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Film and video camera operators

OaSIS code 52110.00

Film and video camera operators operate motion picture and video cameras and related equipment to record news, live events, films, videos and television broadcasts.

Overview

Also known as

  • Assistant camera operator
  • Camera operator
  • Electronic news gathering (ENG) camera operator
  • Film camera operator
  • Motion picture camera operator
  • Studio camera operator
  • Television camera operator
  • Video camera operator

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Meet with director and senior members of camera crew to discuss assignment and determine filming sequences, camera movements and picture composition
  • Select and set up camera equipment to be used and attach lens, filters and film magazine to camera
  • Adjust focus, exposure, lighting and other camera settings
  • Operate film or video camera to record news, live events, films, videos and television broadcasts
  • Label and record contents of exposed film, and complete report sheets
  • Test, maintain and store equipment
  • May operate unmanned aerial vehicle/drone to capture aerial films of the landscape or any subject.

Additional information

  • Progression to supervisory or director of photography positions is possible with additional training and experience.

Similar occupations classified elsewhere

Exclusions:

  • Photographers (53110)
  • Audio and video recording technicians (52113)
  • Video transmission operator (in 52112.00 Broadcast technicians)
  • Audiovisual (AV) assistant (in 53111.07 Production assistants)
  • Video artist (in 53122.01 Painters)
  • Directors of photography (51120.07)

NOC hierarchy breakdown

NOC version

NOC 2021 Version 1.0

Broad occupational category

5 – Occupations in art, culture, recreation and sport

TEER

2 – Occupations usually require a college diploma or apprenticeship training of two or more years; or supervisory occupations

Major group

52 – Technical occupations in art, culture and sport

Sub-major group

521 – Technical occupations in art and culture

Minor group

5211 – Technical occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting and the performing arts

Unit group

52110 – Film and video camera operators

Occupational profile

52110.00 – Film and video camera operators

Work characteristics

Work characteristics gathers the various components describing the work environment of each occupation, such as employers, work activities, and the work context. Each category displays up to 10 descriptors in descending order based, firstly, on their attributed ratings by the level of complexity (for Work Activities) or other measurement dimensions (for Work Context), and secondly, in alphabetical order. The whole list of descriptors and their ratings can be expanded at the bottom of each page.

Work Activities

Proficiency or complexity level
Thinking Creatively
4 - High Level
Applying New Knowledge
3 - Moderate Level
Communicating with Coworkers
3 - Moderate Level
Communicating with Persons Outside Organization
3 - Moderate Level
Controlling Machines and Processes
3 - Moderate Level

Work Context

Structural Job Characteristics

Structured versus Unstructured Work
Degree of freedom to determine tasks and priorities
3 - Moderate amount of freedom
Work Week Duration
Worked hours in a typical week
2 - Between 35 to 40 hours

Physical Work Environment

Physical Proximity
Physical distance from others
4 - Close (at arm’s length)

Physical Demands

Sitting
Duration
3 - About half the time
Standing
Duration
3 - About half the time
Bending or Twisting the Body
Duration
2 - Less than half the time

Interpersonal Relations

Contact with Others
Frequency
4 - Every day, a few times per day
Duration
5 - All the time, or almost all the time
Work with Work Group or Team
Importance
4 - Highly important
Frequency
5 - Every day, almost continuously

Workplaces/employers

  • In-house communications facilities
  • Motion picture and video production companies
  • Self-employed
  • Television stations and networks
  • Video production companies

Skills and abilities

This section displays the various competencies required for an occupation. Each category displays up to 10 descriptors in descending order based, firstly, on their attributed ratings by the level of proficiency (for Skills and Abilities) or importance (for Personal Attributes) and secondly, in alphabetical order. The whole list of descriptors and their ratings can be expanded at the bottom of each page.

Abilities

Proficiency or complexity level
Colour Perception
5 - Highest Level
Far Vision
5 - Highest Level
Near Vision
4 - High Level
Spatial Visualization
4 - High Level
Trunk Strength
4 - High Level

Skills

Proficiency or complexity level
Equipment and Tool Selection
4 - High Level
Coordinating
3 - Moderate Level
Critical Thinking
3 - Moderate Level
Decision Making
3 - Moderate Level
Learning and Teaching Strategies
3 - Moderate Level

Personal Attributes

Importance
Attention to Detail
5 - Extremely important
Adaptability
4 - Highly important
Collaboration
4 - Highly important
Independence
4 - Highly important
Stress Tolerance
4 - Highly important