Television Camera Operator

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:

• 2006 NOC: Film and Video Camera Operators (5222) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Film and Video Camera Operators (F122) 
• 2011 NOC: Film and video camera operators (5222) 
• 2016 NOC: Film and video camera operators (5222) 

In general, camera operators:

• move the camera and operate optical controls, such as focus, zoom and exposure
• follow instructions from the director concerning the mood or dramatic effect to be achieved
• make minor electronic adjustments to cameras.

They also may:

• maintain and store camera equipment
• assist with the lighting and staging of broadcast productions
• set up and operate live location shoots
• edit video in non-linear edit suites or on location.

Electronic news gathering (ENG) and electronic field production (EFP) camera operators use portable cameras to televise and record news and sports events from remote locations. Camera operators working with ENG or EFP equipment also may set up recording, lighting and playback equipment for field productions.

Camera operators are responsible for producing the visual content of news items and achieving the desired visual content for commercials or program productions. They also may use robotic cameras and control camera movement using a computer rather than by making physical adjustments. This allows the operator to control multiple cameras at once.

Depending on the size of the broadcast company and studio, camera operators may work alone or as part of a team of camera operators. They may work entirely at a station or at remote locations in all weather conditions. Most operators work 8-hour shifts, including afternoons, evenings, weekends and holidays.

Television camera operators may need to lift equipment weighing up to 20 kilograms. Handheld camera shoots may involve shouldering a 10-kilogram camera for up to 6 hours. Coping with tight schedules and deadlines can be a strain.

Television camera operators need:

• an interest in technology
• creativity and artistic ability
• excellent motor co-ordination
• good vision and hearing
• stamina, particularly for field work
• communication and interpersonal skills for working with others in a team environment
• the ability to remain alert while performing routine, repetitive tasks
• the ability to respond quickly to the unexpected.

They should enjoy operating, testing and maintaining camera equipment, and working with others.

Competition is keen in the broadcasting field. Inexperienced camera operators must be willing to start at small stations. Once operators have gained experience, they can move to positions at larger stations or specialize in a particular type of work.

Freelancing has become the trend in broadcasting. Contract employment also can be found in producing in-house programs such as corporate videos (for example, videos about safety and technical training, recruiting, sales and marketing).

To be successful, freelancers must be talented, establish a network of contacts and be available to work when needed. A significant investment in equipment may be required to compete and maintain a successful business.

Experienced camera operators can advance to technical supervisory positions and, if they have the necessary ability and experience, eventually become directors or producers.

Television camera operators are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 5222: Film and video camera operators. In Alberta, 77% of people employed in this classification work in the Information, Culture and Recreation [pdf] industry.

The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the Information, Culture and Recreation industry)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions)
• size of the occupation.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Cultural Human Resources Council website: www.culturalhrc.ca

Film and Video Arts Society of Alberta (FAVA) website: fava.ca

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