Camera Operator

Technical Job Roles

Camera Operator

Job Description

Camera Operators play a large part in the creation of a film, programme, advert or moving image. Their job is to capture shots through a camera through the vision of the director. They must learn to deal with pressure as its there job to get the shot in a quality fashion and to the directors expectations. They control everything to do with the camera in terms of white balance, focusing, definition quality, and moving it in to position etc. They usually plan the shots with the director when looking through the scripts to be prepared and have a better understanding of how the director wants the image to be seen. 

Skills, Qualifications and Training needed

To become a Camera Operator, there are many skills, attributes and qualities you’d need to become a successful one. Firstly, like any job, you’d need to be able to cope with pressure, especially as a camera man as theres a lot of pressure riding on you getting an adequate shot which is good enough to be used in the moving image piece. Having a good eye for the right shot and attention to detail in my opinion is the most important skill for a camera operator. This is because they need to see the directors vision and have a good understanding of what shot will captivate the audience more and be more appropriate for the scene. Being relaxed and composed when getting the shot is important. This is due to the fact that you wont feel pressure as much and you wont hesitate or rush getting the correct shot. Handling the camera steadily and having quick thinking are two other key skills to have. This is because shaky shots look very unprofessional and sluggish and having to been switched on at all times so you don’t miss out any important details in the shot and fast thinking can mean you will get the best shots possible. Finally self-confidence is important for a camera operator as you shouldn’t be afraid to get a shot that you think would be good, having confidence will show the director that your thinking outside the box and trying to make the scenes look even better. 

For England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the grades you would need to get you into Uni and work your way up to become a director are;

Band 3 - 4 or more (A*- C) GCSE’s including Maths, English and Physics. 

Band 4 - 4 or more (A* - C) GCSE’s including Maths and English, and 1-2 A-Levels.

Band 5 - 4 or more (A* - C) GCSE’s including Maths and English, and 2-3 A-Levels.

To break in to this part of the industry, you must stand out as its a very competitive job. To do so, you must have a good amount of experience in the industry and must be motivated and dedicated to succeed at this level of work. The best way to do so is to get the qualifications from GCSE’s to a Degree to boost your chances even more. Usually University students who have just graduated will be snapped up and be given a good opportunity to shine so this is why University would be a good way forward. Starting from the bottom is the main way you will get to the top. Make contacts, gain experience and get the qualifications to give you the best shot possible. An important thing jobs like is if you can drive so you can take equipment with you and travel there own your own.  

Where do they fit within the larger picture of the television and film industry?

Camera Operators play a big part in the television and film industry. They are the ones that get the shots needed for the moving image production, and its up to them to make sure the quality is there otherwise people wouldn’t enjoy watching it. There jobs varies depending on what they are filming. It can either be them filming by themselves or in a team, and will always have a big responsibility and will be under pressure. They must cope under pressure which makes there job very hard and why this job is quite high up in this industry. They work long hours, weekends, late nights and can go all around the world to get the shots needed. 

What are the career paths leading to and from the role?

When wanting to become a Camera Operator or if you are one, there are many careers paths leading to and from the role. First of all, experience is key for this job as the more you learn, the more you will develop and know. To get to this level of work, as i’ve said many times before in this booklet, you usually will start from the bottom and work your way up. Jobs such as a runner, photographer, gaffer boy, camera assistant and other low level jobs will help you gain experience in the industry and for this job. You need a good attention to detail and confidence to give you the best chance at making it to this level. Depending on the level of experience you have, the pay starts quite low at around 14k however this can reach to 32k depending on how skilled and qualified you are. Freelance camera operators earn even more however you must be highly experience, with a good skill set and qualifications. They can earn up to 2k a week. Once at this level, you can continue going up the chain to levels such as director of photography, editor, and even a director. However, to reach those levels, it is all down to the level your at in the profession and the ability you have.