Film and Video Camera Operators
(NOC 5222)
in All Arts, Culture, Recreation and SportFilm and video camera operators operate motion picture and video cameras and related equipment to record news, live events, films, videos and television broadcasts. They are employed by television networks and stations, motion picture and video production companies and in-house communications facilities of large corporations.
Job Outlook
Undetermined
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Compared to: All Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport
This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Film and Video Camera Operators may either be working full-time or part-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs may either be permanent or temporary positions, as both are common.
The median employment income for 31% of Film and Video Camera Operators who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $45,158. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
N/A
MinimumN/A
MedianN/A
MaximumAnnual Pay
N/A
Minimum$27,284
MedianN/A
MaximumCompared to: All Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport
Hourly Pay
$10.81
Minimum$16.00
Median$31.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$945
Minimum$11,712
Median$60,447
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Film and video camera operators operate motion picture and video cameras and related equipment to record news, live events, films, videos and television broadcasts. They are employed by 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 perform 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.
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
To work in this field 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
- Completion of 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
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
Cape Breton
Annapolis Valley
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Information, Culture & Recreation
Printing and Related Support Activities
Retail Trade
What is the age of Employment?
35-44
55-64
Compared to: All Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport
35-44
45-54
25-34
55-64
65+
Top levels of education
College certificate or diploma
$5,880 median annual incomeHigh school
$22,562 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$8,504 median annual incomeLess than high school
N/ATrades certificate
N/ACompared to: All Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport
Bachelor's degree
$19,705 median annual incomeHigh school
$7,127 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$20,158 median annual incomeLess than high school
$2,298 median annual incomeMaster's degree
N/AEducation & training
Cinematography and film/video production
This program is typically offered at the college or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to communicate dramatic information, ideas, moods, and feelings through the making and producing of films and videos. These programs include courses in theory of film; film technology and equipment operation; film production; film directing; film editing; cinematographic art; film audio; techniques for making specific types of films and/or videos; the use of computer applications to record or enhance images, audio or effect and the planning and management of film/video operations.
Institutions providing this program
1577 Barrington Street
Halifax, NS B3J 1Z7
(902) 429-1847
80 Mawiomi Place
Dartmouth, NS B2Y 0A5
(902) 491-1100
Communications technology/technician
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that generally prepares individuals to function as workers and managers within communications industries. These programs 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
166 Bedford Highway
Halifax, NS B3M 2J6
(902) 457-6117
Organizational communication - General
This program is typically offered at the college or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that focuses on general communication processes and dynamics within organizations. These programs include courses in the development and maintenance of interpersonal group relations within organizations; decision-making and conflict management; the use of 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
PO Box 550, 1 Main Street
Springhill, NS B0M 1X0
(902) 597-3737
372 Pleasant Street
Yarmouth, NS B5A 2L2
(902) 742-3501
PO Box 1042, 1240 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6J7
(902) 563-2450
80 Mawiomi Place
Dartmouth, NS B2Y 0A5
(902) 491-1100
Radio and television
This program is typically offered at the college or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that focuses on the theories, methods, and techniques used to plan, produce, and distribute audio and video programs and messages, and that prepares individuals to function as staff, producers, directors, and managers of radio and television shows and media organizations. These programs 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
80 Mawiomi Place
Dartmouth, NS B2Y 0A5
(902) 491-1100
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.