Film and Video Editors and Camera Operators

Summary

Editors and camera operators sometimes work on location.

Quick Facts: Film and Video Editors and Camera Operators
2010 Median Pay	$45,490 per year $21.87 per hour
Entry-Level Education	Bachelor’s degree
Work Experience in a Related Occupation	See How to Become One
On-the-job Training	See How to Become One
Number of Jobs, 2010	58,300
Job Outlook, 2010-20	4% (Slower than average)
Employment Change, 2010-20	2,200

What Film and Video Editors and Camera Operators Do

Film and video editors and camera operators record images that entertain or inform an audience. Camera operators capture a wide range of material for TV shows, motion pictures, music videos, documentaries, or news and sporting events. Editors construct the final productions from the many different images camera operators capture. They collaborate with producers and directors to create the final production.

Work Environment

Most camera operators work in the motion picture industry or television broadcasting. Editors are employed largely by the motion picture industry, although some work in broadcasting.

How to Become a Film and Video Editor or Camera Operator

Camera operators typically need a bachelor’s degree and some on-the-job training. Most film editors have a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience as an assistant to a film editor.

Pay

The median annual wage of camera operators was $40,390 in May 2010. The median annual wage of film and video editors was $50,930 in May 2010.

Job Outlook

Employment of film and video editors and camera operators is projected to grow 4 percent from 2010 to 2020, slower than the average for all occupations. These occupations should have intense competition for jobs, and those with more experience at a TV station or on a film set will likely have the best job prospects.

Similar Occupations

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of film and video editors and camera operators with similar occupations.

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Contacts for More Information

Learn more about film and video editors and camera operators by contacting these additional resources.

What Film and Video Editors and Camera Operators Do About this section

Most video editing is done digitally.

Film and video editors and camera operators record images that entertain or inform an audience. Camera operators capture a wide range of material for TV shows, motion pictures, music videos, documentaries, or news and sporting events. Editors construct the final productions from the many different images that camera operators capture. They collaborate with producers and directors to create the final production.

Duties

Camera operators and film and video editors typically do the following:

• Choose and present interesting material for an audience
• Work with a director to determine the overall vision of the production
• Discuss filming and editing techniques with a director to improve a scene
• Select the appropriate equipment, from type of camera to software for editing
• Shoot or edit a scene based on the director's vision

Most camera operators have one or more assistants working under their supervision. The assistants set up the camera equipment and may be responsible for storing it and caring for it. They also help the operator determine the best shooting angle and make sure that the camera stays in focus.

Likewise, editors usually have a few assistants. The assistant supports the editor by keeping track of each shot in a database. Assistants may do some editing themselves.

The increased use of digital filming has changed the work of many camera operators and editors. Many camera operators prefer using digital cameras, because these instruments give the operator more angles to shoot from. Digital cameras have also changed the job of some camera assistants: instead of loading film or choosing lenses, they download digital images or choose a type of software program to use with the camera.

Nearly all editing work is done on a computer, and editors often are trained in a specific type of editing software.

The following are examples of types of camera operators.

Studio camera operators work in a broadcast studio and videotape their subjects from a fixed position. There may be one or several cameras in use at a time. Operators normally follow directions that give the order of the shots. They often have time to practice camera movements before shooting begins. If they are shooting a live event, they must be able to make adjustments at a moment’s notice and follow the instructions of the show’s director.

Electronic news gathering (ENG) operators work on location as part of a reporting team. ENG operators follow events as they unfold and often record live events or breaking news. To capture these events, operators must anticipate the action and act quickly to shoot it. They sometimes edit their own footage in the field and then send it back to a studio to be broadcast.

Cinematographers film motion pictures. They usually have a team of camera operators and assistants working under them. They determine the best angles and types of cameras to capture a shot.

They may use stationary cameras that shoot whatever passes in front of them or use a camera mounted on a track and move around the action. Some operators sit on cranes and follow the action. Others carry the camera on their shoulder while they move around the action.

Some cinematographers specialize in filming cartoons or special effects.

Videographers film or videotape private ceremonies or special events, such as weddings. They also may work with companies and make corporate documentaries on a variety of topics. Some videographers post short videos on websites for businesses. Most videographers edit their own material.

Many videographers run their own business or do freelance work. They may submit bids, write contracts, and get permission to shoot on locations that may not be open to the public. They also get copyright protection for their work and keep financial records.

Work Environment About this section

Camera operators shoot a wide range of images.

Camera operators held about 26,800 jobs in 2010. About 24 percent work in television broadcasting and another 21 percent work in motion picture and video industries. About 34 percent of camera operators were self-employed in 2010.

Film and video editors held about 31,600 jobs in 2010. About 42 percent are employed by motion picture and video industries and 9 percent work in television broadcasting. About 35 percent of editors were self-employed in 2010.

Electronic news gathering (ENG) operators usually travel locally and may have to stay overnight to cover a major event. Cinematographers and operators who film movies or TV shows may film on location and be away from home for months at a time. Operators who travel usually carry heavy equipment.

Some camera operators work in uncomfortable or even dangerous conditions, such as severe weather, military conflicts, and natural disasters. They may have to stand for long periods waiting for an event to take place. They may carry heavy equipment.

Work Schedules

Work hours vary with the type of operator or editor, though most work full time. Those who work in broadcasting might have to work long hours to meet a deadline. Those who work in the motion picture industry may have long, irregular hours while filming but go through a period of unemployment after their work on the film is complete and before they are hired for their next job.

How to Become a Film and Video Editor or Camera Operator About this section

Camera operators are usually responsible for reloading their camera.

Camera operators typically need a bachelor’s degree and some on-the-job training. Most film editors have a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience as an assistant to a film editor.

Education

Most camera operator and editor positions require a bachelor’s degree in a field related to film or broadcasting. Many colleges offer courses in camera operation or video editing software.

Camera operators must have an understanding of digital cameras and computer technology, because both are now used on film sets. Most editing is now done digitally, so film and video editors should have experience with different types of video editing software. Most editors eventually specialize in one type of software, but beginners should be familiar with as many as possible.

Training

On movie sets, many camera operators start out as a production assistant for the camera department to learn how film production works. Production assistants typically run errands or do simple tasks for operators. With some moderate on-the-job training production assistants can become camera assistants and, eventually, operators.

In broadcasting, operators also begin as an assistant and work their way up to operator. Operators typically start out working for a small TV station or on a small movie set. As they become more experienced, they move on to larger productions.

Work Experience

Most film editors have had several years of experience in related jobs before they are given an opportunity as an editor. They normally start out as an edit room assistant, taking notes or doing other simple tasks for an editor, before becoming an assistant editor. After several years of learning about editing as an assistant, they may be given an opportunity as an editor.

Like camera operators, editors typically start out on small productions and move on to bigger and more expensive ones as they gain experience.

Advancement

Some camera operators or editors become producers or directors. For more information, see the profile on producers and directors.

Important Qualities

Creativity. Camera operators and editors should be able to imagine what the result of their filming or editing will look like to an audience.

Detail oriented. Editors look at every frame of film and decide what should be kept and what should be cut to make the best production.

Hand–eye coordination. In the field, camera operators need to be able to move about the action while holding a camera steady.

Technical skills. Camera operators must understand the high-end cameras they use. Editors must know how to use many features of sophisticated editing software.

Visual skills. Camera operators must be able to see clearly what they are filming.

Pay About this section

The median annual wage of camera operators was $40,390 in May 2010. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $20,300, and the top 10 percent earned more than $81,270.

The median annual wage of film and video editors was $50,930 in May 2010. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $25,960, and the top 10 percent earned more than $111,860.

Work hours vary with the type of operator or editor, though most work full time. Those who work in broadcasting might have to work long hours to meet a deadline. Those who work in the motion picture industry may have long, irregular hours while filming but endure a period of unemployment after their work on the film is complete and before they are hired for their next job.

Job Outlook About this section

Employment of camera operators is projected to experience little or no change, growing 2 percent from 2010 to 2020.

In broadcasting, job growth is expected to be slow because automatic camera systems reduce the need for camera operators at many TV stations. Despite the public's continued strong demand for new movies and TV shows, companies won’t hire as many people as might be expected as the motion picture industry becomes more productive. They will be able to produce more movies without hiring many more workers.

Production companies are experimenting with new content delivery methods, such as mobile and online TV, which may lead to more work for operators in the future. However, these delivery methods are still in their early stages, and it remains to be seen how successful they will be.

Employment of film and video editors is projected to grow 5 percent from 2010 to 2020, slower than the average for all occupations.

In broadcasting, the consolidation of roles, such as field reporters who edit their own work, may lead to fewer of jobs for editors at TV stations. However, more editors are expected to be needed in the motion picture industry because of an increase in special effects, which are complicated and require more planning.

Job Prospects

There will be some job openings due to workers leaving the occupation, however, camera operators and film and video editors will still face strong competition for jobs. The broadcasting and motion picture industries attract many more applicants than there are jobs available. Those with more experience at a TV station or on a film set should have the best job prospects.

Contacts for More Information About this section

For more information about camera operators and film and video editors, visit

International Cinematographers Guild