How to become a film and video camera operator
Official title: Film and video camera operators
Also called: Camera operator, Film camera operator, Film cameraman/woman, News camera operator, Video camera operator, Studio camera operator, Assistant camera operator, Television camera operator, Motion picture camera operator, Television news camera operator, Senior motion picture camera operator, Electronic news gathering (eng) camera operator
Film and video camera operators operate motion picture and video cameras and related equipment to record news, live events, films, videos and television broadcasts. They are employed by television networks and stations, motion picture and video production companies and in-house communications facilities of large corporations.
Main tasks
- Meet with director and senior members of camera crew to discuss assignment and determine filming sequences, camera movements and picture composition
- Select and set up camera equipment to be used and attach lens, filters and film magazine to camera
- Adjust focus, exposure, lighting and other camera settings
- Operate film or video camera to record news, live events, films, videos and television broadcasts
- Label and record contents of exposed film, and complete report sheets
- Test, maintain and store equipment
How to become one
Completion of a college or technical program in broadcasting, audio-visual technology or a related field and Experience as an assistant camera operator are usually required. Creative and technical ability, as demonstrated by a portfolio of work and experience, may be required.
Ways in
- College or CEGEP: College or CEGEP program. 43% of workers hold a college or other non-degree diploma (Census 2021). Common fields: Film/video and photographic arts; Audiovisual communications technologies/technicians; Communication and media studies.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $70,883 a year The middle half earn $50,700 to $85,605.
- About 7,600 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 8,500 are projected by 2033. (+11.8%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
Related jobs
- Graphic arts technicians
- Broadcast technicians
- Audio and video recording technicians
- Announcers and other broadcasters
- Other technical and coordinating occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting and the performing arts
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Questions people ask
How do I become a film and video camera operator?
Completion of a college or technical program in broadcasting, audio-visual technology or a related field and Experience as an assistant camera operator are usually required. Creative and technical ability, as demonstrated by a portfolio of work and experience, may be required.
How much does a film and video camera operator earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $70,883 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $50,700 to $85,605.
Is a film and video camera operator a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 12% by 2033, from about 7,600 to about 8,500 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a film and video camera operator?
Not always. 29% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: College or CEGEP program.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03