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Camera: skills by grade

Pick a grade. Tick what you can do now. Print it or save it as a PDF for your competency check.

Watch: safety in camera

From the camera Safety first module. They play here.

17:44Introduction to Health and Safety in Film and TelevisionXpoNorth Digital · 17:44
1:30Preventing injuries from manual handling - Go Home HealthyHealth and Safety Executive · 1:30
11:15Everything You Need to Know About V-Mount BatteriesDSLR Video Shooter · 11:15

Camera crew

Camera trainee
Clapper loader
Focus puller
Camera operator
Director of photography

The camera guide · All departments

A camera assistant's hands set focus on a cinema camera lens, close up. — On a working unitCameraSetting focus on a cinema camera lens.

Skills checklist · Camera

Camera trainee

Batteries, media runs, kit cases, the truck, helping the 2nd AC.

Tick what you can do now. It saves on this device only. Print it or save it as a PDF and bring it to your competency check.

Your name (optional, for the printout)

On the job Absolute care with media: you may be holding the only copy of the day's work Knowing the kit: cases, cables, batteries and their order on the truck Thinking ahead, quietly Tidy paperwork and a good memory Stamina and a full driving licence, which helps

Before you step up to clapper loader Credits, total reliability, knowing every case and its contents

Safety: I know and follow the rules on Manual handling Cranes, towers and heights Vehicle rigs Lithium-ion batteries Lasers and LiDAR Long hours and the drive home Water and weather Passed the camera safety check

0 of 14 ticked

Checked by (FIF)DateOutcome: ready / not yet

A guide, not a qualification. Built from our camera ladder and the camera trainee guide. Checked 13 November 2026.

Skills checklist · Camera

Clapper loader (2nd AC)

Slate, camera reports, marks, media, building and moving the camera.

Tick what you can do now. It saves on this device only. Print it or save it as a PDF and bring it to your competency check.

Your name (optional, for the printout)

On the job Accurate, fast camera reports and slating Media handling, with a clear chain from camera to the DIT Building, rebuilding and changing lenses quickly and safely On film: loading magazines by touch Calm with the whole unit watching the slate

Before you step up to focus puller Clean slating and reports, a fast build, focus practice

0 of 14 ticked

Checked by (FIF)DateOutcome: ready / not yet

A guide, not a qualification. Built from our camera ladder and the clapper loader guide. Compare it with the ScreenSkills checklist . Checked 13 November 2026.

Skills checklist · Camera

Focus puller (1st AC)

Focus, the camera build and its working order, lens choice with the DoP.

Tick what you can do now. It saves on this device only. Print it or save it as a PDF and bring it to your competency check.

Your name (optional, for the printout)

On the job Judging distance and focus by eye and by tools A deep knowledge of cameras, lenses and accessories Fast, safe camera builds for every rig: hand-held, dolly, crane, vehicle Steady nerves; there is no second chance in a take Leading the camera assistants

Before you step up to camera operator Credits as 2nd AC and the trust of a 1st who will recommend you

0 of 14 ticked

Checked by (FIF)DateOutcome: ready / not yet

A guide, not a qualification. Built from our camera ladder and the focus puller guide. Compare it with the ScreenSkills checklist . Checked 13 November 2026.

Skills checklist · Camera

Camera operator

Framing and moving the camera to the DoP and director's design.

Tick what you can do now. It saves on this device only. Print it or save it as a PDF and bring it to your competency check.

Your name (optional, for the printout)

On the job A strong eye for composition and movement Operating geared and fluid heads, and hand-held work Close teamwork with the dolly grip and focus puller Understanding of lenses and editing Calm communication with the director and cast

Before you step up to director of photography Credits as 1st AC or as an operator on smaller work

0 of 14 ticked

Checked by (FIF)DateOutcome: ready / not yet

A guide, not a qualification. Built from our camera ladder and the camera operator guide. Compare it with the ScreenSkills checklist . Checked 13 November 2026.

Skills checklist · Camera

Director of photography (DoP)

The look of the film; runs camera, lighting and grip.

Tick what you can do now. It saves on this device only. Print it or save it as a PDF and bring it to your competency check.

Your name (optional, for the printout)

On the job A strong visual sense and knowledge of art, photography and film Deep technical knowledge of cameras, lenses, lighting and colour Leading three departments Working fast to a schedule and a budget Clear collaboration with the director, designer and costume

Before your next step A body of work and a director who wants you

0 of 14 ticked

Checked by (FIF)DateOutcome: ready / not yet

A guide, not a qualification. Built from our camera ladder and the director of photography guide. Compare it with the ScreenSkills checklist . Checked 13 November 2026.