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Description 

This is an ideal career fo an intuitive thinker. Film and television camera operators set up, position and operate equipment in studios or on location to photograph people, events and scenes. 

Career Advice - Camera Operator Film & Television Career

Film camera operators use 16 mm and 35 mm film cameras or digital video for motion pictures, whereas television and video camera operators use cine-electronic television or digital video and video cameras for direct telecast and for recording. 

What you do every day 

A lighting camera person, one trained in news and field camera operation, is likely to turn up at a shoot, set up equipment, contribute to the story in a range of ways, manage own sound and lighting, assist in directing and advising the talent, and have a large say in the way the shoot is conducted. You are totally responsible for the technical aspects of managing the equipment. 

A film and television Camera Operator in some instances will also be the Director of Photography, but on larger productions these will be separate roles. You collaborate with the Director to decide on the type of camera and stock to use, the lighting, lenses and shot choice. 

 You then prepare a shot list from either script or storyboards, set up the camera equipment and advice and alter the lighting. You look at the scene through the viewfinder and ensure that all elements are perfect, and make final changes before shooting the scene. 

You operate the camera, framing the shot, and moving with the action, sometimes altering the size of the shot or the focus. You collaborate with the lighting and sound departments to acquire desired results and delegate tasks to the camera assistants such as focus pulling, loading the camera and operating the slate. 

Personality that best fit this career 

Camera Operators must be highly organised, punctual, pay attention to detail, and are inuitive thinkers. They must be able to understand and execute direction and show leadership. The ability to think on your feet, be versatile, forward thinking, problem solve in a changing environment and remain calm under pressure is essential. 

You function within a team environment and must be able to work as a team player understanding and working with the needs of others on the job. Interpersonal skills are essential in liaising with the talent on any shoot and the other professionals. You must also be physically fit needing to lug around up to 12 kilos of camera equipment on the shoulder for long periods during the day. A strong degree of technical literacy is required as the equipment and technical possibilities in today’s environment are ever changing and complex. 

Best thing about this career 

Freelancers are their own boss and have a large say in the projects they work on, they are able to fully engage in their art form by making a broader contribution, not just standing and filming without making any other decisions. 

In film and television being able to work within a creative team, have the facility to practice/enhance your skills and express your creative flair is very rewarding even more so when the final outcome of a project is as you intended. 

The camera operator rarely has to spend time at a desk with mountains of paperwork; the role offers the opportunity to be out and about almost constantly. 

Worst thing about this career