How to become a motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistant or operator
Official title: Motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators
Also called: Boom operator, Script assistant, Staging assistant, Telecine operator, Lighting assistant, Spotlight operator, Wardrobe assistant, Teleprompt operator, Production assistant, Searchlight operator, Camera crane operator, Motion picture examiner
Assistants and operators in motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and the performing arts perform duties related to these fields. They are employed by television and radio stations and networks, recording studios, motion picture and video production companies and by theatre and stage companies.
Main tasks
- Camera crane operators
- Set up, assemble, adjust, maintain and replace reels and projector equipment; detect and repair mechanical and electrical problems; and change and install an electronic control panel using automated equipment
- Motion picture projectionists
- Check the condition of the copy; set up and load film reels on movie theatre projection systems, adjust focus, sound levels and other projector and theatre settings; and maintain projection equipment
- Props persons and set builders
- Assemble, repair, place, build and oversee props
- Script assistants
- Distribute scripts to actors; keep detailed notes of all actions, positions and camera angles; and photograph and date scenes
How to become one
Completion of secondary school is usually required. Most occupations in this unit group require completion of college courses in broadcasting, theatre arts or a related field or A period of on-the-job training. Certification for projectionists is available, but voluntary, in New Brunswick. In Quebec, projectionists are regulated under operators of electrical machines, cinema equipment. Projectionists are required to be licensed by their province of employment.
Ways in
- College or CEGEP: College or CEGEP program. 32% of workers hold a college or other non-degree diploma (Census 2021). Common fields: Film/video and photographic arts; Drama/theatre arts and stagecraft; Fine arts and art studies.
- Licence or registration: Projectionists are required to be licensed by their province of employment.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $52,260 a year The middle half earn $39,488 to $68,250.
- About 7,700 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 8,300 are projected by 2033. (+7.8%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: strong risk of surplus.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistant or operator?
Completion of secondary school is usually required. Most occupations in this unit group require completion of college courses in broadcasting, theatre arts or a related field or A period of on-the-job training. Certification for projectionists is available, but voluntary, in New Brunswick. In Quebec, projectionists are regulated under operators of electrical machines, cinema equipment. Projectionists are required to be licensed by their province of employment.
How much does a motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistant or operator earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $52,260 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $39,488 to $68,250.
Is a motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistant or operator a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 8% by 2033, from about 7,700 to about 8,300 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistant or operator?
Not always. 28% 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