So you want to be...a camera assistant? With Saul Gittens

What does it take to be a good camera assistant? 

This session with DOP Saul Gittens is part of our week-long focus on new entrants and junior roles. If you are looking to make your first move into the TV industry or have a few credits under your belt and are working to progress, then keep an eye on our schedule this week.

See also:

Workshop: Researchers survival guide with Pamela Relton

CV clinic with Hattie Wood

So you want to be...a researcher? With Brittany Borkan

So you want to be... is a strand of online sessions which focuses on specific roles within TV. You will get the chance to go behind a job title and get the inside track, as told by the people who know these jobs inside out.

The speakers will take us through the highs and lows of a specific role, as well as provide top tips and advice about how to carry out the job successfully and how to get that particular role in the first place. This is followed by audience Q&A where you have the chance to ask the experts.

What it covers

This session will include:

• an overview of the camera assistant role
• how to step up to the role (from runner) – ways to get experience and build a contact base
• what makes a good camera assistant stand out
• common mistakes to avoid on-set
• the importance of getting hands-on with equipment
• run bag essentials – making sure you’re prepared for every shoot

Speaker
 
Saul Gittens, Director of Photography, has worked in the film and television industry for over 35 years and is the in-house DOP and head of training & development for Procam.

Saul started his career as a special effects runner on feature films, and after University found himself a job at Complete Video Post-Production in Covent Garden. He began assisting on dramas, working on the likes of The Detectives and Red Dwarf, which eventually led to him operating. Saul was camera operator on Feltham Sings for Century Films, which won a BAFTA for Best Documentary in 2003, and since this, Saul has made his mark as Director of Photography on commercials, corporates and many of the UK’s top television shows including Dynamo: Magician Impossible and Derren Brown: The Push and Sacrifice.

When Saul isn’t out on location lighting and shooting, he is dedicated to supporting the next generation of filmmakers at Procam, running one-on-one hands-on sessions to support a bespoke training matrix, alongside mentoring trainees on projects outside of work, to help them get on-set experience. 
 
This event is supported by the ScreenSkills Television Skills Fund which invests in training for the freelance television workforce thanks to contributions from the BBC, Channel 4 and Channel 5. 
 
It is part of a ScreenSkills programme managed by the Indie Training Fund to support freelancers to upskill and stay connected, helping keep the industry resilient in these difficult times. 
 
This session will take place online via Zoom. Click ‘get ticket’ to reserve your place: you must login or register before you are able to get a ticket for this event. A booking confirmation with a joining link to the session will be sent to you via email. 

If you are no longer able to use your ticket, we ask you to please contact support@screenskills.com  so that we can release your place. Our sessions are often oversubscribed, so we’d like to give other freelancers the opportunity to fill available spots. Thank you for your consideration.