Question 1

What does a Camera Operator do?

Steve Matzinger · Accepted Answer

The Camera Operator is part of the team on a film that expresses the story visually. The Camera Operator works directly with the Director and the Cinematographer to design, execute and achieve the dramatic visuals that tell the story of the script.

Question 2

How much do Camera Operators get paid?

Bob Gorelick · Accepted Answer

I think if you’re a successful Camera Operator [in the union] and you work the average number of hours that a typical Camera Operator works, you can expect to make between $150,000–$300,000 in today’s dollars.

Question 3

Is being a Camera Operator a good career?

Bob Gorelick · Accepted Answer

Okay, that’s another good question. It’s not like it’s a good career or a bad career. If it’s what you want to do and you’re really passionate about it, do it. You can make a decent living doing it, that’s what I would say. I tell people, &#8220;If they like eating standing up in dirty parking lots and working cold nights in the rain, it’s a perfect business for them.” I joke, but there’s some truth to it.

Question 4

Is it hard to become a Camera Operator?

Orlando Duguay · Accepted Answer

It can be difficult for someone to become a Camera Operator or Steadicam Operator. A Camera Operator is a freelance position and if the rate is good, most people take the job unless they’ve gone a long time without a break.
If the Camera Operator works Steadicam, they need to own their gear and use that leverage to get better jobs.

Question 5

What skills do you need to be a Camera Operator?

Steve Matzinger · Accepted Answer

People skills and problem-solving skills. Everyone thinks a Camera Operator is all about framing and composition, about pan and tilt. That should be second nature to an Operator.
The real work of an Operator is working with the crew to help solve the issues that come up when setting up and then executing a shot. Like how to get the bump out of the dolly track, how not to see a flag on the edge of frame, when to better send the foreground cross, or start the dolly move, or make the focus rack, how to include an element in the shot that isn’t getting included, watching out for bad reflections or mic packs or lens flares, or focus issues, and [how to] work with the people involved in a polite and respectful way to help resolve all the issues that come up in a day of filming.

Question 6

What degree do you need to become a Camera Operator?

Bob Gorelick · Accepted Answer

That’s a really good question. I don’t know if I have a firm opinion on that because I think that anything is possible in this industry for just about anyone.
I did go to film school. I began at Boston University, where I got a foundation in liberal arts but had an interest in history and philosophy. Somehow I began taking Cinema Studies, that is, film theory and criticism classes and that led me to an interest in film production. I had no idea why I started taking those classes because when I was a kid, becoming a filmmaker was not even on my radar. They were basically just fun classes.
Nonetheless, I learned a lot there and I really started to get into understanding movies, and understanding the political aspects&#8211;all of it. What a movie was saying, how movies were utilized to help cheer up society, and how propaganda was used to control society. The historical and philosophical aspects of film intrigued me. I started getting really into it. I watched so many movies and read and studied film history and theory. My junior year I decided that I wanted to learn more about MAKING movies, so I transferred New York University Film School which was more about film production than theory. But still, I do not think this is necessary for someone to become successful in the film industry.
Having said all of this, I personally feel that having any kind of education is an asset and no matter what, can only help you succeed in life. But, having been in the business for 40+ years, I would say that most of what is required of you is learned on the job&#8211;and anyone with good listening skills, an open attitude, and the willingness to work long hours under diverse conditions can succeed.

Question 7

What is the single biggest suggestion you would give to someone wanting to get into this career?

Orlando Duguay · Accepted Answer

“The best thing to do as a Steadicam Operator is to take a workshop. Sometimes people buy a bunch of equipment and then realize that they don’t want to do it. There’s a moment when someone puts on the rig and realizes they love it or hate it. Taking a few days’ trial period with a professional to use the gear and see if Steadicam operating is something they want to do is a smart move.”

Question 8

Do you have anything else you want up-and-coming Camera Operators to know?

Bob Gorelick · Accepted Answer

Believe in yourself, do not give up easily, pursue your passions. Show meaningful respect to those who arrived before you. They will help you!

Question 9

What’s the #1 mistake people make when trying to get into this career?

Orlando Duguay · Accepted Answer

“The biggest mistake young Operators make is they enter a set with fancy new equipment and act like a know-it-all. Most people don’t want an opinion unless they ask for it. Also, an opinionated personality will take longer to get a shot. Their reputation will die and nobody will hire them. Having a sense of humility goes a long way in working as a Camera Operator or Steadicam Operator.”

Question 10

What is the question people should ask about this career but rarely do?

Orlando Duguay · Accepted Answer

“What about bookkeeping as a Camera Operator or Steadicam Operator?
“A lot of the business side of being a Camera Operator gets overlooked. They need to be incredibly organized, especially when it comes to joining the union. The union requires logs of hours from each job worked, totaling one hundred hours. Letters from each of those project’s Producers are required as well.
“Some people are sloppy with bookkeeping or work logs, which can result in delays for joining the union, which handicaps their career. Beyond that, all gear needs to be insured with its own serial number and to get the proper write off, an LLC needs to be formed separating the Operator from their equipment.
“It’s easy to get extra fees in taxes from working freelance, too. Therefore, it is incredibly important for a Camera Operator to be organized in their bookkeeping.”

Question 11

What is one thing I should have asked which I didn’t?

Orlando Duguay · Accepted Answer

“What level of fitness is required to camera operate or be a Steadicam Operator?
“Being in shape is of critical importance. Operators need to run full speed with fifty pounds attached to them, repeatedly. When filming, there is no time for breaks because it costs time to rest. The job is physical enough to keep the Operator in shape.
“However, in between jobs, they need to be doing core workouts, squats, leg exercises, and running. Keeping in shape will impress Producers and Directors so they’ll hire that person again. The additional stamina allows more shots to be pulled off with technical precision.”

Question 12

If you could describe in one word what makes you successful, what would it be?

Orlando Duguay · Accepted Answer

“Relaxed.”

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