• Television, video, and motion picture camera operators produce images that tell a story, inform or entertain an audience, or record an event.
• Film and video editors edit soundtracks, film, and video for the motion picture, cable, and broadcast television industries. Some camera operators do their own editing.
• Camera operators use television, video, or motion picture cameras to shoot a wide range of material, including television series, studio programs, news and sporting events, music videos, motion pictures, documentaries, and training sessions.
• This material is constructed from many different shots by film and video editors.
• With the increase in digital technology, the editing work is now done on a computer. Many camera operators and editors are employed by independent television stations; local affiliate stations of television networks; large cable and television networks; or smaller, independent production companies.
• Making commercial-quality movies and video programs requires technical expertise and creativity.
• Producing successful images requires choosing and presenting interesting material, selecting appropriate equipment, and applying a steady hand to ensure smooth, natural movement of the camera.
• Videographers film or videotape private ceremonies and special events, such as weddings. Some record and post short videos on Web sites for businesses.
• Studio camera operators work in a broadcast studio and usually videotape their subjects from a fixed position.
• News camera operators, also called electronic news-gathering (ENG) operators, work as part of a reporting team, following newsworthy events as they unfold. To capture live events, they must anticipate the action and act quickly.
• ENG operators sometimes edit raw footage on the spot for relay to a television affiliate for broadcast.
• Camera operators employed in the entertainment field use motion picture cameras to film movies, television programs, and commercials.
• Those who film motion pictures also are known as cinematographers. Some specialize in filming cartoons or special effects.
• Cinematographers may be an integral part of the action, using cameras in any of several different mounts. For example, the camera can be stationary and shoot whatever passes in front of the lens, or it can be mounted on a track, with the camera operator responsible for shooting the scene from different angles or directions.
• Wider use of digital cameras has enhanced the number of angles and the clarity that a camera operator can provide.
• Other camera operators sit on cranes and follow the action while crane operators move them into position.
• Steadicam operators mount a harness and carry the camera on their shoulders to provide a clear picture while they move about the action.
• Camera operators who work in the entertainment field often meet with a director of photography to discuss ways of filming, editing, and improving scenes.

• Those with the most experience and the most advanced computer skills will have the best job opportunities.
• As the motion picture industry expands, demand for camera operators and editors will expand also.
• Camera operators will be needed to film made-for-Internet broadcasts, such as music videos, digital movies, sports features, and general entertainment programming.
• As the market for professional Internet video grows, camera operators may see increases in employment.
• Growth will be tempered, however, by the increased offshore production of motion pictures. Job growth for studio camera operators in television broadcasting will be slowed by the use of automated cameras under the control of a single person working either on the studio floor or in a director's booth.
• For ENG camera operators and editors, growth may be tempered by the combination of roles and other cost-cutting measures at broadcast stations.
• For videographers, computer and Internet services will provide new outlets for interactive productions.
• Television, video, and motion picture camera operators and editors can expect keen competition for job openings because of the large number of people who wish to enter the broadcasting and motion picture industries, in which many of these workers are employed.
• The number of individuals interested in positions as videographers and movie camera operators usually is much greater than the number of openings.
• Those who succeed in landing a salaried job or attracting enough work to earn a living by freelancing are likely to be the most creative and highly motivated people, able to adapt to rapidly changing technologies and adept at operating a business.
• The change to digital cameras has increased the importance of strong computer skills.
• Those with the most experience and the most advanced computer skills will have the best job opportunities.

Related arts and media occupations include Artists and related workers; Broadcast and sound engineering technicians and radio operators; Graphic designers; Photographers.

• BA from Film Colleges, Universities or Photographic Institutes