Unscripted TV
Jib operator
Also known as: Crane operator, Jimmy Jib operator
What does a jib operator do?
Jib operators are camera operators who’ve also trained to use a jib (known as a Jimmy Jib).
A jib is a special kind of crane at the end of which you attach a camera; there’s a counterweight at the other end for balance. It’s used to capture a variety of shots, such as overhead or long sweeping moves, and can film a complete 360 degree shot. Jibs are lightweight alternatives to the cranes that are used for filming similar shots on large-budget films and TV dramas, so can be rigged in a shorter amount of time and used in smaller or more challenging locations.
Jib operators capture the shots that the camera supervisor or director asks for. They swing the jib to move the camera, creating moving shots while adjusting the pan, focus, tilt and zoom. They also set up the jib and maintain it, fixing mechanical issues as they arise, and they’re responsible for health and safety – jibs can be very hazardous.
Jib shots (sometimes known as boom shots) can be used on any productions but are particularly useful for filming sport. Jib operators often work on live productions and multi-camera productions. They are often freelance and sometimes even own their own equipment. Or they might be employed by an equipment rental company.
Watch and read
- What are Jimmy Jib cranes? Video production descriptions in under 30 seconds
- Back to basics: crane shots using a jib | Cinematography techniques
- Q&A with Scott Staton, camera and jib operator
What's a jib operator good at?
- Photography: have a good eye and understanding of composition, light, colour, focus and framing
- Knowledge of cameras and supports: understand how cameras and jib arms work, and how to operate the dollies or pedestals to which they’re attached
- Communication: listen, do what’s asked and ensure everyone knows what you are doing and where you are taking the jib
- Health and safety: know how to operate the jib safely, be aware of those around you and the environment you are working in
- Lifting: know how to move heavy kit safely, be physically fit and resilient
Who does a jib operator work with?
On a production, jib operators follow the instructions of the camera supervisor or director of photography and director. They work with grips to rig and de-rig the jib camera setup. They may work with camera assistants, who either help to operate the jib or receive training from the jib operator on the job.
How do I become a jib operator?
You need to get a few years of experience working as a camera assistant or grip before you can become a jib operator. In some cases, camera assistants may be known as jib assistants when they want to specialise in jib operation. The Guild of British Camera Technicians runs a trainee scheme.
At school or college:
You can take A-levels or Highers in a combination of subjects that includes art, art and design, graphic communication and photography, along with maths and physics.
If you want to go straight into a job or apprenticeship, the following Level 3 vocational qualifications will equip you:
- BTEC National Diploma/Extended Diploma in Art and Design
- BTEC National Extended Diploma in Creative Digital Media Production
- NCFE Applied General Certificate in Art and Design
- UAL Applied General Diploma/Extended Diploma in Art and Design
- BTEC National Diploma in Film and Television Production
- BTEC National Diploma in Photography OCR Technical Diploma in Digital Media (Moving Image and Audio Production)
- UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma in Art and Design
- UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production and Technology
Get an apprenticeship:
An apprenticeship is a job with training, so it’s a great opportunity to earn as you learn. You can prepare yourself for becoming a jib operator through an apprenticeship. See if you can find one as a lifting technician or a live events rigger. Even if these aren’t in the film and TV industries they can prepare you being a jib operator through developing skills that will make you handy on shoots at a later point. Check out What’s an apprenticeship? to learn more about apprenticeships and Find an apprenticeship to learn how to find one in your region, or approach companies directly. Go to ScreenSkills information on apprenticeships for the main apprenticeship schemes in television.
Work for an equipment company:
Contact an equipment rental company like Panavision, Provision or ARRI Rentals. Ask if you can become a kit room assistant for them. That way you will get to learn more about the kit and build up contacts.
Get a degree:
It’s not essential to have a degree in order to become a jib operator. There are, however, degree courses that specialise in television production and photography that you can consider. Have a look at ScreenSkills’ list of recommended courses and select one in unscripted TV or search for ‘camera’. We recognise courses with our ScreenSkills Select award where they offer training in the relevant software, dedicated time to building a portfolio and have strong links with the unscripted TV industry.
Get work experience:
Try to get work experience by writing to local production companies and asking if they offer any. Keep an eye out for work experience opportunities at the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and the PACT Indie Diversity Training Scheme.
Take a short course:
Hone your skills in jib operating by taking a specialist course. Go to the list of training courses recommended by ScreenSkills to see if there is one about camera work.
Network:
Get to know people in the unscripted TV industry by attending events. Meet professionals and ask them questions about their work, while demonstrating interest in and knowledge of the industry. Offer to provide them with your professional contact details and try to stay in touch with them. Go to Network well to learn how to do this.
Network online:
Create a LinkedIn profile. See if there are Facebook pages or other social media groups for people making unscripted TV in your area. There might even be groups for runners and trainees. Join them. Create a ScreenSkills profile. There are a lot of crewing agencies that will charge you to be on their books. Sign up to the free ones initially. Wales Screen, Northern Ireland Screen and other areas offer free crew databases. Find a film office near you and get connected. If you do sign up to paid sites, make sure they specialise in the areas in which you’re interested.
Search for jobs:
Research unscripted TV production companies that you’d like to work for and watch the programmes that they make. Regularly check their websites and job listings websites to see if they are advertising for roles. You can also send in a short speculative letter with your CV to the production manager. Register your CV on websites like The Talent Manager, which is used by most broadcasters and independent production companies when looking for staff. StartinTV offers tips on creating your CV and attending interviews, as well as some advice for your first day working in TV.
You might also be interested in...
Being a camera operator or camera supervisor in the unscripted TV industry. You might also be interested in being a camera operator in the film and TV drama industries or a director of photography in film and TV drama.
Further resources
- Flick – gear reviews
- The Guild of British Camera Technicians
- Guild of Television Cameramen GTC
- RTS craft skills masterclass - camera
- BBC Academy
- ITV Entry Careers
- Sky early careers
- 4Skills (Channel 4)
- The Grierson Trust
- StartinTV
- IMDb
- Televisual
- Broadcast
- Screen Daily
- ScreenSkills resources directory
