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Television/Motion Picture Camera Operators
Overview » Industry Pathways » Performing Arts 
Television/motion picture camera operators believe a picture is worth a thousand words, and they do whatever necessary to get that perfect picture! They are the behind-the-scenes workers who produce images that tell a story, inform or entertain an audience, or record an event. Making commercial-quality movies and video programs requires technical expertise and creativity.
Producing successful images requires choosing and presenting interesting material, selecting appropriate equipment, and applying a good eye and steady hand to ensure smooth, natural movement of the camera. Some camera operators do their own editing.
Camera operators use television, video, or motion picture cameras to shoot a wide range of material, including television programs, news and sporting events, music videos, motion pictures, documentaries, and training sessions. Some camera operators film or videotape private ceremonies and special events. Those who record images on videotape are often called videographers.
Many camera operators are employed by independent television stations, large cable and television networks, or smaller, independent production companies. Studio camera operators work in a broadcast studio and usually videotape their subjects from a fixed position.
News camera operators, also called electronic news gathering (ENG) operators, work as part of a reporting team that is usually on the road covering a breaking story, following newsworthy events as they unfold. To capture live events, they must anticipate the action and act quickly. ENG operators may need to edit raw footage on the spot for relay to a television affiliate for broadcast. Most of us have seen this in the evening news coverage of hurricanes, car accidents, and international events.
Camera operators employed in the entertainment field use motion picture cameras to film movies, television programs, and commercials. Those who film motion pictures are also known as cinematographers. Camera operators who work in the entertainment field often meet with directors, actors, editors, and camera assistants to discuss ways of filming, editing, and improving scenes.
Television, video, and motion picture camera operators held about 27,000 jobs in 2006. About one in five camera operators were self-employed. Some self-employed camera operators contracted with television networks, documentary or independent filmmakers, advertising agencies, or trade show or convention sponsors to work on individual projects for a predetermined fee, often at a daily rate.
Most of the salaried camera operators were employed by television broadcasting stations or motion picture studios. Most camera operators and editors worked in large metropolitan areas.
Television, video, and motion picture camera operators can expect strong competition for job openings because the work is attractive to many people. The number of individuals interested in positions as videographers and movie camera operators usually is much greater than the number of openings. Those who succeed in landing a salaried job or attracting enough work to earn a living by freelancing are likely to be the most creative, highly motivated, able to adapt to rapidly changing technologies, and adept at operating a business.
Employment of camera operators is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2016. Rapid expansion of the entertainment market, especially motion picture production and distribution, will increase growth of camera operators. In addition, computer and Internet services will provide new outlets for interactive productions. Growth will be limited, however, by the increased off-shore production of motion pictures in other countries where it may often be less expensive to make a film.
Camera operators will also be needed to film made-for-the-Internet broadcasts, such as live music videos, digital movies, sports features, and general information or entertainment programming. These images can be delivered directly into the home either on compact discs or over the Internet. Job growth also is expected in radio and television broadcasting as consumers demand more variety.
Employers usually seek applicants with a “good eye,” imagination, and creativity, as well as a good technical understanding of how the camera operates. Television, video, and motion picture camera operators usually obtain their skills through on-the-job training or formal postsecondary training at vocational schools, colleges, universities, or photographic institutes. Formal education may be required for some positions.
Many universities, community and junior colleges, vocational-technical institutes, and private trade and technical schools offer courses in camera operation and videography. Basic courses cover equipment, processes, and techniques. Bachelor’s degree programs, especially those including business courses, provide a well-rounded education.
Individuals interested in camera operations should subscribe to videographic newsletters and magazines, join clubs, and seek summer or part-time employment in cable and television networks, motion picture studios, or camera and video stores.
Many high schools offer video and film production courses, and students can easily become “producers” at their local television cable access stations that are in many communities where they can use the camera equipment available at most facilities.
Camera operators in entry-level jobs learn to set up lights, cameras, and other equipment. They may receive routine assignments requiring adjustments to their cameras or decisions on what subject matter to capture. Camera operators in the film and television industries usually are hired for a project on the basis of recommendations from individuals such as producers, directors of photography, and camera assistants from previous projects or through interviews with the producer. ENG and studio camera operators who work for television affiliates usually start in small markets to gain experience.
Camera operators who run their own businesses, or freelance, need business skills as well as talent. These individuals must know how to submit bids, write contracts, get permission to shoot on locations not open to the public, obtain releases to use film or tape of people, price their services, secure copyright protection for their work, and keep financial records.
Typical annual earnings for television, video, and motion picture camera operators were $41,850 in 2007.
Many camera operators who work in film or video are freelancers whose earnings tend to fluctuate each year. Because most freelance camera operators purchase their own equipment, they incur considerable expense acquiring and maintaining cameras and accessories. Some camera operators belong to unions, including the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees and the National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians.
If you are interested in this occupation or are wondering about related occupations, use the links below to continue your exploration. Always remember, the more effort you put into exploring possible careers, the easier it will be for you to discover the best career choices for you!
For career information and links to employment resources contact:
U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: http://www.bls.gov/oco/
Occupational Information Network, O*NET Online: http://online.onetcenter.org/
The American Film Institute: http://www.afi.com
Information about employment opportunities for camera operators and film and video editors is available from local offices of state employment service agencies, local offices of the relevant trade unions, and local television and film production companies that employ these workers.
For information about planning and paying for college, visit Junior Achievement’s Financial Aid Center .
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