camera-operator/references/tasks.md

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.