myfuture :: Occupation Information - Film and Television Camera Operator

Film and Television Camera Operator
( Camera Operator, Film Camera Operator, Television Camera Operator, Operator (Camera) )


	Duties and Tasks Specialisations Quick Facts Work Conditions Personal Requirements Related Industries Labour Market Related Jobs Earnings Related Courses Further Information State Specific Information	Loading film onto the take-up spool
	Film and television camera operators set up, position and operate equipment in studios or on location to photograph people, events and scenes. Film camera operators use 16 mm and 35 mm film cameras or digital video for motion pictures, whereas television and video camera operators use cine-electronic television or digital video and video cameras for direct telecast and for recording.

Duties and Tasks

Film and television camera operators may perform the following tasks:

discuss with the director the types of film, video and lenses to be used as well as focus and distance settings, and camera angles
select and set up equipment and accessories
check that lighting has been organised, or set up lights as required
view scenes through viewfinders, make final adjustments and photograph scenes
monitor equipment during operation
move cameras and adjust controls to follow the action of scenes being photographed
consult with other technical workers such as light or sound technicians to obtain required results
supervise assistants during the production phase.

Specialisations

Director of Photography

Quick Facts

Learning Area	Art Performing Arts Physics
Work Demand	Including full use of hands/fingers Including good vision for detail Including reading or writing Including standing for long periods
Work Field	Art, Design, Music and Entertainment
Work Interest	Creative or Artistic Practical or Mechanical
Skill Level	Professional Jobs

Work Conditions

Film and television camera operators work as part of a team and are often required to work long, irregular hours, including nights and weekends. They may need to travel to remote areas.

Personal Requirements

able to accept direction
highly organised
attention to detail
patience
able to work under pressure
good communication skills
creative
able to work as part of a team.

Related Industries

Motion Picture and Sound Recording Activities
Broadcasting (except Internet)

Labour Market

Information

Australian JobOutlook for Media Equipment Operators

Vacancies

Australian JobSearch for Media Equipment Operators (ALL AUSTRALIA)
Australian VolunteerSearch - Arts/Culture and Heritage for ALL AUSTRALIA
Work Opportunities websites

Earnings

Income of persons working full-time, 2006

Performing Arts Support Workers
Income per Week	Number	Share (%)

$1000 or more	2,138	32.9
$400 - $599	1,050	16.2
$600 - $799	1,502	23.1
$800 - $999	1,388	21.4
Less than $400	420	6.5

This information is based on the 2006 census conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Earnings of persons working full-time and part-time, 2006

Performing Arts Support Workers
Employment Status	Weekly Income ($)

Full-time	930
Part-time	403

This information is based on the Employee Earnings, Benefits and Trade Union Membership survey conducting annually by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

See State Specific Information below for further education and training options.

Further Information

Innovation and Business Skills Australia
Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (ACT)
Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (NSW)
Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (QLD)
Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (SA/NT)
Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (TAS)
Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (VIC)
Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (WA)
South Australian Film Corporation

State Specific Information

New South Wales / ACT
Northern Territory
Queensland
South Australia
Tasmania
Victoria
Western Australia

Operating a camera in a television studio