Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film

What the job really is

Operate television, video, or film camera to record images or scenes for television, video, or film productions.

At a glance

• Sector: Arts, Design & Media
• O*NET-SOC code: 27-4031
• O*NET job zone: 3 — medium preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Compose and frame each shot, applying the technical aspects of light, lenses, film, filters, and camera settings to achieve the effects sought by directors.
• Operate television or motion picture cameras to record scenes for television broadcasts, advertising, or motion pictures.
• Adjust positions and controls of cameras, printers, and related equipment to change focus, exposure, and lighting.
• Confer with directors, sound and lighting technicians, electricians, and other crew members to discuss assignments and determine filming sequences, desired effects, camera movements, and lighting requirements.
• Operate zoom lenses, changing images according to specifications and rehearsal instructions.
• Observe sets or locations for potential problems and to determine filming and lighting requirements.
• Set up and perform live shots for broadcast.
• Use cameras in any of several different camera mounts, such as stationary, track-mounted, or crane-mounted.
• Test, clean, maintain, and repair broadcast equipment, including testing microphones, to ensure proper working condition.
• Edit video for broadcast productions, including non-linear editing.
• Instruct camera operators regarding camera setups, angles, distances, movement, and variables and cues for starting and stopping filming.
• Assemble studio sets and select and arrange cameras, film stock, audio, or lighting equipment to be used during filming.

Tools and technology

Adobe Acrobat, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Creative Cloud software, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premiere Pro, Apple Final Cut Pro, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
• Broadcast Technicians
• Audio and Video Technicians
• Media Technical Directors/Managers
• Avionics Technicians
• Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers
• Lighting Technicians
• Motion Picture Projectionists

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 3 (medium preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.