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A camera technician in a workshop of camera cars and grip kit.

Step-up toolkit · 5 of 5

Get the next job.

Most HoD jobs come from a producer, director or DoP who's worked with you. The rest come from people they ask.

Checked . SourcesPart 5 of the step-up toolkit.

Watch first

4

They play here. Each one is also a lesson in the free step-up path.

Rebooked

Be the HoD people book again

  • On budget, or told them early why not
  • No drama on the floor
  • A crew who'd work for you again
  • Kit back on time and in one piece

The step

Ask for the step up

Tell your HoD the grade you want next. Ask to run second unit, a splinter unit or prep days. Small jobs at the next grade count.

A technician demonstrates a large-format cinema camera to visitors on a manufacturer's stand at the BSC Expo.
Kit shows are where heads of department meet the people who book them.

Contacts

Keep in touch, without pestering

  • A short note when a show you did comes out
  • Tell people when you're free, with dates
  • Thank the person who recommended you
  • Keep your CV and credits current

Saying no

Know when to turn a job down

A job with no budget for your department, or no safety plan, can cost you more than it pays. Say no politely and recommend someone if you can.

Sources

Where this comes from

Checked 13 November 2026.

The rest of the toolkit

Step up on our unit.

Take the next grade on a FIF unit, with a HoD who knows the arrangement. Free.

Apply as working crewStart the step-up path

A studio floor between set-ups: a camera on a dolly, crew at the monitors and lights in the background.

Last reviewed 13 November 2026