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Have you ever watched your favorite television program and thought about how the show was made? What you see on the screen is only a small part of the many complex operations that take place behind the scenes. Everything from the camera angles, to the lights, to the sound recording makes a difference in the quality of the program. With the right career training, you could enter the exciting world of television production and enjoy a rewarding career.
There are many areas of television and movie production that require skilled workers. These include operating the camera, setting the lights, creating sets and scenery, directing the performers, editing the raw video into a final product, and many more.
Camera operators use television, film, or video cameras to record visual material and tell a story, inform or entertain an audience, or record an event. Producing high-quality images requires selecting the appropriate equipment, choosing and presenting interesting material, and having a skilled hand to ensure smooth, natural movement of the camera.
Some camera operators are self-employed and are hired to videotape special events including weddings and conference program sessions. Studio camera operators work in a broadcast studio and often use large cameras on rolling mounts to videotape a program.
To capture live events, camera operators must anticipate the action and act quickly. News camera operators work as part of a reporting team, following newsworthy events as they unfold. Steadicam operators use a special harness to carry the camera on their shoulders, and can provide a clear picture while they move with the action.
Film and video editors edit film, soundtracks, and video for motion pictures, television shows, and webcasts. Film and video editors assemble the finished product from many different shots. Nowadays, most of the editing work is done on a computer.
Education and Training
Employers seek applicants with a good eye, imagination, creativity, and a solid technical understanding of how cameras and editing equipment operates. Television, video, and motion picture camera operators and editors usually acquire their skills through formal postsecondary training at vocational schools, colleges, universities, or photographic institutes. A bachelor’s degree may be required for some positions, particularly those for film and video editors.
Here on EducationForCareers.com you can find many quality television production programs that could prepare you for exciting entry-level positions. Basic courses usually cover equipment, processes, and techniques, and many courses provide a good understanding of computer technology. Film schools also may provide training on the artistic or aesthetic aspects of filmmaking.
How Large Is the Industry?
According to the U.S. government, in 2007 in the United States about 47,000 jobs were held by television, video, and motion picture camera operators and editors. Video editors held about 21,000 jobs, while about 27,000 were camera operators.* Many are employed by large cable and television networks, independent television stations, local affiliate stations of television networks or broadcast groups, or smaller independent production companies.
Job Outlook
In the current decade from 2006 to 2016, rapid expansion of the entertainment market, especially movie and television production, is expected to spur demand for camera operators. Computer and Internet services are expected to provide new outlets for interactive productions.
Employment is expected to grow about as fast as the average. Over the 2006-2016 decade, opportunities for camera operators and editors are expected to grow twelve percent, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. Camera operators will be needed to film Internet broadcasts, including live music videos, sports features, digital movies, and entertainment programming.
If you dream about an exciting career behind the scenes at a television program, the future could hold many opportunities. With the right training, you could be a part of the action and enjoy a rewarding career making television and video programs enjoyed by millions around the world.
* All job statistics courtesy Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Television, Video, and Motion Picture Camera Operators and Editors, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos091.htm (visited November 10, 2008).
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