Film and Video Camera Operators

(NOC 5222)

in All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport

Film and video camera operators use motion picture and video cameras and related equipment to record news, live events, films, videos, and television broadcasts. They work for television networks and stations, motion picture and video production companies and in-house communications facilities of large corporations.

Job Outlook

Undetermined

Read more

  • Estimate change in employment not available for this occupation.
  • Estimate 0 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
  • Estimate rate of unemployment not available for this occupation.

Compared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport

  • Estimate 840 employment change, 2021-2023
  • Estimate 1495 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
  • Estimate rate of unemployment not available for these occupation.

Hourly Pay

$19.40

Minimum

$25.28

Median

$37.84

Maximum

Annual Pay

N/A

Minimum

$27,284

Median

N/A

Maximum

Compared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport

Hourly Pay

$13.00

Minimum

$21.00

Median

$40.00

Maximum

Annual Pay

$945

Minimum

$11,712

Median

$60,447

Maximum

About the job

Nature of work

Film and video camera operators use motion picture and video cameras and related equipment to record news, live events, films, videos, and television broadcasts. They work for television networks and stations, motion picture and video production companies and in-house communications facilities of large corporations.

Job duties

Film and video camera operators:

  • 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.
  • Use 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.

Sample job titles

  • assistant camera operator
  • camera operator
  • dance videographer
  • film camera operator
  • studio camera operator
  • television camera operator
  • television news camera operator
  • video camera operator
  • videographer

Skills

  • You need creativity, imagination, and technical skills. Attention to detail and the ability to improvise with equipment and techniques are also important. You must be able to communicate your ideas clearly and work well with others.

Job requirements

  • A college or technical program in broadcasting, audio-visual technology or a related field.

Other considerations

  • They require a thorough technical understanding of camera equipment and film technology. Experience as an assistant camera operator is usually required. Creative and technical ability, as demonstrated by a portfolio of work and experience, may be required. Progression to supervisory or director of photography positions is possible with additional training and experience.

By the numbers

Quick look

180

employed in 2016

63.9%

employed full-time

30.6%

self employed

11.1%
Icons/female Created with Sketch.
88.9%
Icons/male Created with Sketch.
37.8

median age

Compared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport

11,000

employed in 2016

53.3%

employed full-time

29.3%

self employed

55.6%
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44.4%
Icons/male Created with Sketch.
38.2

median age

Where will I likely work?

86.1%

Halifax

$27,349 median annual income
8.3%

Cape Breton

N/A
5.6%

Annapolis Valley

N/A

Compared to: All NS Occupations

47.0%

Halifax

15.6%

North Shore

12.9%

Annapolis Valley

12.7%

Cape Breton

11.8%

Southern

Top Industries of Employment

10.7%

Arts, entertainment and recreation

7.1%

Manufacturing

7.1%

Retail trade

What is the age of Employment?

25.0%

45-54

22.0%

25-34

22.0%

35-44

22.0%

15-24

8.0%

55-64

Compared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport

29.7%

15-24

15.9%

35-44

15.7%

45-54

15.4%

25-34

14.9%

55-64

Top levels of education

51.4%

College Diploma

$27,291 median annual income
27.0%

High school

$11,516 median annual income
10.8%

Bachelor

N/A
5.4%

Less than high school

N/A
5.4%

Trade Certification

N/A

Compared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport

26.4%

Bachelor

$17,829 median annual income
24.9%

High school

$7,552 median annual income
19.5%

College Diploma

$22,120 median annual income
13.7%

Less than high school

$2,922 median annual income
7.9%

Master

$36,173 median annual income

Education & training

Communications Technology/Technician

College or Trades Program

These programs prepare individuals to function as workers and managers within communications industries. They include courses in business economics, basic management, principles of interpersonal and mediated communications, radio, television, and digital media production, and related aspects of technology and communications systems.

Institutions providing this program

Mount Saint Vincent University

Halifax, NS

Film Studies

College, Trades, or University Program

These programs focus on the study of the history, development, theory, and criticism of the film/video arts, as well as the basic principles of film making and film production.

Institutions providing this program

Dalhousie University

Halifax, NS

University of King's College

Halifax, NS

NSCAD University

Halifax, NS

Saint Mary's University

Halifax, NS

Nova Scotia Community College

Various, NS

Organizational Communication

College or University Program

These programs focus on general communication processes and dynamics within organizations. They include courses in developing and maintaining interpersonal group relations within organizations, decision-making and conflict management, using symbols to create and maintain organizational images, missions, and values, power and politics within organizations, human interaction with computer technology, and how communications socialize and support employees and team members.

Institutions providing this program

Nova Scotia Community College

Various, NS

Radio and Television

College or University Program

These programs focus on the theories, methods, and techniques used to plan, produce, and distribute audio and video programs and messages and prepares students to function as staff, producers, directors, and managers of radio and television shows and media organizations. They include courses in media aesthetics, planning, scheduling, and production, writing and editing, performing and directing, personnel and facilities management, marketing and distribution, media regulations, law, and policy, and principles of broadcast technology.

Institutions providing this program

Nova Scotia Community College

Various, NS

Employment requirements & contacts

No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile

Contacts

Canadian Media Production Association
Toronto, ON
Canadian Association of Broadcasters
Ottawa, ON

Additional resources

There are no additional resources for this occupation.