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27-4031.00 · Task explorer

Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film: reported tasks and exploration worksheet

Operate television, video, or film camera to record images or scenes for television, video, or film productions.

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This source lists 21 tasks, including 9 marked Core and 12 marked Supplemental. Labels and dates are retained below. Employers can combine or divide these responsibilities differently; explore the task itself before assuming it belongs in every version of the role.

Task source dates: 08/2019.

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21 tasks shown

Core · Task 4031 · 08/2019 · Incumbent

Compose and frame each shot, applying the technical aspects of light, lenses, film, filters, and camera settings to achieve the effects sought by directors.

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Core · Task 4030 · 08/2019 · Incumbent

Operate television or motion picture cameras to record scenes for television broadcasts, advertising, or motion pictures.

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Core · Task 4035 · 08/2019 · Incumbent

Adjust positions and controls of cameras, printers, and related equipment to change focus, exposure, and lighting.

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Core · Task 4037 · 08/2019 · Incumbent

Confer with directors, sound and lighting technicians, electricians, and other crew members to discuss assignments and determine filming sequences, desired effects, camera movements, and lighting requirements.

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Core · Task 4032 · 08/2019 · Incumbent

Operate zoom lenses, changing images according to specifications and rehearsal instructions.

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Core · Task 4038 · 08/2019 · Incumbent

Observe sets or locations for potential problems and to determine filming and lighting requirements.

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Core · Task 18664 · 08/2019 · Incumbent

Set up and perform live shots for broadcast.

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Core · Task 4033 · 08/2019 · Incumbent

Use cameras in any of several different camera mounts, such as stationary, track-mounted, or crane-mounted.

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Core · Task 18666 · 08/2019 · Incumbent

Test, clean, maintain, and repair broadcast equipment, including testing microphones, to ensure proper working condition.

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Supplemental · Task 18663 · 08/2019 · Incumbent

Edit video for broadcast productions, including non-linear editing.

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Supplemental · Task 4039 · 08/2019 · Incumbent

Instruct camera operators regarding camera setups, angles, distances, movement, and variables and cues for starting and stopping filming.

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Supplemental · Task 18665 · 08/2019 · Incumbent

Assemble studio sets and select and arrange cameras, film stock, audio, or lighting equipment to be used during filming.

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Supplemental · Task 4046 · 08/2019 · Incumbent

Read and analyze work orders and specifications to determine locations of subject material, work procedures, sequences of operations, and machine setups.

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Supplemental · Task 4044 · 08/2019 · Incumbent

View films to resolve problems of exposure control, subject and camera movement, changes in subject distance, and related variables.

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Supplemental · Task 18669 · 08/2019 · Incumbent

Direct studio productions.

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Supplemental · Task 4043 · 08/2019 · Incumbent

Set up cameras, optical printers, and related equipment to produce photographs and special effects.

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Supplemental · Task 4042 · 08/2019 · Incumbent

Read charts and compute ratios to determine variables such as lighting, shutter angles, filter factors, and camera distances.

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Supplemental · Task 18668 · 08/2019 · Incumbent

Set up and operate electric news gathering (ENG) microwave vehicles to gather and edit raw footage on location to send to television affiliates for broadcast.

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Supplemental · Task 18671 · 08/2019 · Incumbent

Write new scripts for broadcasts.

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Supplemental · Task 18670 · 08/2019 · Incumbent

Design graphics for studio productions.

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Supplemental · Task 18667 · 08/2019 · Incumbent

Stay current with new technologies in the field by reading trade magazines.

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Make the shortlist useful

Choose one to three activities that tell you something different about the work. Avoid selecting several ways of describing the same interest.
For each, write an example you can discuss or a question that would change your understanding of the role.
Keep source task IDs with your notes so you can return to the same description. Do not include private employer or customer information.

The exported worksheet distinguishes the reported task from your own notes. It supports exploration, not a hiring decision or a validated assessment.

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Download before leaving this page. Unsaved writing remains only in the page and is cleared on refresh. Notes and learning actions are not sent to a server. This guide describes an occupation and supports study planning; it does not provide clinical, legal or equipment-operating procedures.

Source and practice material

Occupational context uses the O*NET® 31.0 Database from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. View the occupation.

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