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Useful experience for film/television camera operators includes:

• photography
• working for a production company
• filmmaking
• video or television work.

Film/television camera operators may do some or all of the following:

• carry and set up cameras and equipment such as lighting rigs and kits
• work with and follow the instructions of the director
• operate cameras to film or record the action
• keep the camera in focus.

Directors of photography may do some or all of the following:

• study scripts and interpret how scenes should look
• select suitable cameras and equipment
• decide on the location of cameras and lights
• direct camera and lighting crew during filming
• work with the director and editor during editing.

Few opportunities for film/television camera operators

It is difficult to get work as a film/television camera operator in New Zealand because the entertainment industry is small.

Your chances of getting a job are best if you network regularly with industry contacts.

Most film industry professionals build a portfolio of previous work to showcase their professional skills.

According to the Census, 756 camera operators worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Types of employers varied

Camera operators may work independently, or for production companies or studios. They may work on:

• music videos
• television commercials
• corporate videos
• television productions
• web-based video clips
• short or feature films
• documentaries.

Most film and television production work happens during summer and is centred in Auckland and Wellington.

The Screen Industry Guild of Aotearoa New Zealand

(09) 889 9522 - info@screenguild.co.nz - www.screenguild.co.nz

Film/television camera operators usually specialise in working in either film or television in a number of roles, including:

Second Assistant

Second assistants process the shot footage or data and carry and set up gear such as lighting rigs.

First Assistant/Focus Puller

First assistants or focus pullers are in charge of the camera equipment and making sure the focus is correct.

Digital Imaging Technician

Digital imaging technicians are responsible for image quality control, on-set colour correction, and workflow (making sure footage is processed and gets where it needs to be) when a production uses digital cameras.

Director of Photography

Directors of photography organise production camera crews and make artistic and technical decisions about how scenes are shot.

Film/television camera operators need to be:

• able to work well under pressure
• good at problem solving
• patient
• efficient and reliable
• good communicators with strong people skills.