I wouldn't disagree with that, Steve, I just said that it doesn't make sense.

The trouble is that there are now a lot of people out there who think that because they can turn a camera on they are qualified. The trouble with a lot of camera ops that I have come across is that;

1) They don't stay abreast of new technology and look for any opportunities.
2) They don't diversify.
3) They don't specialise.
4) They don't try to increase their skillset.

Now I'm not saying that this applies to all, but I have come across one heck of a lot of so-called experienced BBC camera operators who could only perform the most basic of tasks. One of them had never even touched a basic jib before. And I mean a *basic* jib. Not something with a fancy remote head on it, but the sort of thing you take out of the boot of your car when you want to quickly nab a cool looking shot on that corporate video.

Some of them have had practically no experience with lights beyond sticking one on top of the camera or plonking a single fill in someones living room! And these were guys that had been shooting with cameras like DSR-500's for TV news for years! Just what is going on?

Get a specialism and diversify. I know that sounds contradictory, but you can specialise in one thing, but still offer a lot of others. Learn editing as well. Learn motion graphics. Learn web programming. Don't rely on one stream. Increase your skillset and stand out from the crowd. I know of one field where there is a drastic shortage. But I'm keeping that one to myself :-)

That's actually spot on Simon, it's a fast changing world and you have to keep up!

I'm grateful that we could end on a high note.