Hi, I'm Jamie!

A studio camera operator and multiskilled production professional with a background in live TV and digital broadcasting. I’ve worked across a range of studio setups; from pedestals and handhelds to jibs and robotics. I’m just as comfortable behind a vision mixer as I am bringing breaking news to the nation.I’ve built my career on being adaptable, calm under pressure, and ready to jump in wherever I’m needed; whether that's live news, digital streams, or fast-turnaround studio shoots. This portfolio is a snapshot of the work I’ve done so far and the roles I’ve loved being a part of.

TVNZ | 1NEWS

Solo Camera Crane

Live jib operation as featured in the 1News at Six bulletin

TVNZ | 1NEWS

Robotics

What it takes to be a robotic camera operator at TVNZ

NZBS | THE INFLUX OF KARMA

Trailer Editor

Take a look at the trailer I edited for a student short film during my time at the New Zealand Broadcasting School.

WHITEBAIT | WHAT NOW?

Vision Switching

A look at a full show switching for What Now? A New Zealand children's show

Software Skills:

  • Adobe Premiere Pro

  • Adobe After Effects

  • Adobe Photoshop

  • Adobe Audition

  • Adobe Media Encoder

  • DaVinci Resolve

  • Blender

  • Open Broadcaster Software (OBS)

  • Microsoft Suite

  • Google Suite

Technical Skills:

  • Vision switching

  • Camera operation

  • Robotic camera operation

  • Pedestal camera operation

  • Jib operation

  • Aerial videography

  • Lighting design

  • Cinematography

  • Video editing

  • Graphics & visual effects

  • Prompting

  • Presentation

  • IP / digital streaming

  • Live sports streaming

  • Media asset management (MAM)

  • Automated channel playout

© Jamie Hooker

Robotic Camera Operation at TVNZ

At TVNZ, I specialised in operating the Vinten robotic pedestal cameras, the same cutting-edge systems used in major broadcast studios worldwide. These cameras weren’t just fixed PTZ units; they were fully mobile robotic pedestals capable of moving seamlessly across the studio floor while delivering smooth, dynamic pan, tilt, and zoom shots.I was responsible for controlling up to three robotic cameras at once, ensuring they moved safely around presenters, guests, and crew, while still hitting precise framing for live broadcasts. Operating them wasn’t just about moving a joystick, it required constant awareness of the studio environment, coordination with the team, and the ability to anticipate what was coming next on-air.

My role also extended beyond pure camera operation:

  • Scripting & Guest Coordination - I double-checked scripts and camera cues to make sure interviews ran smoothly and that guests were seated correctly for their upcoming segments.

  • Teamwork with Jib & Floor Crew - I worked closely with jib operators, making sure they had the freedom and space to create sweeping shots without obstruction, while still keeping robotic cameras moving fluidly.

  • Adaptability Across Formats - From daily live news to fast-moving breakfast television, I adjusted camera operation styles to suit the tone, pace, and requirements of each programme.

I operated robotic cameras across TVNZ’s flagship productions and more, including:

  • 1News at Six - New Zealand’s most-watched news bulletin, where accuracy and timing were critical.

  • Breakfast - a high-energy morning show requiring quick, reactive camera moves.

  • Te Karere & Tagata Pasifika - shows with their own unique production styles, which meant adjusting my robotic camera work to match the tone and pace of each.

  • Ad hoc productions - from pre-recorded interviews and entertainment specials to political segments and corporate presentations.

This experience honed not only my technical broadcast skills but also my ability to remain calm under pressure and work seamlessly as part of a live production team. For me, robotic camera operation combined creativity and precision, transforming the studio floor into a moving canvas and helping tell stories in the most engaging way possible.