Camera operators are responsible for capturing the action.
Camera operators are responsible for capturing the action. They shoot what’s happening, whether that’s on location for a news programme or documentary or a large multi-camera studio show or a major outside broadcast. They know which cameras to use in which conditions and consider the composition, framing and movement of a shot.
Camera operators on multi-camera studio programmes, or outside broadcasts, are one of several cameramen and women who work as a team, all covering the action from several different angles. Some have cameras mounted on mobile pedestals, which they move smoothly around the studio, rotate and adjust to create beautiful flowing shots. Multi-camera operators are often given ‘blocking’ or ‘shot’ notes, indicating where the presenters and contributors are going to move, these are then used for rehearsal and amended if necessary. During rehearsal, recording or live transmission, they all respond to instructions from the director via headsets.
When shooting on location, such as on documentaries, they might be the only camera operator working in all kinds of conditions; underwater, in a snowstorm or in a desert. They often operate a variety of different cameras, including handheld, cameras mounted on a body frame (Steadicam) or a drone. They are responsible for taking care of the kit, wherever they are shooting, and often own their equipment. They are also skilled at lighting and for that reason are often known as lighting camera operators. They often work alone or with one assistant.
Camera operators with a lot of experience have their own editorial eye and often offer up shots and ideas to the journalist or producer. On large shows shot at various locations by a number of different camera operators, one very experienced senior camera operator is responsible for establishing the shooting style for all the camera operators to follow, and in this instance is credited as the director of photography.