Tech Directions - September 2007 - (Page 37)

The Job The standard shooting day is 10 hours for television and 12 hours for film, although hours can vary a great deal. ENG operators covering accidents, natural disasters, or military conflicts work in uncomfortable or even dangerous surroundings. They often work long, irregular hours and must be available to work on short notice. Both ENG and motion picture camera operators frequently travel and stay overnight or travel to distant places for longer periods. Camera operators should have a strong back and legs as they stand for extended periods and carry heavy camera equipment. If the film is a documentary or short news segment, the camera operator may be responsible for setting up the camera and lighting equipment as well as for supervising the actors during the filming. With a larger crew, the camera operator is responsible only for the actual filming and may even have a team of assistants. Entry-level workers usually start out at small TV stations mainly recording interviews and routine local events. With experience, the assistant may participate in decisions about what to photograph or how to film a particular scene. Many camera operators are freelancers and have periods of unemployment. Networking is the primary way of finding work. Earnings $$$$ Many camera operators (one in five) are freelancers who work on a project-by-project basis and may have periods of unemployment between jobs. Their incomes vary widely depending on the amount and kind of work they are able to find. In general, most freelance camera operators have low to moderate incomes. Those who work on major film, television, or advertising projects can earn very high incomes. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, camera operators earned a median salary of about $45,000 in 2006, with a range of about $18,000-$86,000 a year. Salaried employees usually receive health benefits, retirement plans, and paid vacation and sick time. Those who are self-employed must pay for their own benefits. Employment Opportunities Typical Duties May Include ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Discussing and planning work with the director Planning shots and taking measurements Selecting and setting up cameras, lenses, and other equipment Filming Keeping a log book of what has been filmed Keeping an inventory of stock, ordering equipment Doing basic maintenance and repairs Camera operators often specialize in the type of subjects they film, such as animation, sports, or wildlife. They can also specialize by the environments they work in, such as commercial films, documentary, news, television studios, television location, underwater, and so on. Employment is expected to increase about as fast as the average through 2014. The use of visual images continues to grow in areas such as communication, education, marketing, and research and development. Computer and Internet services also provide new outlets for interactive productions. Another reason for growth is due to new technology that has made quality cameras more affordable. Reality television programs are now shot using two or three cameras, rather than one. Competition for positions is very fierce. Camera operators work in what is considered a desirable field, and must work hard and be aggressive to get good jobs, especially in Los Angeles and New York. Advancement It usually takes two to four years for a motion picture camera operator to learn the techniques necessary for the job. After several years of training, operators may be able to work on film projects as a cinematographer or director of photography (DP). The DP supervises other camera operators and works more closely with the directors, producers, and actors. Some operators study cinematography part time while keeping their jobs as camera operators. Professional Associations The Society of Operating Cameramen www.soc.org/index.html International Cinematographer’s Guild www.cameraguild.com TVCameraman.com www.tvcameramen.com www.techdirections.com CAREER DIRECTIONS 37 http://www.soc.org/index.html http://www.cameraguild.com http://www.tvcameramen.com http://www.techdirections.com

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Technically Speaking Contents Direct from Washington The News Report Technology’s Past Technology Today Mastering Computers Dome, Sweet Dome—Geodesic Structures Teach Math, Science, and Technology Principles Help Students Become Wise Energy Consumers How Does FERPA Affect You? Camera Operator and Videographer e-gallery Product Central Free for the Asking More than Fun

Tech Directions - September 2007

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