with the Structured template and customise it for your media role.
Upgrade to ProHow to Write Your Camera Assistant CV
A camera assistant CV should demonstrate your technical knowledge, reliability, and experience supporting camera departments on professional productions. Directors of photography and production companies look for camera assistants who are technically competent, physically capable, and professional in their conduct on set. Your CV should clearly list the camera systems you are experienced with, the productions you have worked on, and the specific skills that make you a valuable member of the camera team.
CV Structure
Lead with your name, contact details, and a concise profile. List your credits in reverse chronological order with production title, type, your role, and the director of photography where appropriate. Include a dedicated section for camera systems and equipment proficiency. Add education, training, and any industry certifications. Keep the document to one page.
CV Format
Use a clean, simple template that prioritises readability. List equipment skills clearly and ensure credits are easy to scan. Avoid creative design elements — camera department CVs should be straightforward and professional. Save as a PDF.
CV Profile Examples
Experienced 1st AC
Reliable first assistant camera with five years of experience on drama, feature film, and high-end television productions. Proficient with ARRI Alexa, ARRI Mini LF, RED V-Raptor, and Sony Venice camera systems with expert focus pulling skills in handheld, Steadicam, and gimbal configurations. Credits include productions for BBC, ITV Studios, and Netflix, with a reputation for precise focus work, thorough equipment preparation, and calm professionalism under demanding shooting conditions.
2nd AC / Clapper Loader
Organised second assistant camera with three years of experience supporting camera departments on drama series, feature films, and commercial shoots. Skilled in slate operation, lens management, camera reports, and data wrangling across ARRI and RED workflows. Known for meticulous equipment care, efficient build and wrap procedures, and clear communication with the camera team and production office.
Trainee Camera Assistant
Committed trainee camera assistant with one year of experience gained through short film productions, commercials, and a ScreenSkills-funded placement on a BBC drama series. Familiar with ARRI Alexa Mini, basic lens science, and on-set camera department protocols. Eager to develop focus pulling skills and build a career in the camera department through continued hands-on experience on professional productions.
State your camera department role, years of experience, and the types of productions you have worked on in two to three sentences. Mention specific camera systems and one or two notable credits.
Key Skills for Your Camera Assistant CV
Camera Equipment Setup
Building, configuring, and preparing professional cinema camera systems for shooting, including rigging accessories and monitoring.
Focus Pulling
Maintaining critical focus during complex camera movements and actor blocking using wireless follow focus systems.
Lens Management
Caring for, cleaning, and managing cinema lens inventories including primes, zooms, and specialist lenses.
Equipment Maintenance
Performing daily checks, cleaning, and basic troubleshooting on camera bodies, lenses, and accessories.
Data Management
Handling camera media, performing data transfers, and maintaining data security protocols on professional productions.
On-Set Protocols
Following film and television set etiquette, safety procedures, and departmental communication standards.
Attention to Detail
Maintaining meticulous accuracy in focus marks, camera reports, equipment inventories, and shot documentation.
Physical Stamina
Working long shooting days on location and in studios, often involving heavy lifting and sustained physical activity.
Work Experience Examples
List credits with production title, type, your role, and the DP. For significant productions, describe your responsibilities and any notable achievements. Mention the number of shooting days to demonstrate the scale of your experience. Include any training of junior crew members.
1st Assistant Camera
Various Productions (Freelance)
Worked as a freelance first assistant camera on high-end television drama and feature film productions for major UK broadcasters and streaming platforms.
Responsibilities
- Pulled focus on drama productions using wireless follow focus systems, maintaining critical focus across complex blocking and moving camera setups.
- Prepared and maintained camera equipment including builds, lens changes, filter management, and camera checks at the start of each shooting day.
- Managed lens inventories and camera accessories, ensuring all equipment was clean, calibrated, and ready for use throughout production schedules.
- Communicated closely with the director of photography, camera operator, and second AC to ensure efficient camera department workflow.
- Completed camera reports and maintained accurate records of shots, lenses, and filters used for the post-production team.
Achievements
- Pulled focus on a six-part BBC drama series that received a BAFTA nomination for Best Drama, completing over 60 shooting days without a single focus-critical reshoot.
- Recommended by three directors of photography for return engagements, building a consistent freelance career averaging 200 working days per year.
- Trained two trainee camera assistants during production placements, teaching lens science, build procedures, and on-set protocols.
2nd Assistant Camera
Working Title Films
Supported the camera department on a theatrical feature film production over a 14-week principal photography schedule across studio and location shoots.
Responsibilities
- Operated the slate and maintained accurate shot logs, communicating take information to the script supervisor and sound department.
- Managed lens kits, charged batteries, and maintained stock of consumables including tape, markers, and cleaning supplies.
- Loaded and unloaded camera media, managing data transfers to the DIT station following production data security protocols.
- Assisted the first AC with camera builds, lens changes, and equipment transport between set-ups and locations.
Achievements
- Maintained zero media handling errors across the entire 14-week production, ensuring all footage was securely transferred and verified.
- Received a commendation from the director of photography for efficient equipment management and proactive communication.
Education & Qualifications
List film school training or relevant degrees. Include ScreenSkills or industry body courses. Mention any camera manufacturer training or certification programmes you have completed.
BA Film Production
Undergraduate degree providing practical training in filmmaking, including camera department skills and on-set experience.
ScreenSkills Camera Trainee Programme
Industry-funded placement programme providing structured entry into professional camera departments.
ARRI Academy Training
Manufacturer-provided training on ARRI camera systems, workflow, and technical operation.
Full UK Driving Licence
Essential for travelling to locations and transporting equipment on freelance production engagements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a camera assistant?
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