Film Cameraman Job Description
A film cameraman records images for film, commercials, television, corporate productions to film work procedures, documentaries, educational films or music videos.
Tasks of a Film Cameraman
- The Film Cameraman assembles camera equipment, which include tripods, monitors, lighting, cables, headphones
- The Film Cameraman provides insights and advices on how to best capture a shot or make a shot work for the benefit of the audience
- The Film Cameraman should be creative, innovative, experimental, and has the ability to plan shots down to the second
- The Film Cameraman rehearses and choreographs scenes before the actual shoot
- The Film Cameraman study film scripts to effectively plan for the shots to be taken
- The Film Cameraman fixes or solves technical or practical problems that arises during shoot
- The Film Cameraman should have a good timing in capturing important actions, movements or scenes
- The Film Cameraman practices camera moves required for pre-arranged shots
- The Film Cameraman is responsible for maintenance and repair of equipment
- The Film Cameraman drives crew, actors and equipment to and from shooting locations
- The Film Cameraman is always conscious of the health and safety issues
Nature of Work
A film cameraman operate a film camera while taking orders and receiving instructions from the movie director or its director of photography. They are in charge of setting up camera equipment and positioning them accordingly. They are also involved in the planning of shots and their rehearsals with the actors. Camera operators also choose the lens and camera angles required by the scene to be filmed. They are also expected to solve technical and practical problems including light and sound.
A film cameraman can be a single person using a single camera for a simple production or can be a part of a team for a TV studio or movie production outfit. Being part of a large crew, a cameraman/camera operator can function as the second assistant camera or clapper loader with duties such as film loading and unloading, counting the total number of takes for a scene, and generally helping the camera crew. He or she can also be the first assistant camera or focus puller tasked with adjusting the camera focus for each shot. He or she can also work as grip charged with operating camera cranes and pulleys that move the camera to follow the actors.
As the equipment and techniques differ in film and television, a cameraman/operator needs to specialize in either one of them.
Qualifications
Most employers look for practical experience and technical skills possessed by a film cameraman. Many camera operators have degrees in media technology, media production or photography, and have extensive knowledge of cameras, lenses, and lighting techniques. They take college or university courses designed to develop their needed technical skills in film and television production. Film cameramen should also have practical experience and many contacts in the film industry. This can best be obtained by finding work as a camera assistant or runner in a production company or being involved in a local community film project. Skills in basic electronics and stills photography could also help. There are also film schools that have courses for the artistic aspect of motion picture production.
