BBC Studios' Natural History Unit (NHU) is the leading producer of wildlife programming, creating award-winning content with a world class reputation.

Our output ranges from ambitious landmarks for BBC One and iPlayer (Green Planet, Dynasties, and Planet Earth III) to children's programming (Deadly Dinosaurs and Andy's Adventures), as well as ground-breaking adventure, formatted, presenter led, feature docs and event programming such as Endangered for Discovery Channel, Prehistoric Planet for Apple TV+ and live programming such as the BAFTA winning Springwatch for the BBC.

Off the back of the esteemed Blue Planet 2, the NHU are now embarking on highly anticipated Blue Planet 3. With the series now up and running, we are looking to recruit a Junior Camera Operator to work on our Deep film specifically. Filming will take place all over the world.

This opportunity will be a 6-month placement (with a possible extension), which will provide the opportunity to work alongside the industry's top programme makers to develop your existing skills and storytelling abilities. Please note the role will include regular travel to remote locations around the world for weeks at a time.

Though the JCO role will be on a Fixed Term Contract basis, all wildlife content is acquired from freelance camera operators; there are no BBC Studios staff positions in this category. The placement could potentially be extended, depending on business need, and on completion the aim is that the successful candidate will be ready to compete in the freelance market for work, either from the NHU or elsewhere. This opportunity is aimed at those with sufficient relevant skills and experience to enable rapid progress to full professional competence. You will need to be Bristol-based when not away filming.

Main Responsibilities

The chosen candidate will be a proactive and flexible member of the production team, both at base and on location. Their day-to-day work may include but is not limited to:
Operating a bespoke deep ocean camera system that has been designed to work from a variety of unmanned deep sea ROVs ( Remote Operated Vehicles) deploying from a variety of deep-sea exploration vessels.
Traveling to location with the equipment and assisting qualified engineers to rig the camera and lights on a variety of submersibles.
Working collaboratively with ship's crew, scientists and ROV pilots on the research vessels and in the run up to shoots to help develop relationships, identify potential stories, and maximise opportunistic filming.
Providing written records of relevant information as required by the management of the production.
Providing written and visual material for all media and platforms as required by the production.
Operating unsupervised when appropriately experienced and briefed.
Logging and managing recorded data on location and at base - including making rough assemblies of material when appropriate.
Working with the production team to produce organised shooting plans compatible with the complex daily routines and dive schedules of a boat and its crew.
When not filming - office-based work may involve some story research and setting up and assisting our existing camera technical team who look after the Blue Planet 3 extensive in-house equipment.

Are You the Right Candidate?

We are looking for someone with an eye for cinematography and a talent for storytelling, who has the potential to compose exquisite, creative, images and gather full sequences.

A good ability using joystick-style control interfaces to operate a camera system (like those used with drones, hot-heads, or gimbals).

You will need to be resourceful and inquisitive by nature to maximise the filming opportunities within a busy schedule and act quickly when opportunities present themselves.

You will have a passion for the deep ocean. *And although diving is not a requirement, underwater filming experience would be beneficial

Excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to remain calm under pressure, and the flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances and situations not always under our control. You will be able to demonstrate a proven ability to build strong relationships with programme contributors and collaborators and work effectively within a team.

Knowledge and understanding of photographic techniques applicable to underwater wildlife production, including complex camera technology and a range of different lenses.

You will demonstrate a strong technical rigour to ensure successful camera operations and follow relevant safety considerations at all times.

Technical expertise that includes: an understanding of the underlying principles of video and still digital photography; hands-on operation of digital cameras; experience with media management and edit software; an understanding of the processes associated with supplying material for websites and web pages.

The ability to work with a range of directors and undertake varying degrees of responsibility.

Strong research, planning and organisational skills as well as experience in setting up underwater animal behavioural shoots will be of value.

Strong media-IT skills to operate a range of appropriate applications used in footage acquisition and media management with confidence.

Appropriate experience and resilience to cope with life aboard boats that may be in remote and hostile locations and challenging sea conditions.

You would be required to work specifically on the deep episode for the duration of the project. It's possible that there might be additional camera opportunities that come up across the wider series but that is not guaranteed.