What is an Ingest Operator?
An Ingest Operator is an individual who is responsible for managing, accessing and importing data ready for use by Editors.
What is the job?
The role of Ingest Operator involves ingesting a high volume of video rushes in a wide range of different formats from memory cards, cameras, hard drives and various online storage systems. Data ingestion is the process of accessing and importing media ready for immediate use, or for storage in a database for future use. It is their responsibility to transcode media into editable formats and the correct frame rates for the production. Overall, their role is to organise projects for Editors, which can involve setting up project files and syncing camera footage and audio. Their primary duty is to facilitate the timely ingest of media in preparation for edit.
The role requires a solid technical understanding and strong organisational skills. As well as the above duties, you may also be required to compile post-production paperwork and may be asked to assist the edit on certain projects. On top of this, you may be required to undertake other tasks such as general administrative duties.
Key Skills
- Confident using a variety of software systems
- Knowledge of a range of transcoding software
- Strong organisational skills
- Ability to be flexible
- Willingness to pick up work and be proactive
- Ability to work independently and as a team member
- Good time management
- Good attention to detail
Salary & Working Hours
The salary for an Ingest Operator can vary from £24,000 to £31,000, with the average being around £27,000. Your salary will ultimately depend on the size of the production company or post production house you are working for and the amount of responsibility you have. In terms of working hours, these are likely to be roughly normal working hours of 9am-5pm but again, this will depend on the production you’re working on, and the size and frequency of projects that are undertaken.
How To Become an Ingest Operator
Most employers require around 1-2 years of experience in a post production environment for this role. While a degree is not necessary, degrees in relevant subjects can be a good way of building up knowledge, which will put you at an advantage when applying for the role. The role of Ingest Operator is quite a technical role and so you must be confident handling data and working with a wide range of computer software and systems.
Where Can It Take You?
The role of Ingest Operator may lead you on to become a full-time Editor, depending on what career path you wish to take. As with most roles in the industry, the more experience you build up working in your role, the more opportunities you are likely to be presented with.
Become an Ingest Operator
If you are ready for the next step in your career, why not take a look at the latest Ingest Operator vacancies on our jobs board? You can view our latest vacancies here.