Median Annual Wage: $48,080
Education: Associate's degree (41%); Bachelor's degree (24%); High school diploma or equivalent (18%)
Projected Growth: Slower than average (3% to 7%)
Related Job Titles: Production Assistant; Master Control Operator (MCO); Videographer; Camera Operator; Photojournalist; Television News Photographer; Cameraman; Production Technician; Studio Camera Operator; Floor Director
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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Motion Picture.
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- Compose and frame each shot, applying the technical aspects of light, lenses, film, filters, and camera settings to achieve the effects sought by directors.
- Edit video for broadcast productions, including non-linear editing.
- Adjust positions and controls of cameras, printers, and related equipment to change focus, exposure, and lighting.
- Confer with directors, sound and lighting technicians, electricians, and other crew members to discuss assignments and determine filming sequences, desired effects, camera movements, and lighting requirements.
- Set up and perform live shots for broadcast.
- Set up cameras, optical printers, and related equipment to produce photographs and special effects.
- Assemble studio sets and select and arrange cameras, film stock, audio, or lighting equipment to be used during filming.
- Test, clean, maintain, and repair broadcast equipment, including testing microphones, to ensure proper working condition.
- Use cameras in any of several different camera mounts, such as stationary, track-mounted, or crane-mounted.
- Observe sets or locations for potential problems and to determine filming and lighting requirements.
- View films to resolve problems of exposure control, subject and camera movement, changes in subject distance, and related variables.
- Stay current with new technologies in the field by reading trade magazines.
Source: O*NET OnLine information for Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Motion Picture.
- Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
- Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
- Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
- Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
- Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
- Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
- Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Source: O*NET OnLine information for Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Motion Picture.