1. Shootsta Help
  2. Shootsta Bookings and Camera Operators

Shootsta Bookings: Everything you need to know about our Camera Operator Network

Shootsta's vetted Camera Operators provide high-quality videography services worldwide. Bookings, pricing, equipment, and policies are clearly outlined for seamless scheduling.

Our Camera Operators are highly skilled professionals who have been carefully vetted by Shootsta to ensure they meet our rigorous standards for quality and reliability. As independent contractors and experienced videographers, they bring a wealth of expertise and creativity to every project they undertake. Each operator is equipped with the necessary skills and equipment to deliver high-quality video content tailored to your specific needs. We take pride in our network of Camera Operators, who not only excel in technical proficiency but also possess a keen understanding of visual storytelling. By choosing Shootsta, you can rest assured that you are working with talented individuals who are committed to making your vision a reality. Here is an overview of our Terms and Conditions:

 

Locations and availabilities

Our Camera Operators are available in a wide range of locations around the world. Our primary base of operations is in Sydney, along with several vibrant cities across Australia. Additionally, we are expanding our services in Singapore, the UK, and the US. When you create a booking, we will promptly check our network to confirm if we can accommodate your shoot location and identify the available Camera Operators for your project.

 

How to book

You can book a camera operator through Shootsta by clicking on the 'Bookings' option located in the bottom left menu. This intuitive interface will guide you through the process for booking a camera operator. We match our Camera Operator network  based on location, availability, and specific needs for your project.

Once you click on 'Bookings', you will be prompted to fill out essential information such as the date and time of your shoot, the anticipated duration, and any special requirements you may have. After submitting your booking request, our dedicated Bookings team will review your information and confirm the details, ensuring you have the right professional to meet your videography needs. If you have any questions or need assistance during this process, feel free to reach out via Live Chat for immediate support.

Log In

Log into the Shootsta Platform click Bookings. This will take you to the Bookings Dashboard.

Bookings Dashboard

Once logged in, you will see the Bookings Dashboard, which displays all bookings made by your company:

  1. This refreshes the dashboard to update the status of bookings (or see new ones).

  2. The search and filter function allows you to look for specific bookings, based on the name of the project or its status.

  3. Shows a list of all current bookings and their status.

This refreshes the dashboard to update the status of bookings (or see new ones).

The search and filter function allows you to look for specific bookings, based on the name of the project or its status.

Shows a list of all current bookings and their status.

New Bookings

To make a booking click on Menu in the top right corner and select New Booking.

Follow the instructions on the form and fill out the relevant fields to complete the booking.

Booking Confirmation

Once you have submitted a New Booking, it will appear in the Dashboard with "New" as the status.

Our bookings team will review your brief and either approve it or request further information from you. If the brief is approved, its status will change from "New" to "Active", and you will receive an email to notify you.

When a camera operator has been selected for the shoot, you will receive a calendar invitation with a link to the Booking details and a message via the Comments section of your booking's page with details for the camera operator and a quote for the shoot's price. You will receive a notification just prior to the start of the shoot as a reminder.

View Bookings

To view a booking, select one from My Dashboard which will display details of the booking.

Client Details

Displays information about the project owner and details for the point of contact for the shoot.

Project Details

Displays information about the booking, including location, time and length of the shoot.

Camera Operator

Displays information about the Camera Operator and their contact details.

Shoot Details

Displays more detailed information about the Shoot.

Additional Details

Any additional comments about the shoot will be displayed here.

Pricing Estimate

The pricing estimate is based on a variety of factors and isn't confirmed until all details and requirements are processed by the Bookings Team. The team will reach out via the Comments section with a quote when a suitable videographer is found for your shoot and will confirm the price before finalising the booking.

Comments

The Comments section allows you to exchange messages with our Bookings Team for updates on the shoot details.

Status History

Displays the status history of the booking.

 

Pricing

Pricing for your booking can vary depending on the length of the shoot and the region, whether you're in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, the US, Singapore, or Hong Kong. If you'd like to get specific pricing details for your project, just drop us a message via Live Chat, and our friendly Bookings team will be happy to assist you!

The minimum booking time does differ a bit by location, and you'll find that information clearly listed in the booking form. The initial cost covers basic travel expenses for up to an hour of travel. If your shoot takes place in a regional area or involves challenging travel conditions, we can discuss any additional travel costs with you.

And just a heads up—if your shoot runs a little longer than planned, we’ve got you covered with a 15-minute grace period! After that, we’ll need to charge for an additional hour.

 

Purchase Orders

If your company requires a purchase order (PO) for invoicing, please note that an estimated price will be displayed when you submit your booking request. However, we do not provide formal quotes for Videographer bookings, and final costs may vary due to additional gear, travel, or extended shooting hours.

To ensure accurate invoicing, we recommend raising a PO after the shoot is completed. If a PO is required, your invoice will indicate "PO Required" based on our records. You will have the following options:

  • I have a PO ready – Provide it at the time of booking.
  • I will provide a PO when prompted by the invoice – Submit it once you receive the invoice.
  • No PO required – Proceed without a purchase order for invoicing.

 

Equipment

Our Shootsta Camera Operators carry a minimum equipment set up including the following:

    • 1x Video Camera and lenses - Mirrorless preferred
    • 1 - 2x Lapel Microphones and wireless transmitters/receivers
    • Shotgun Microphone
    • Tripod
    • LED Key light
    • Spare batteries for all components

Any extra equipment they carry is optional and potentially available on request.

**Please note: the camera operators DO NOT carry autocues / teleprompters as part of their standard equipment. 

** Also please note: You may request that the operator use your equipment; however, the operator is most skilled in the use of their equipment.

Notifications

You will receive email notifications for key updates related to your booking, including:

  • Booking confirmation once your request is submitted.
  • Updates on videographer assignment when a professional accepts your job.
  • Footage upload alerts when your content is available in your Shootsta Pro Project.
  • Purchase order reminders if required based on your form selection.

All notifications will be sent from bookings@shootsta.com. If you need to amend your PO selection or have any other booking-related requests, please reach out via Live Chat, and our team will be happy to assist.

Insurance

Our Camera Operators are independent contractors who have been thoroughly vetted by Shootsta and are responsible for maintaining their own Public Liability Insurance. As part of our vetting process, we verify their valid PLI.

However, it is important to note that Shootsta does not assume responsibility for the on-site activities of the Camera Operator.

 

Footage management

By default, Cam Ops will send the footage to Shootsta within 24 hours after the shoot, or at the earliest possible convenience. The project owner will get an email notification as soon as the footage in the project is ready to be briefed and submitted. 

If you want to receive the footage on the day of the shoot, you will need to provide a hard drive and laptop. **Please flag this on your bookings form or with the bookings team before the shoot.

**All videographer files are delivered in HD unless discussed prior to shooting or by designating on your Booking request. 

 

Cancellations and rescheduling

Shootsta requests that any cancellations or rescheduling be communicated with more than 48 hours' notice to avoid potential fees.

  • If a booking is cancelled or rescheduled less than 48 hours prior to the scheduled shoot time, a cancellation fee amounting to 50% of the total booking cost may be incurred.

  • If a booking is cancelled or rescheduled within 24 hours of the scheduled shoot time, a cancellation fee amounting to 100% of the total booking cost may be incurred.

  • If Shootsta cancels or reschedules the booking within 48 hours, we will issue a booking credit for the length of your shoot.

The cancellation and rescheduling timelines specified above pertain exclusively to business days and hours.

 

Have questions or need help? Contact us, we'd love to chat.