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Infocomm TechnologyISCO 3521

Camera operator

A camera operator is a person who sets up and operates a film camera to record films, television programmes and other productions.

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Rate 5 of the 22 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

operate a camera

follow work schedule

analyse the scenography

adapt artistic plan to location

set up cameras

About camera operator

The operator prepares the equipment and shoots: selecting the camera aperture and the focus for the light in a scene, framing the shot, moving the camera, and creating the moving images that go on to the edit. Technical documentation for cameras and lenses belongs to the daily work. Ergonomic working methods matter as well, especially in handheld and shoulder-mounted shooting.

On set the operator advises actors, the film director and other camera operators on how a scene is being recorded, and works under the director of photography. Camera operators belong to the artistic team and take their brief from it. Some work directly for private clients rather than on a production.

Following current trends and analysing media publications are part of the job: the operator keeps up with new equipment and ways of shooting. Someone starting out works around another operator's camera, pulling focus, rigging, carrying and assisting, and learns how light behaves at different apertures. Formal requirements are set by the employer.

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (22)

photographyphotographyArt and practice of creating aesthetically appealing images by recording light or electromagnetic radiation.lighting techniqueslighting techniquesThe characteristics of techniques used to create atmospheres and effects on camera or on stage; the equipment required and appropriate setup to use.audiovisual equipmentaudiovisual equipmentThe characteristics and usage of different tools that stimulate the sight and audio senses.cinematographycinematographyThe science of recording light and electromagnetic radiation in order to create a motion picture. The recording can happen electronically with an image sensor or chemically on light sensitive material...operate a cameraoperate a cameraCapture moving images with a camera. Operate the camera skilfully and safely to obtain high quality material.work ergonomicallywork ergonomicallyApply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.follow work schedulefollow work scheduleManage the sequence of activities in order to deliver completed work on agreed deadlines by following a work schedule.analyse the scenographyanalyse the scenographyAnalyse the selection and distribution of material elements on a stage.adapt artistic plan to locationadapt artistic plan to locationAdjust plans to other locations with regards to the artistic concept.set up camerasset up camerasPut cameras in place and prepare them for use.select camera aperturesselect camera aperturesAdjust lens apertures, shutter speeds and camera focus.work with the director of photographywork with the director of photographyWork with the director of photography on the artistic and creative vision that needs to be followed during production of a movie or theatre production.adapt to type of mediaadapt to type of mediaAdapt to different types of media such as television, movies, commercials, and others. Adapt work to type of media, scale of production, budget, genres within type of media, and others.determine visual conceptsdetermine visual conceptsDetermine how best to represent a concept visually.analyse a scriptanalyse a scriptBreak down a script by analysing the dramaturgy, form, themes and structure of a script. Conduct relevant research if necessary.follow directions of the artistic directorfollow directions of the artistic directorFollow the instructions of the director while understanding his creative vision.study media sourcesstudy media sourcesStudy various media sources such as broadcasts, print media, and online media in order to gather inspiration for the development of creative concepts.use technical documentationuse technical documentationUnderstand and use technical documentation in the overall technical process.create moving imagescreate moving imagesCreate and develop two-dimensional and three-dimensional images in motion and animations.work with an artistic teamwork with an artistic teamWork closely with directors, fellow actors and playwrights to find the ideal interpretation to a role.keep up with trendskeep up with trendsMonitor and follow new trends and developments in specific sectors.ensure visual quality of the setensure visual quality of the setInspect and amend the scenery and set-dressing to make sure the visual quality is optimal with in constraints of time, budget and manpower.
Optional (21) — show
film production processfilm production processThe various development stages of making a film, such as scriptwriting, financing, shooting, editing, and distribution.file-based workflowfile-based workflowThe recording of moving images without using tape, but by storing these digital videos on optical disks, hard drives, and other digital storage devices.electricityelectricityThe principles of electricity and electrical power circuits, as well as the associated risks.health and safety regulationshealth and safety regulationsNecessary health, safety, hygiene and environmental standards and legislation rules in the sector of particular activity.transfer uncut audiovisual material to computertransfer uncut audiovisual material to computerTransfer uncut audiovisual materials to a computer, synchronise them and store them.manage technical resources stockmanage technical resources stockManage and monitor technical resources stock to ensure that production demands and deadlines can be met at all times.assess power needsassess power needsPrepare and manage the provision of electrical power for different areas.attend rehearsalsattend rehearsalsAttend rehearsals in order to adapt sets, costumes, make-up, lighting, camera set up, etc.use personal protection equipmentuse personal protection equipmentMake use of protection equipment according to training, instruction and manuals. Inspect the equipment and use it consistently.maintain audiovisual equipmentmaintain audiovisual equipmentPerform routine maintenance tasks on audiovisual equipment as well as minor repairs, such as replacing parts and calibrating the instruments, on equipment used in processing sound and images.create special effectscreate special effectsCreate special visual effects as required by the script, mixing chemicals and fabricating specific parts out of a wide variety of materials.use storyboardsuse storyboardsUse a graphic presentation to convey, shot by shot, your creative vision and ideas on how a motion picture should look in terms of light, sound, visuals, costumes or make-up.assist multimedia operatorassist multimedia operatorTake over tasks from the multimedia operator as required. Call cues for the multimedia operator or operate the multimedia equipment yourself.collaborate on costume and make-up for performancescollaborate on costume and make-up for performancesWork with the staff responsible for costumes and make up in line with their creative vision and obtain directions from them about how make-up and costumes should look.supervise camera crewsupervise camera crewSupervise the camera crew to make sure they use the right equipment, angles, frames, shots, etc., according to the creative vision.practise camera movementspractise camera movementsPractise operating the camera and the required movements for pre-arranged shots.apply health and safety standardsapply health and safety standardsAdhere to standards of hygiene and safety established by respective authorities.plan audiovisual recordingplan audiovisual recordingPlan audio-visual recordings.work with the lighting crewwork with the lighting crewWork with the crew responsible for the lighting setup and operation to get directions from them on where to stand for an aesthetic result.follow safety procedures when working at heightsfollow safety procedures when working at heightsTake necessary precautions and follow a set of measures that assess, prevent and tackle risks when working at a high distance from the ground. Prevent endangering people working under these structures...plan shotsplan shotsPlan complicated shots, such as explosions, before shooting.

Related Occupations

Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.

video and motion picture director10 shared essential skillsdirector of photography9 shared essential skillsboom operator8 shared essential skillsstand-in7 shared essential skillsvoice-over artist6 shared essential skillsanimation layout artist5 shared essential skillsanimator5 shared essential skillscostume designer5 shared essential skills

Frequently asked questions

What does a camera operator do?

Camera operators setup and operate digital film cameras to shoot domestic motion pictures or television programs. They work together with the video and motion picture director, the director of photography, or the private client. Camera operators give advice on how to shoot scenes to actors, the video and motion picture director and other camera operators.

What skills does a camera operator need?

A camera operator needs 22 essential skills, including photography, lighting techniques, audiovisual equipment, cinematography, operate a camera.

Will AI replace camera operator jobs?

The AI disruption score for camera operator is 27/100 (low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: transfer uncut audiovisual material to computer, follow work schedule, file-based workflow. Most resilient: electricity, work with an artistic team, follow directions of the artistic director.

Quick Facts

SectorInfocomm Technology
ISCO GroupInformation and communications technicians
Essential Skills22

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