Barcelona City Council | Capital humà

Television camera operator, Film camera operator

Camera operators participate in the creation of audiovisual pieces from behind the camera. They are responsible for the setup and operation of the recording equipment and their primary objective is to ensure and capture the image properly. These professionals may be in charge of operating different types of cameras (digital cinema cameras, video cameras, television cameras and action cameras) according to the nature of the project in which they work. In addition to having the technical knowledge regarding the handling of recording equipment, it is important that these professionals have command of the narrative and audiovisual language in order to guarantee plot coherence and aesthetic harmony in the filming.

Depending on the type of production and audiovisual piece to record, they will be responsible for the framing, the choice of the shots and the camera movements (either with the camera in hand, tripod, drones or stabilizers), or these functions will be segmented, such as in the case of large productions.

Broadly speaking, camera operators make recordings both outdoors and indoors and they basically work on three types of audiovisual projects:

• Television: as part of the team of professionals who work on set, recording television or news programmes, or as operators of ENG equipment (Electronic News Gathering), doing the news coverage outdoors, along with a journalist.
• Cinema and advertising: in this case, there is a technical script that indicates to the operator the sequence and characteristics of the scenes and shots to be recorded. In small productions, they are in charge of making the configuration, framing, light control, and camera movement decisions, but in larger productions, they perform these tasks based on the directions of the director and the cinematographer.
• Freelance and/or production companies: camera operators may also work filming different commissions for social, documentary, or corporate reporting (for the business world) linked to a production company or communication agency or as a freelance. In these projects, they assume the functions of director and cinematographer.

• Select, assemble, and configure the necessary equipment for filming. It may include, in addition to cameras, special lenses or filters, lights, tripods, monitors and cables, among others.
• Check all recording equipment to ensure it is in good condition and works properly before filming.
• Evaluate the characteristics of the space and light where the recording will take place to determine the camera position and the different shots.
• Read the technical script or project directions and follow them to record the scenes.
• Adapt focus, exposure, white balance, and shutter and adjust the final frame.
• Make the recording and during filming control any change that may occur within the shot (light, position of the interviewed people) or technician (battery life) and responds with agility and discretion making the necessary adjustments.
• Once the recording is finished, keep the equipment, and create backup copies of the footage and/or transmit them to the producer's server.

• Rehearse the scenes and coordinate with the cinematography and/or the project direction to polish or redefine the characteristics of the shots.
• Make contributions and recommendations of a practical or creative nature in relation to the capture of events.
• Coordinate and collaborate with other professionals, such as journalists, electrical or lighting technicians.
• In charge of managing the repair and maintenance of the equipment.
• Update their knowledge, keep up to date with technologies that may mean new ways of filming, such as 3D production, and features of new equipment in terms of image quality (HD, 4K, 8K) and other features.

Regulated training and graduates

• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Imatge i so: Assistència a la producció d'obres videogràfiques (Nivell 3)
• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Imatge i so: Càmara de cine, vídeo i televisió (Nivell 3)
• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Imatge i so: Assistència a la producció cinematogràfica i d'obres audiovisuals (Nivell 3)
• Professional Training Course(s) in the field of Image and Sound - Advanced Level: Lighting, image acquisition and processing
• Grau: Comunicació audiovisual
• Grau: Cinematografia
• Grau: Mitjans audiovisuals

Complementary training

Other specific skills

• It is important to have a showreel of portfolio to show professional experience.
• Theoretical and technical knowledge of photography, video and audiovisual culture in general.
• Good power and subtlety to create smooth camera movements.
• Driving license and own vehicle is very valuable. Most jobs require geographic mobility.
• It is advisable to build loyalty with a network of contacts and establish constructive relationships with directors of photography, producers, and other professionals.

Learning and use of knowledge: Level 1

Self-control: Level 2

Creativity: Level 3

Flexibility and change management: Level 3

Concern for order and quality: Level 2

Artistic

People who show an interest in the artistic field enjoy expressing ideas and feelings through the language of art A creative spirit and the motivation to convey concepts or emotions are inherent to this interest. This field includes all the activities that are oriented towards creating artistic products in their various forms: works that are musical, cinematographic or visual in nature, as well as dance and related arts.

Mechanical handling

People related to the field of mechanical handling are interested in the assembly, maintenance, repair and use of machines, tools and installations. Some good examples of professional activities in the field of mechanical handling are adjusting and configuring machines, reviewing technical equipment to detect incidents in their operation, handling machinery in production processes and driving specialised vehicles.

Director of photography

Post-production technician

Location manager

Technical director - digital processes

Digital processes artist

• Work hours

  The working hours depend on the audiovisual project in which these professionals work. On television, 8-hour working day with a fixed schedule are frequent (if it is for programs) or with variable work schedule depending on shifts and guards (if it is for news coverage). In the case of film or advertising productions, working hours are usually long (between 10 and 14 hours a day) and unpredictable. They can include long breaks, night shifts and weekend shifts. In the case of working for production companies or as a freelance, the working hours will be variable, and the intensity will depend a lot on the specific project.
  

• Salary

  It is usually to get paid per day and work as a freelancer with rates that vary depending on the type of production and the Schedule. These rates can range from 600 to 250 euros per day.
  
  

• Human resources and equipment

  The cost of the equipment is very high and requires updating. If this is not provided by the contracting company, it may exceed 5,000 euros depending on the characteristics.