A camera operator, or depending on the context cameraman or camerawoman, is a professional
operator of a
film camera or
video camera as part of a
film crew. The term "cameraman" does not imply that a male is performing the task.
In
filmmaking
Filmmaking (film production) is the process by which a motion picture is produced. Filmmaking involves a number of complex and discrete stages, starting with an initial story, idea, or commission. It then continues through screenwriting, cast ...
, the
cinematographer or director of photography (DP or DoP) is sometimes called lighting cameraman or first cameraman. The DP may operate the camera themselves, or enlist the aid of a camera operator or second cameraman to operate it or set the controls. The first assistant cameraman (1st AC), also known as a
focus puller, is responsible for maintenance of the camera, such as clearing dirt from the
film gate and adjusting the
follow focus. A second assistant cameraman (2nd AC), also known as a
clapper loader
A clapper loader or second assistant camera (2nd AC) is part of a film crew whose main functions are that of loading the raw film stock into camera magazines, operating the clapperboard (slate) at the beginning of each take, marking the actors ...
, might be employed to load film,
slate scenes, or maintain the camera report (a log of
scenes,
takes
A take is a single continuous recorded performance. The term is used in film and music to denote and track the stages of production.
Film
In cinematography, a take refers to each filmed "version" of a particular shot or "setup". Takes of each s ...
,
rolls,
photographic filters used, and other production data).
A camera operator in a
video production may be known by titles like , , or , depending on the context and technology involved, usually operating a
professional video camera
A professional video camera (often called a television camera even though its use has spread beyond television) is a high-end device for creating electronic moving images (as opposed to a movie camera, that earlier recorded the images on film). ...
. As of 2016, there were approximately 59,300 television, video, and motion picture camera operators employed in the United States.
Important camera operator skills include choreographing and framing
shots, knowledge of and the ability to select appropriate
camera lens
A camera lens (also known as photographic lens or photographic objective) is an optical lens or assembly of lenses used in conjunction with a camera body and mechanism to make images of objects either on photographic film or on other media cap ...
es, and other equipment (
dollies,
camera crane
A camera is an optical instrument that can capture an image. Most cameras can capture 2D images, with some more advanced models being able to capture 3D images. At a basic level, most cameras consist of sealed boxes (the camera body), with a ...
s, etc.) to portray dramatic scenes. The principles of dramatic story telling and
film editing fundamentals are important skills as well. The camera operator is required to communicate clearly and concisely on sets where time and
film budget constraints are ever present.
References
Broadcasting occupations
Cinematography
Filmmaking occupations
Television terminology
Television occupations
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