Leading Companies & Markets
Film and television Camera Operators work for film companies, television stations and video production houses. They may also work on a freelance basis. There are many Production Companies varying in size throughout Australia. They usually specialise in television commercials, documentaries, short films and animations.
Target the TV stations SBS, ABC, 7, 9, 10 for entry level roles. The pay TV stations tend to use mainly freelancers. The commercial stations may offer traineeships, however these are limited. There tend to be more freelance companies around doing work for the stations and assistant camera operator roles are available in some of those freelance environments. Some independent production houses may also take on trainees.
Feature film camera operation is also an option however is quite different to TV with the cameraman often working with an array of technical support crew, making those roles more limited in scope. There is quite a bit of crossover now days with traditional film cameraman using more electronic video formats in their line of work. The Australian film industry can be a bit boom or bust which may limit opportunities for film specific camera operators, whereas the TV or video market has a broader stream of opportunities for working on TV programs, news, current affairs, corporate videos, online content.
Environment & Culture of the workplace
Your role is best described as “fly by the seat of your pants”, involving high unpredictability and a very varied work load. For instance one day you may be interviewing the Governor of the Reserve Bank on interest rate changes and the next covering a surf competition at Bondi, or perhaps being sent to a conflict zone in Fiji. Equipment may fail in the middle of a shoot, other technical difficulties may surface, perhaps the client being interviewed becomes difficult or abusive. All manner of scenarios may arise and you must be cool under pressure and able to adapt in an ever changing an unpredictable environment. Still the environment is fun, and full of surprises and unique experiences, especially when working with a creative, friendly and dedicated team of people
About the Author
Colin Budd
Colin Budd is a cameraman and an established Australian Director. He has directed numerous tele-movies and films, including Maiden Voyage, Curse of the Talisman, Flatland, Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, City Life, and Mission: Impossible. He has worked behind the camera on Australian television shows such as The Biggest Loser. Colin is a fully accredited member of the Australian Cinematographers Society.
Did you know that the first couple to be shown in bed together on prime time TV were Fred and Wilma Flintstone?