Typical Career Progression
Becoming a professional Camera Operator will take years of experience in the industry and require personal skill. Experience is usually acquired by volunteering on student work and numerous other productions. You will then work as a Camera Assistant before gaining enough knowledge to become a professional Camera Operator.
The two tables below are taken from the current Motion Picture Production Agreement (MPPA) which sets minimum remuneration: www.alliance.org.au
| |
Position |
Remuneration |
Experience |
Education |
| Start Position |
Camera Assistant Level 3 |
$37,856 |
Uaually preceed by 2 years |
A relevant qualification |
| 1st Promotion |
Camera Assistant Level 4 |
$40,508 |
2 to 3 years |
A relevant qualification |
| 2nd Promotion |
Camera Assistant Level 5 |
$43,160 |
4 to 5 years |
Advanced training |
| 3rd Promotion |
Camera Assistant Level 6 |
$46,644 |
6 to 7 years |
Advanced training |
| 4th Promotion |
Deputy Director of Photography Level 7 |
$50,908 |
8 to 9 years |
Advanced training |
| 5th Promotion |
Director of Photography Level 8 |
$55,744 |
10+ years |
Advanced training |
A camera assistant for a freelance operator could expect to earn ($300-$450 per day), a Head Cameraman for a commercial TV station may earn $120k plus, whereas if you manage your own freelance company you can earn approx $1300 a day but have outlaid up to $250,000 to purchase equipment and must maintain that equipment, and manage your own business and financial affairs.
Typical accountabilities and responsibilities
|
Camera Operator Assistant Level 3
|
Will work with some supervision and to deadlines
|
|
Camera Operator Assistant Level 4
|
Expected to work competently with minimum supervision.
|
|
Camera Operator Assistant Level 5
|
Expected to work competently without supervision
|
|
Camera Operator Level 6
|
Will work unsupervised at a complex technical level. Is responsible for the camera equipment whilst on set and accountable for any equipment that goes missing or gets damaged under their supervision.
|
|
Deputy Director of Photography Level 7
|
Responsible with the Director of Photography for ensuring satisfactory quality of work. May be involved in recruitment and supervision of others.
|
|
Director of Photography Level 8
|
Responsible for ensuring that every scene is shot precisely to the wishes of the Director.
|
Career Options Available
Becoming a Producer requires dedication and perseverance, as competition is high. Depending on personal talent and experience, it will usually take a number of years in the industry before you can become a professional Producer. Volunteering on student films and working in a variety of roles on professional productions are a great entry point into the profession. Becoming successful will depend on ambition, people skills, personality and your work ethic. Currently employment opportunities are limited.
Outside the film and TV area the career options available are broad and extensive. You become experienced in overall business, project and people management; problem solving and delivering a finished product to budget and on time. This experience translates well to any general management position in a small to medium sized business or project management in larger organizations. Your skills are fully transferable across most industry sectors but are best suited to project management, product development and events management with scale and complexity. Freelance consulting is a real alternative career option.
About the Author
Kat Holmes
Producer of Kat Life Films
Kat Life Films produce films that challenge the viewer and their perception of either themselves or the world around them. They fictionalise current events and issues, and centre the narrative on ordinary characters trying to find meaning in their lives. Kat Life Films aims to produce films that matter.
Did you know it cost $7 million to build the Titanic and $200 million to make a film about it?