Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Motion Picture

Operate television, video, or motion picture camera to record images or scenes for various purposes, such as TV broadcasts, advertising, video production, or motion pictures.

Median Annual Wage: $48,080

Education: Associate's degree (41%); Bachelor's degree (24%); High school diploma or equivalent (18%)

Projected Growth: Slower than average (3% to 7%)

Related Job Titles: Production Assistant; Master Control Operator (MCO); Videographer; Camera Operator; Photojournalist; Television News Photographer; Cameraman; Production Technician; Studio Camera Operator; Floor Director

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Motion Picture.

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  • Compose and frame each shot, applying the technical aspects of light, lenses, film, filters, and camera settings to achieve the effects sought by directors.
  • Edit video for broadcast productions, including non-linear editing.
  • 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.
  • Set up and perform live shots for broadcast.
  • Set up cameras, optical printers, and related equipment to produce photographs and special effects.
  • Assemble studio sets and select and arrange cameras, film stock, audio, or lighting equipment to be used during filming.
  • Test, clean, maintain, and repair broadcast equipment, including testing microphones, to ensure proper working condition.
  • Use cameras in any of several different camera mounts, such as stationary, track-mounted, or crane-mounted.
  • Observe sets or locations for potential problems and to determine filming and lighting requirements.
  • View films to resolve problems of exposure control, subject and camera movement, changes in subject distance, and related variables.
  • Stay current with new technologies in the field by reading trade magazines.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Motion Picture.

  • Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  • Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Motion Picture.

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