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Occupation Information
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Film and Television Camera Operator
Camera OperatorFilm Camera OperatorOperator (Camera)Television Camera Operator )



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 a film camera to be used in a studio
Loading a film camera to be used in a studio

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. 

Fact Sheet

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

Info Icon 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  
Quick Facts

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 Performing Arts Technicians

Vacancies

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

Related Jobs

Film and Television Producer's Assistant
Film, Stage and Television Director
Production Crew Member
Projectionist
Theatre Mechanist

Earnings

View text version of earnings

Occupation Earnings Graph

Occupation Mean Weekly Earnings Graph

How Much?

Related Courses

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

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

Setting up a camera to be used for motion control
Setting up a camera to be used for motion control