Online Degrees

Working as a Camera Operator

The average value of the Bachelor degree needed to become a Camera operators, television, video, and motion picture is $747,920.00.

Points of Interest

Selecting a future in camera operators, television, video, and motion picture careers will lead a person into a very creative lifestyle, frequently surrounded by action, celebrities, and fun. There is a very high level of competition for these types of jobs, due to the supposed glamour of these industries. In actuality, working in a visual career such as broadcasting or the movie industry is more hard work than glamour. Those who possess a bachelor’s degree or some type of post secondary training will have the best chance at getting into these careers.

Nature of the Work

Visual story telling is the basic element that ties all these occupations together. Those who are in the production areas of camera operators, television, video or motion picture careers are the talented group who produce images that, when pieced together by post-production film and video editors create a coherent story. These images function in one or more ways to entertain an audience, provide information in an easily understood manner, or work to record historical events. The production crews can be found in many industries, including broadcasting, cable television, motion pictures, advertising agencies, education and government.

Cameras are used for television, video, and motion pictures to capture a variety of visual material. This may include live footage of events that is immediately transmitted over the airwaves, or taped footage that is then returned to the studio for post-production assembly and editing. In the studio, directors work with writers and editors to transform the raw footage into visual recordings or use in live programming such as the nightly news shows. Visual images are used to create television series, in-studio programs, sports events, news, documentaries, music videos, and motion pictures.

Much programming is edited into training films for business or commercial use. -- Going from Raw Footage to Final Output -- The transformation of raw footage to final output can be fascinating. With modern digital technology, much of editing work is today completed on a computer. This allows the most discreet and precise creative ability of film and video editors to shine. In earlier days, production was done by reshooting raw footage onto a production tape. One or more tapes could be combined onto a final production tape in the engineering studio.

Today, the different shots can be downloaded onto the computer for assembly and the creative options for that production are amazingly vast, and can be combined with special effects and digital scene transitions that were only dreamed about in the past. Camera operators, television, video and motion picture personnel are found working in local television stations, network broadcasting facilities, cable television production studios, and in independent production companies or advertising agencies.

Universities and colleges may have their own broadcasting facilities that put out pubic service programming, arts programming, or that are used to train new production personnel and students in who major in radio, television, and film studies. -- Creating Visual Programs -- The creation of programs that are of commercial quality requires a trained technical staff. Expertise in using a large amount of highly technical equipment goes hand-in-hand with having at least some amount of creativity in the use of that equipment.

Point-and-shoot does not do the job; camera operators, television, video and motion picture careers involve being able to think and visualize creatively so the images are interesting, steady, and have the ability to add some sense of creative flow to the story or subject matter. Annual awards ceremonies within the industry point out the peak of excellence in production, and awards can make or break a movie’s success in the eye of the public. Production people work closely with writers and producers to take a hard script into a visual world through their creative choices and direction. Materials must be visually interesting and fit the storyline.

The selection of appropriate equipment, and operational knowledge are important to the final outcome of all this creative work. Camera operators must be able to follow the director’s orders and manipulate their equipment in such a way that the film or video images are smooth and natural looking. Once the raw footage is completed, the job is turned over to the editing and studio staff for final assembly into the finished program.

Editing is a creative job within these career areas. Precision, creativity and a flair for the dramatic work together to produce interesting, and sometimes award winning films or videos. -- Options Within Visual Careers -- Options that exist for those who select camera operators, television, video, and motion picture careers include working for major film studios, broadcast studios, advertising agencies and media production units, commercial businesses, corporate productions, educational production studios, and government media outlets. -- Videographers are those persons who operate video cameras on location. They may tape private events, weddings, ceremonies, or special events. They work independently or with a production company or studio. One new area for video production is on the Internet, providing short videos for websites and Internet businesses. -- Studio Camera Operators usually are found inside broadcast studios at television stations and production companies.

Their cameras remain in the studio, sometimes in a fixed position. -- News Camera Operators are part of the news reporting team. They may go on location to record events and stories. They may also be called electronic news-gathering (ENG) operators. Part of their job is to anticipate live action so they can get the shots quickly as events unfold. They may send raw footage from the remote location back to the studio for editing, or they may have a hand in immediate on-location editing. Remote filming and videotaping is often relayed directly back to the station or television affiliate for live broadcasting. -- Cinematographers are camera operators who work in motion picture careers.

They use motion picture cameras to film footage for movies or television. In the studio, these camera operators may be found creating commercials, television programs, movies, cartoons or special effects. They may be using several cameras to capture action or events. Using cameras is a creative job that may involve special knowledge about the camera and lenses. Cameras may be on a fixed mount, or mobile. The camera could even be mounted on a track to follow action. Scenes can be shot from several different angles or directions. New digital cameras offer new options for clarity and the number of angles used in filming. -- Stedicam operators are those who are outfitted with a harness to carry a camera on their shoulders while filming.

This helps provide steadiness and clear action while filming. No matter where or how the camera operators, television, video, and motion picture career expert is working, they must be able to communicate and work with directors, writers and other creative people to produce the best results. Their input may also be sought regarding ways to improve a scene, method of filming or final editing. Those who choose camera operators, television, video, and motion picture careers will find they may have an exciting life out of the studio that involves traveling to major events, conventions, sporting events or foreign countries. On location shooting can also involve being present at newsworthy or documentary subjects that have some element of danger.

This is seen in live broadcasting of natural disasters, weather events like floods or hurricanes, civil unrest and military action. Travel may require being away from home for long periods of time, travel to other countries, and operation in hostile environments or conditions. The job may also involve a lot of waiting, for people, events, conditions, or weather while carrying around heavy camera equipment.

A typical job in these industries may vary with regard to work hours and schedules. There may be some extra long days balanced out by irregular hours. Some staff is needed to work with very short notice. Production schedules are usually tight and deadlines must be met, which can create some stress among crew members and directors. Visual producers may also work with audio soundtracks, and do editing during production or post production.

Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement

Camera operators, television, video, and motion picture careers usually begin with some educational training. Some hobbyists develop their interest into a career, but the most widely used path to career development is through some type of schooling in the field. There are degree programs available at schools and universities, and at specialized trade schools or photographic institutes. Formal post secondary training at these institutions is a good way for interested persons to acquire the skills they need to enter these career areas. Most positions require a bachelor’s degree.

The student must also possess good creative skills, imagination, and an eye for capturing visuals as well as technical expertise about cameras and their operations. -- Education and Training -- Basic coursework in these careers includes learning about the various types of equipment used and visual operation techniques. The camera operators and film producers must understand both the camera and computer technologies. The newest equipment is digital, and that requires highly technical knowledge for maximum benefit from digital technology. -- Bachelor’s courses provide study in all general areas of production and creation of visual products.

Training on the artistic and creative aspects of film and video production are equally important for a well-rounded education. -- Hobbyists and professionals alike may enjoy joining audio-video clubs, videographic newsletters and magazines, or securing part-time employment at local broadcast stations, advertising agencies or production companies. -- One good way to begin these careers is to find an entry-level job as a production assistant. This is a great opportunity to learn all about film and video production and how the team members work together. Interns or assistants will learn about lighting, cameras and accessory equipment. They will watch and learn all about setting up for a shoot, and fine tuning adjustments to equipment that can be helpful. Even getting hired on a per project basis is a break-in job that can look good on a resume.

Doing well on one project is a normal way to find employment through recommendation for another project. It is very normal for anyone in broadcasting to begin at a small, local station and later move up to larger stations or to a network position. -- Other Qualifications -- Besides acquiring excellent technical knowledge, those wishing to enter camera operators, television, video and motion picture careers must have good communication skills, artistic ability, good eyesight and be detail oriented.

They need to have good hand-eye coordination and patience. Accuracy is important; the smallest details on a script need attention just as much as the obvious directions. Being able to carry heavy equipment, stand for long periods of time, and having a steady camera hold are also important qualifications for success in these careers. There are options for employment in these career areas as an independent, freelance operator.

This will also require that the student obtain excellent business skills. Freelance workers need to know how to put together a job bid, write up contracts, price their services accordingly, obtain permits for on-location shooting and get model releases. They need to understand their obligations under the law with regard to using film or videotape that includes shots of people or models. They may need to get permission to shoot on non-public locations. Copyright protection for their intellectual property is important, as is liability insurance for their work.

Finally, financial record keeping and tax reporting are essential for good business operations. -- Advancement -- Many persons advance throughout their careers through on the job training and years of experience in their trade. Experience can pay out with better, more lucrative assignments. Job hopping can go upwards from an entry-level job at a small local station to prime national network positions and pay. Many persons who work in media find they progress through frequent job changes and by moving to larger media markets and stations. Experts are always in demand for teaching positions, and positions of responsibility at large businesses, studios, advertising agencies, and television production companies.

Employment

Employment figures for 2008 indicate that there were about 52,000 persons employed in camera operators, television, video, and motion picture careers. Roughly half were camera operators, while the remainder worked in film and video editing jobs. Add to those figures many who are self employed freelance talent. Some of these work with large television networks, filmmakers, advertising agencies or other sponsors on a per job, per fee basis or a daily rate. Most employment is found within the broadcast industry, at independent television stations, affiliate groups, cable networks and production companies.

Most salaried camera operators and film or video editors were working at movie studios or television broadcasting stations. Salaried camera operators and editors employed by the motion picture or video industries accounted for 37 percent of the total, while television broadcasting jobs made up about 18 percent of the same jobs. These jobs are mainly found in large metropolitan areas and creative magnet areas like Hollywood.

Job Outlook Employment in these careers is expected to have the same growth on average as all other occupations, which is in the positive side of the chart. An increase in employment of 11 percent is expected to occur between 2008 and 2018. There is much competition for these jobs, and those who possess the best skills creative experience and computer skills will have a hiring advantage. Employment opportunity is expanding as the industries expand. Use of production skills for Internet productions is growing at a fast clip, and this demand will require special knowledge of the Internet and digital technology. Video is used at online websites for entertainment, teaching, music, sports and other creative production.

One concern to many career professionals is the outsourcing to other countries of motion picture production. In studio jobs may become limited as broadcasters turn to automation for cost cutting. Creative producers will discover new outlets and employment online and through computer services. -- Job Prospects -- Possessing top-notch skills and getting on the job experience are two factors that will go a long way towards enhancing employment prospects.

With keen competition from a large number of job seekers for a limited number of available jobs, every edge is important. Knowing someone in the industry can be helpful also. Working as a freelancer is very hard, and only the most creative and superior creators will be able to make a go of it this way. Learning new technology and keeping up to date with modern equipment and production techniques, and being business savvy also help the freelancer to obtain jobs and earn income.

Two of the most important developments for those in camera operators, television, video, and motion picture careers are the advent of digital camera technology and new computer options for creative production. Combine continuing education with job experience for the best job prospect opportunities.

Projections

Data from the National Employment Matrix indicate a 9 to 12 percent increase in jobs for these industries over the decade from 2008 through 2018. Film and video editors have the largest projected growth, possibly due in part to expansion of use of film and video on the Internet. Employment figures for editors are just slightly lower than those for camera operators, television, video and motion picture technicians, at 28,600. Total projected employment for the year 2018 is set at 57,300, representing an increase of 5,400 jobs.

Earnings

Earnings for those with camera operators, television, video, and motion picture careers in May 2008, were $41,670. The mid-range for all employees was from $29,020 to $59,970. Few earned less than $21,710, and salaries in larger metropolitan areas and larger businesses were much better than those found in small towns and small businesses. Those working in the motion picture and video industries were earning around $41,000, while those working in radio or television broadcasting earned around $36,000 annually.

Editors fared a little better, with a median annual wage of $50,560 in May of 2008. Freelance earnings tend to fluctuate on a yearly basis, and are affected by the amount of equipment and other expenses that are incurred during the course of contract work. Most film and video editors are employed within the motion picture and video industries. Unions have some impact on earnings if there are strikes. Some creative production people like camera operators do belong to unions.

Unions available to these workers include the National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians, and the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees.

Wages - Hourly wages in this overall career area are about $24 an hour, with a median annual wage of $49,590. Actual wages range from $10.05 per hour to $39.71 per hour. Annual wages can vary from $20.910 to $82,600.

Related Occupations

The highest employment levels for persons skilled in these technical areas include ratio and television broadcasting, cable television, subscription programming, motion picture and video industries, government and private professional, scientific and technical services. The best salaried jobs are found in the Federal Executive Branch, followed by all others. The highest employment concentrations of persons involved in these career areas are found in California and New York.

Sources of Additional Information

Bureau of Labor Statistics: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos091.htm