Discover The World From New Perspectives Through The Lens of a Camera

Kai von Tettenborn works as a cameraman for public service broadcasters and has filmed in many countries as part of his job. The events he captures on camera are varied, says von Tettenborn: “Today a rubbish tip, tomorrow a children’s hospital.” He considers it a real privilege to gain comprehensive, first-hand insight into almost every subject.

Workplace: What does a cameraman actually do at WDR?

Kai von Tettenborn: As an on-location cameraman at WDR, there is quite a wide range of tasks and formats, but it always involves the responsible, cost-effective, creative and visual realisation of topics in news, documentaries and reports, in accordance with the guidelines of, and in collaboration with, editorial colleagues. Furthermore, at WDR, the permanent EB cameraman is also the team lead, meaning they are responsible for safety and adherence to working hours, etc.

What experience or talents should one bring to the job?

You should have a certain ‘eye’ for it. Furthermore, a general interest in all manner of social issues is certainly no bad thing. You should enjoy dealing with a wide variety of people in very different contexts, or at the very least not shy away from it.

What appeals to you about your job?

The fact that I’m constantly dealing with a wide variety of people and topics in very different situations. Working with images and light. What else, my job has taken me to many countries, and I’ve already spent several years living abroad on two occasions. I love travelling and getting to know other countries and cultures. I also consider it a real privilege that I constantly receive first-hand information and detailed, comprehensive background on almost every subject.

What are the biggest challenges in your job?

Constantly changing working hours, sometimes time pressure. Rarely: difficult subjects. Staying flexible and sensitive: “Today a rubbish tip, tomorrow a children’s hospital”. Constant development of formats, camera and lighting technology. The social pressure on public service media and increasing hostility.

What has been your biggest blunder in the job so far, and what did you learn from it?

Accidentally deleted irreplaceable footage from a filming trip. Always triple-check before deleting memory cards.

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