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Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film - 27-4031.00

O*NET-SOC Description

Operate television, video, or film camera to record images or scenes for television, video, or film productions.

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • Camera Operator
  • Cameraman
  • Master Control Operator (MCO)
  • News Videographer
  • Production Technician
  • Studio Camera Operator
  • Television News Photographer
  • Videographer

SOC Occupation Groups

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Adjust positions and controls of cameras, printers, and related equipment to change focus, exposure, and lighting.
  • Assemble studio sets and select and arrange cameras, film stock, audio, or lighting equipment to be used during filming.
  • Compose and frame each shot, applying the technical aspects of light, lenses, film, filters, and camera settings to achieve the effects sought by directors.
  • 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.
  • Design graphics for studio productions.
  • Direct studio productions.
  • Edit video for broadcast productions, including non-linear editing.
  • Instruct camera operators regarding camera setups, angles, distances, movement, and variables and cues for starting and stopping filming.
  • Observe sets or locations for potential problems and to determine filming and lighting requirements.
  • Operate television or motion picture cameras to record scenes for television broadcasts, advertising, or motion pictures.
  • Operate zoom lenses, changing images according to specifications and rehearsal instructions.
  • Read and analyze work orders and specifications to determine locations of subject material, work procedures, sequences of operations, and machine setups.
  • Read charts and compute ratios to determine variables such as lighting, shutter angles, filter factors, and camera distances.
  • Set up and operate electric news gathering (ENG) microwave vehicles to gather and edit raw footage on location to send to television affiliates for broadcast.
  • Set up and perform live shots for broadcast.
  • Set up cameras, optical printers, and related equipment to produce photographs and special effects.
  • Stay current with new technologies in the field by reading trade magazines.
  • 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.
  • View films to resolve problems of exposure control, subject and camera movement, changes in subject distance, and related variables.
  • Write new scripts for broadcasts.

Detailed Work Activities

  • Collaborate with others to determine technical details of productions.
  • Coordinate activities of production personnel.
  • Create computer-generated graphics or animation.
  • Determine technical requirements of productions or projects.
  • Direct productions or performances.
  • Edit audio or video recordings.
  • Inspect sets or exhibits.
  • Maintain recording or broadcasting equipment.
  • Manage content of broadcasts or presentations.
  • Operate communications, transmissions, or broadcasting equipment.
  • Operate still or video cameras or related equipment.
  • Research new technologies.
  • Review details of technical drawings or specifications.
  • Select materials or props.
  • Set up still or video cameras or related equipment.
  • Write informational material.

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • Advanced Visual Information-Graphics Marine (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Advanced Visual Information-Motion Media Marine (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Advanced Visual Information-Photojournalism Marine (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Aerial Cameraman (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Broadcast Engineering Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Broadcaster (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Closed Circuit TV Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Combat Camera Chief (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Combat Graphics Specialist (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Combat Photographer (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Combat Videographer (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Communication Strategy and Operations Chief (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Content Developer (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Hospital Corpsman (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Information System Technician (Coast Guard - Enlisted)
  • Integrated Launch and Recovery Television Surveillance (ILARTS) System Maintenance Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Mass Communications Specialist (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Multimedia Cameraman (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Multimedia Director/Producer (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Photographer s Mate Tracking NEC (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Photographer's Mate (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Photographic Officer (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Photojournalist Journeyman (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Public Affairs (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Public Affairs Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Public Affairs Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Public Affairs Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Public Affairs Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Public Affairs Mass Communication Specialist (Army - Enlisted)
  • Public Affairs Specialist (Coast Guard - Enlisted)
  • Public Information Specialty (Coast Guard - Warrant Officer only)
  • Television Cameraman (Army - Enlisted)
  • Video (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Video Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Video Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Video Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Video Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Visual Documentation Specialist (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Visual Information Equipment Operator-Maintainer (Army - Enlisted)
  • Visual Information Operations Chief (Army - Enlisted)
  • Visual Information Specialist (Army - Enlisted)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

  • Camera Operator

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Camera Operator
  • Camera Operator, Animation
  • Camera Operator, Title
  • Director of Photography
  • Optical-Effects-Camera Operator