In both the television and motion picture industries, camera operator jobs come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Aside from the obvious differences in the industry, camera operators are divided into two groups based on the type of camera they use, which is usually either video or film. Within each industry, there are various types of camera operator jobs.
Many camera operators may be able to work in a variety of industries or jobs. A film camera operator, for example, might use a video camera on a small project unrelated to the filmmaking industry. Photojournalists are the only exception, as they rarely work in the entertainment or advertising industries.
In the television industry, camera operators may work on a variety of projects, including television series, made-for-TV movies, commercials, and news broadcasts. Video cameras are used in some of these productions to record to videotape or digital video files. Film cameras are frequently used by others, particularly in commercials and television movies.
Experienced film camera operators can choose from a variety of job opportunities. On a film set, each position usually necessitates a different level of skill or seniority. Many of the industry’s upper-level camera operators began their careers as assistant camera operators.
On a film set, the cinematographer is usually the chief camera operator. Many cinematographers, particularly those working on low-budget films, work alone. On large productions, the cinematographer is usually assisted by one or two other camera operators.
A cinematographer usually collaborates with the director of photography and the art department to plan the images that will be used in a shot. This job is frequently both creative and technical in nature. Many factors affecting a shot, such as lighting, lenses, lens filters, and camera movement, must be considered by cinematographers.
Assistant camera operator jobs typically entail a variety of responsibilities, such as focus pulling, film loading, and clapper operation. During a shot, focus pulling entails manipulating the camera lens at the cinematographer’s direction. Undeveloped film may have to be rolled onto spools that are loaded into the camera by assistant camera operators. In addition, camera operators use the clapper to sync the film with any audio tracks.
Different techniques are frequently used in video camera operator jobs. In most news broadcasts, the camera operator, journalist, or director must edit the video quickly — often while the camera is recording — while the camera is recording. The majority of television news camera operators work in both the studio and on location.
Other video camera operator jobs are similar to cinematographer positions. These camera operators may assist directors in the production of films, television series episodes, or commercials. Video cameras are preferred by many small film companies and independent filmmakers because they are less expensive and easier to use than film cameras. Operators of digital video cameras can work in a variety of entertainment and advertising industries.