# Tasks & work activities — camera operator

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 27-4031.00 (Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film) — manual nearest-occupation mapping via ISCO group 3521; the official ESCO crosswalk has no entry for this ESCO occupation.

## Task statements

- **[Supplemental]** Edit video for broadcast productions, including non-linear editing.
- **[Core]** Set up and perform live shots for broadcast.
- **[Supplemental]** Assemble studio sets and select and arrange cameras, film stock, audio, or lighting equipment to be used during filming.
- **[Core]** Test, clean, maintain, and repair broadcast equipment, including testing microphones, to ensure proper working condition.
- **[Supplemental]** Stay current with new technologies in the field by reading trade magazines.
- **[Supplemental]** 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.
- **[Supplemental]** Direct studio productions.
- **[Supplemental]** Design graphics for studio productions.
- **[Supplemental]** Write new scripts for broadcasts.
- **[Core]** Operate television or motion picture cameras to record scenes for television broadcasts, advertising, or motion pictures.
- **[Core]** Compose and frame each shot, applying the technical aspects of light, lenses, film, filters, and camera settings to achieve the effects sought by directors.
- **[Core]** Operate zoom lenses, changing images according to specifications and rehearsal instructions.
- **[Core]** Use cameras in any of several different camera mounts, such as stationary, track-mounted, or crane-mounted.
- **[Core]** Adjust positions and controls of cameras, printers, and related equipment to change focus, exposure, and lighting.
- **[Core]** 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.
- **[Core]** Observe sets or locations for potential problems and to determine filming and lighting requirements.
- **[Supplemental]** Instruct camera operators regarding camera setups, angles, distances, movement, and variables and cues for starting and stopping filming.
- **[Supplemental]** Read charts and compute ratios to determine variables such as lighting, shutter angles, filter factors, and camera distances.
- **[Supplemental]** Set up cameras, optical printers, and related equipment to produce photographs and special effects.
- **[Supplemental]** View films to resolve problems of exposure control, subject and camera movement, changes in subject distance, and related variables.
- **[Supplemental]** Read and analyze work orders and specifications to determine locations of subject material, work procedures, sequences of operations, and machine setups.

## 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.