9781422276624

Is This Job Right for You? To find out if being a TV or film camera operator is right for you, read each of the following questions and answer “Yes” or “No.” Yes No 1. Are you a team player? Yes No 2. Do you have a good artistic “eye?” Yes No 3. Do you take directions well? Yes No 4. Are you good with technology? Yes No 5. Are you physically strong? Yes No 6. Can you work long or irregular hours? Yes No 7. Do you work well under pressure? Yes No 8. Are you willing to start at the bottom? Yes No 9. Can you move to where a job is, if necessary? Yes No 10. Do you have good communications skills? If you answered “Yes” to most of these questions, you may have the essential skills for a career as a TV or film camera operator. To find out more about this job, read on. What’s the Work Like? The TV or film camera operator’s job starts long before the director calls “Action!” Much of the magic of show business is planning—positioning the cameras, getting the lighting just right, and deciding when you’ll be zooming in for a close-up and when you’ll be pulling back for a long shot. You’ll be working closely with the director, the sound and light equipment opera- tors, and the “talent”—the people who will appear on camera. Of course, that’s only if you’re working in a studio. The places where a TV or film camera operator might work are as varied as the places where exciting and in- teresting things happen. You might find yourself doing everything from covering the opening of a newmini- mall to running through a war zone. One thing doesn’t change, though: The job of the TV or film camera operator is to capture im- ages. In order to do this, you’ll need a good sense of timing, as well as TALKING MONEY Employment in all media occu- pations is expected to continue to grow at a rate of about 4 percent. It’s impor- tant to be aware, however, that there is a lot of competition for jobs in this high-stress and de- manding, yet very desirable, industry.

• Computers, Communications & the Arts

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