Personal tools

Navigation

You are here: Home › Careers › New Zealand Careers › Careers Descriptions › Film, Television, Radio and Media Careers › Film/Television Camera Operator

Film/Television Camera Operator

Film/television camera operators film events or scenes for television, videos or movies.

Tasks & duties

Film/television camera operators:

study the script
may interpret how the scenes should look
select suitable cameras and equipment
may decide on the location of the cameras and lights
set up the cameras and equipment such as lighting rigs and kits
work with and follow the instructions of the director
advise on the best way to shoot or film a scene
operate the cameras to film or record the action

Camera operators who film current affairs and documentaries may work independently without direction from a director and operate sound and lighting equipment.

Skills & knowledge

Film/television camera operators need to have:

technical skills for operating film and video cameras
up to date knowledge of filming methods and equipment
knowledge of exposure, focus, colour and lighting
understanding of the filming process and how a tape will be edited
good communication and people skills, as they work closely with other members of the production crew

It is also helpful if they have an appreciation of art.

Entry requirements

There are no specific entry requirements to become a film/television camera operator. However, a tertiary qualification in television, film or video production is useful.

Secondary education

Sixth Form Certificate or NCEA equivalent English, maths, photography, physics and art are useful subjects. Some schools offer unit standards in film and television, which may also be useful.

Training on the job

Skills are gained on the job. Most film/television camera operators start off as camera assistants to gain experience on the set, and work up to operating the camera.

Useful experience

Useful experience for film/television camera operators includes using home video cameras, photography, working backstage in a theatre, working for a production company, film-making, video or television work, and computer work.