Written by real camera crew
8 min read
Last updated: 14/9/2026
Here's what you'll walk away with:
Camera trainee day rates and hourly rates
Differences between TV, film, and commercial pay
How camera trainees are paid
Whether unpaid camera trainee jobs are worth taking
Sean Beasley
The figures below are based on the 2025 BECTU Camera Branch rate card for film and TV drama. They are guidelines, not law. Always check the live Camera Branch rates page before you negotiate.
For additional context, 10+1 means a 10 hour shoot day + a 1 hour lunch.
If you are unsure about a rate, speak to your 2nd AC before agreeing to the rate.
Sean Beasley
On longer drama/feature jobs you will usually be PAYE (Pay As You Earn). On short form jobs like commercials and music videos, you'll typically invoice for the job.
For the current rules on short engagements and self-employment status, check GOV.UK guidance or an accountant who knows film freelancers.
Should you take unpaid jobs?
Rekha Garton / Herring Girls
Short answer: yes, sometimes.
If you’re new to the industry, unpaid work can be valuable for:
Gaining on-set experience
Understanding how the camera department operates
Building contacts and references
Getting your first few credits
Almost everyone working in camera started with at least some unpaid or very low-paid work.
However, there’s an important distinction to make.
Low-budget productions offering unpaid work are common and often genuine
Well-funded productions that underpay trainees should be avoided where possible
If too many people accept low pay on high-budget jobs, industry rates can be pushed down over time.
In the end, the choice is yours. It depends on your experience, your finances, and your goals. On most unpaid or low-paid jobs, expenses are covered, so you are not left out of pocket.
Free invoice template
Invoices are one of those boring-but-essential parts of working in the film industry. To keep things simple, we’ve put together a straightforward invoice template you can use straight away.
Do day rates vary by location in the UK?
Do these rates include travel time or expenses?
What should I do if a production offers less?
Do rates go up the more experience you gain?
