A camera operator, or depending on the context cameraman or camerawoman, is a professional
operator
Operator may refer to:
Mathematics
* A symbol indicating a mathematical operation
* Logical operator or logical connective in mathematical logic
* Operator (mathematics), mapping that acts on elements of a space to produce elements of another ...
of a
film camera
A movie camera (also known as a film camera and cine-camera) is a type of photographic camera that rapidly takes a sequence of photographs, either on an image sensor or onto film stock, in order to produce a moving image to project onto a movie s ...
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, casti ...
, the
cinematographer
The cinematographer or director of photography (sometimes shortened to DP or DOP) is the person responsible for the photographing or recording of a film, television production, music video or other live action piece. The cinematographer is the c ...
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, might be employed to load film,
slate scenes, or maintain the camera report (a log of
scenes,
takes,
rolls,
photographic filter
In photography and cinematography, a filter is a camera accessory consisting of an optical filter that can be inserted into the optical path. The filter can be of a square or oblong shape and mounted in a holder accessory, or, more commonly, a ...
s used, and other production data).
A camera operator in a
video production
Video production is the process of producing video content for video. It is the equivalent of filmmaking, but with video recorded either as analog signals on videotape, digitally in video tape or as computer files stored on optical discs, hard dri ...
may be known by titles like , , or , depending on the context and technology involved, usually operating a
professional video camera. 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 lenses, and other equipment (
dollies,
camera cranes, etc.) to portray dramatic scenes. The principles of dramatic story telling and
film editing
Film editing is both a creative and a technical part of the post-production process of filmmaking. The term is derived from the traditional process of working with film which increasingly involves the use of digital technology.
The film edit ...
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.
Brandenburg Gate
The Brandenburg Gate (german: Brandenburger Tor ) is an 18th-century neoclassical monument in Berlin, built on the orders of Prussian king Frederick William II after restoring the Orangist power by suppressing the Dutch popular unrest. One ...
(1926)
References
Broadcasting occupations
Cinematography
Filmmaking occupations
Television terminology
Television occupations
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