Motion Picture and Video Industry Job Statistics
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What Film and Video Editors and Camera Operators Do
Film and video editors and camera operators record images that entertain or inform an audience. Camera operators capture a wide range of material for TV shows, motion pictures, music videos, documentaries, or news and sporting events. Editors construct the final productions from the many different images camera operators capture. They collaborate with producers and directors to create the final production.
Work Environment
Most camera operators work in the motion picture industry or television broadcasting. Editors are employed largely by the motion picture industry, although some work in broadcasting.
How to Become a Film and Video Editor or Camera Operator
Camera operators typically need a bachelor’s degree and some on-the-job training. Most film editors have a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience as an assistant to a film editor.
Pay
The median annual wage of camera operators was $40,390 in May 2010. The median annual wage of film and video editors was $50,930 in May 2010.
Job Outlook
Employment of film and video editors and camera operators is projected to grow 4 percent from 2010 to 2020, slower than the average for all occupations. These occupations should have intense competition for jobs, and those with more experience at a TV station or on a film set will likely have the best job prospects.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of film and video editors and camera operators with similar occupations.
Film and video editors and camera operators record images that entertain or inform an audience. Camera operators capture a wide range of material for TV shows, motion pictures, music videos, documentaries, or news and sporting events. Editors construct the final productions from the many different images that camera operators capture. They collaborate with producers and directors to create the final production.
Duties
Camera operators and film and video editors typically do the following:
- Choose and present interesting material for an audience
- Work with a director to determine the overall vision of the production
- Discuss filming and editing techniques with a director to improve a scene
- Select the appropriate equipment, from type of camera to software for editing
- Shoot or edit a scene based on the director's vision
Most camera operators have one or more assistants working
under their supervision. The assistants set up the camera
equipment and may be responsible for storing it and caring
for it. They also help the operator determine the best
shooting angle and make sure that the camera stays in focus.
Likewise, editors usually have a few assistants. The
assistant supports the editor by keeping track of each shot
in a database. Assistants may do some editing themselves.
The increased use of digital filming has changed the work of many camera operators and editors. Many camera operators prefer using digital cameras, because these instruments give the operator more angles to shoot from. Digital cameras have also changed the job of some camera assistants: instead of loading film or choosing lenses, they download digital images or choose a type of software program to use with the camera.
Nearly all editing work is done on a computer, and editors often are trained in a specific type of editing software.
The following are examples of types of camera operators.
Studio camera operators work in a broadcast studio and videotape their subjects from a fixed position. There may be one or several cameras in use at a time. Operators normally follow directions that give the order of the shots. They often have time to practice camera movements before shooting begins. If they are shooting a live event, they must be able to make adjustments at a moment’s notice and follow the instructions of the show’s director.
Electronic news gathering (ENG) operators work on location as part of a reporting team. ENG operators follow events as they unfold and often record live events or breaking news. To capture these events, operators must anticipate the action and act quickly to shoot it. They sometimes edit their own footage in the field and then send it back to a studio to be broadcast.
Cinematographers film motion pictures. They usually have
a team of camera operators and assistants working under
them. They determine the best angles and types of cameras to
capture a shot.
They may use stationary cameras that
shoot whatever passes in front of them or use a camera
mounted on a track and move around the action. Some
operators sit on cranes and follow the action. Others carry
the camera on their shoulder while they move around the
action.
Some cinematographers specialize in filming cartoons or special effects. Videographers film or videotape private ceremonies or special events, such as weddings. They also may work with companies and make corporate documentaries on a variety of topics. Some videographers post short videos on websites for businesses. Most videographers edit their own material.
Many videographers run their own business or do freelance work. They may submit bids, write contracts, and get permission to shoot on locations that may not be open to the public. They also get copyright protection for their work and keep financial records.
SUGGESTED CITATION:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.
Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13
Edition, Film and Video Editors and Camera Operators, on the
Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/film-and-video-editors-and-camera-operators.htm (visited September
01, 2012).
