Camera operator jobs in film and television industries can be divided into two categories: video or film. There are various types of jobs in each industry, and some camera operators may cross industries. Assistant camera operator jobs often include pulling focus, loading film, and operating the clapper. Video camera operator jobs often involve editing video quickly, while film camera operators work with the director of photography to plan the images to be included in a scene.
There are several different types of camera operator jobs in the television and film industries. Aside from basic industry differences, camera operators generally fall into two job categories based on the type of camera used, typically video or film. There are also various types of camera operator jobs in each industry.
Many camera operators may cross industries or job categories. For example, a film camera operator might work with a video camera on a small project that is not related to the film industry. The only exception to this is photojournalists, who typically don’t break into the entertainment or advertising industries.
Camera operator jobs in the television industry can be involved in many different types of productions including television series, made-for-TV movies, commercials, and news broadcasts. Some of these productions use video cameras to record to videotape or digital video files. Others, especially television commercials and movies, often use film cameras.
There are several different types of jobs open to experienced film camera operators. Each position on a movie set usually requires a different level of skill or seniority. Many of the top-level camera operators in this field started their careers working assistant camera operator jobs.
The main camera operator on a movie set is usually the director of photography. Many cinematographers, especially those who work on small-budget films, work without assistants. On large productions, one or two other camera operators often assist the director of photography.
A cinematographer usually works with the film director and the art department to plan the images to be included in a scene. Such work is usually highly creative and technical. Cinematographers often need to be aware of many factors that affect a photo, such as lighting, lenses, lens filters, and camera movement.
Assistant camera operator jobs often include varied tasks such as pulling focus, loading film, and operating the clapper. Focus pulling involves manipulating the camera lens towards the director of photography during a shot. Assistant camera operators may have to roll undeveloped film onto reels that are loaded into the camera. In addition, the clapper is a tool that camera operators use to synchronize the film with any audio track.
Video camera operator jobs often involve different techniques. News broadcasts often require the camera operator, journalist or director to edit video very quickly – often live – while the camera is recording. Most television news camera operators work both in the studio and in the field.
Other video camera operator jobs are positions similar to the director of photography. These camera operators can work with directors to shoot movies, television series episodes or commercials. Many small film companies or independent filmmakers prefer video cameras because they are cheaper and easier to operate than film cameras. Digital video camera operators can work in a variety of entertainment and advertising areas.
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