Saskatchewan JobFutures

Nature of Work

Film and video camera operators operate motion picture and video cameras and related equipment to record news, live events, films, videos and television broadcasts. They are employed by television networks and stations, motion picture and video production companies, or they may be self-employed.

Nature of Work

Film and video camera operators operate motion picture and video cameras and related equipment to record news, live events, films, videos and television broadcasts. They are employed by television networks and stations, motion picture and video production companies, or they may be self-employed.

Duties

Camera operators often work under the direction of others. Their primary responsibility is to meet with directors and senior members of camera crews to discuss assignments and determine filming sequences, camera movements and picture composition. They may also be responsible for selecting and setting up camera equipment to be used on assignment. This may involve attaching lens, filters, and film magazine to camera and adjusting focus, exposure, lighting, and other camera settings. Most film and video camera operators are responsible for labelling and recording contents of exposed film, for completing report sheets, and for testing and maintaining equipment.

Example Titles

• film camera operator
• electronic news gathering (ENG) camera operator
• assistant camera operator
• studio camera operator
• television camera operator
• motion picture camera operator
• video camera operator
• camera operator

Training Paths

SIAST offers Media Arts Production programs for individuals interested in training for these occupations. Experience as a Camera Assistant may be beneficial.

Trends and Outlooks

The employment prospects for this occupation are: ...

The rapid and sudden growth of the Saskatchewan film industry in the late nineties strongly impacted these small occupations and raised expectations for many prospective film and video operators. However, the nature of the industry makes employment forecasts difficult. Employment for these and other film workers is so contingent on out-of-province investors. Simply put, when there are film projects, there are jobs. Small market video operators who cover wedding or other events are often less susceptible to these fluctuations.

Film and video camera operators in Saskatchewan are well paid. In 2005, the average full-time income for this field was $41,100 per year, well above the 2005 provincial full-time average for all occupations ($42,300 per year). The range of incomes in this occupational group is fairly wide. Film and video camera operators earned as much as $74,600 in 2005. Operators in or around Regina and Saskatoon typically earn more than their counterparts elsewhere in the province.

Employment for creative and performing artists is concentrated in Saskatchewan's two large cities. Regina and Saskatoon accounted for 75% of the work force in this occupational group in 2006; 45% in Regina and 30% in Saskatoon. Employment for film and video camera operators is not very sensitive to overall economic conditions. Very few women work in these positions.

The Film Employment Tax Credit was first introduced in January 1, 1998 by the government of Saskatchewan and then enhanced in 2005. Since the program's inception, Saskatchewan's film industry has boomed. While this industry is subject to the same pressures as other sectors of the economy, the province's ability to attract projects should continue as long as the credit is in place. As stated above, employment demand in these occupations can be intermittent. During peak production in the summer or pending large projects in the winter months, demand can be quite high. This helps explain the low incidence of full-year employment. Job seekers should understand the natural fluctuations in this industry.

Unlike most industries, the Film industry in Saskatchewan offers excellent employment and career opportunities for high school graduates. Much of the technical training required for film and video work is acquired on the job. Consequently, persons with no post-secondary education and training can be promoted in the industry through hard work and work-related experience.

Professional Associations

Related Occupations

• Audio and Video Recording Technicians (5225)
• Photographers (5221)
• Camera assistants (in 5227 Support and Assisting Occupations in Motion Pictures, Broadcasting and the
• Performing Arts)
• Filmmakers and directors of photography (in 5131 Producers, Directors, Choreographers and Related
• Occupations)
• Video artists (in 5136 Painters, Sculptors and Other Visual Artists)
• Video transmission operators (in 5224 Broadcast Technicians)