Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
•   Controlling Machines and Processes Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
•   Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
•   Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Working Life

The Camera Operator in the broadcaster environment works across a range of genres, including factual and documentary, entertainment, news, and sport.

Role and Responsibilities 

• The role typically involves editing video using Avid software.

• The camera operator’s principal focus is to operate a broad range of cameras and related equipment in the Electronic News Gathering/Electronic Field Production (ENG/EFP) process, meeting all necessary technical and quality requirements. 

• It requires the creative and lighting skills to capture high quality images and coherent sequences.

• The role also requires a detailed  knowledge of managing, logging, uploading, and transferring media files in the field.

• The camera operator must also have all the necessary skills to record sound in different shooting environments.

• This role requires adaptability as the operator works across such varied subject matters.

• It involves being able to work as part of a multi-discipline team, while also having all the necessary skills and confidence to work independently. This includes operating cameras in a studio environment.

• The role is mostly location-based and requires a full driving licence.

Works with

• Director
• Producer
• Camera Team
• Camera Supervisor
• All location and studio production crew

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Compose and frame each shot, applying the technical aspects of light, lenses, film, filters, and camera settings to achieve the effects sought by directors.
• Operate television or motion picture cameras to record scenes for television broadcasts, advertising, or motion pictures.
• 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.
• Operate soom lenses, changing images according to specifications and rehearsal instructions.
• Observe sets or locations for potential problems and to determine filming and lighting requirements.
• Set up and perform live shots for broadcast.
• Use cameras in any of several different camera mounts, such as stationary, track-mounted, or crane-mounted.
• Test, clean, maintain, and repair broadcast equipment, including testing microphones, to ensure proper working condition.
• Edit video for broadcast productions, including non-linear editing.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Creative

Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.

Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Education Route: Camera Operators may have completed a media studies course with an emphasis on shooting and editing.

Career Path to Camera Operator (Single Portable): Many operators will have come to the role by way of unofficial on-the-job training, and will have worked their way up from camera runner, sound recordist, and assistant camera operator.

Career Path from Camera Operator (Single Portable): Lighting Camera Operator, Studio Camera Operator, Cinematographer, Technical Director.