Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Motion Picture

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

Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

1. Operate television or motion picture cameras to record scenes for television broadcasts, advertising, or motion pictures.

2. Compose and frame each shot, applying the technical aspects of light, lenses, film, filters, and camera settings to achieve the effects sought by directors.

3. Operate zoom lenses, changing images according to specifications and rehearsal instructions.

4. Use cameras in any of several different camera mounts such as stationary, track-mounted, or crane-mounted.

5. Test, clean, and maintain equipment to ensure proper working condition.

6. Adjust positions and controls of cameras, printers, and related equipment to change focus, exposure, and lighting.

7. Gather and edit raw footage on location to send to television affiliates for broadcast, using electronic news-gathering or film-production equipment.

8. 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.

9. Observe sets or locations for potential problems and to determine filming and lighting requirements.

10. Instruct camera operators regarding camera setups, angles, distances, movement, and variables and cues for starting and stopping filming.

11. Select and assemble cameras, accessories, equipment, and film stock to be used during filming, using knowledge of filming techniques, requirements, and computations.

Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Communications and Media - Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Telecommunications - Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some may require a bachelor's degree.

Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.

The college search results are undergraduate programs associated with Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Motion Picture. Further education may also be required to pursue this career.

The training search results include both short and long-term programs associated with Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Motion Picture, and may be more appropriate for adult and non-traditional students. Further training may also be required to pursue this career.

In NY the average wage for this occupation was:

$27,700 for entry level workers, and $54,900 for experienced workers.

Based on the total number of annual openings and its growth rate, the employment prospects for this occupation are described as Favorable.

During 2006, there were approximately 3,110 Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Motion Picture employed in NY.

We estimate that in 2016 there will be 3,380  employed in NY. This represents an increase of 30 job(s) each year, and a total of 60 job openings each year.

Audiovisual and Broadcast Technicians - Visit this link for information on this career in the military.

Television, video, and motion picture camera operators and editors - Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.

Set and Exhibit Designers - Design special exhibits and movie, television, and theater sets. May study scripts, confer with directors, and conduct research to determine appropriate architectural styles.

Photographers - Photograph persons, subjects, merchandise, or other commercial products. May develop negatives and produce finished prints.

Film and Video Editors - Edit motion picture soundtracks, film, and video.

Costume Attendants - Select, fit, and take care of costumes for cast members, and aid entertainers.

Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance - Apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role.

Precious Metal Workers - Cast, anneal, solder, hammer, or shape gold, silver, pewter or other metals to form jewelry or other metal items such as goblets or candlesticks.

Etchers and Engravers - Engrave or etch metal, wood, rubber, or other materials for identification or decorative purposes. Includes such workers as etcher-circuit processors, pantograph engravers, and silk screen etchers.