Camera Operator

A camera operator is the person who sets up and operates camera equipment to capture footage during production. They turn the director's plan into recorded shots that can be used in the final media product.

The role belongs to the production phase, when filming or recording takes place. Camera operators work on set or on location while filming happens, rather than planning ideas and scripts in pre-production or editing footage in post-production. Their work starts when the cameras are ready on set or on location.

Following the director

Camera operators take instructions from the director. The director explains the shot that is needed, and the camera operator sets up the camera position, framing, focus and movement to capture it. They may need to repeat a shot if the director is not happy or if something goes wrong.

For example, imagine a short film about a rescue dog training centre. The director asks for a close shot of a trainer encouraging the dog to walk through a tunnel. The camera operator positions the camera, checks the focus and records several takes until the director is satisfied.

Capture, not edit

Camera operators capture footage; they do not edit it. Choosing the best takes, putting shots in order and adding effects happens later in post-production, usually done by a video editor. A camera operator's job is finished once the required footage has been recorded and handed over.