Camera operator

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A camera operator is a person that operates a film camera or video camera for the purpose of recording motion to film, video, or a computer storage medium. Camera operators serving in an official capacity in the process of filmmaking may be known variously as a camera operator, television camera operator, video camera operator, or videographer, depending on the context and technology involved. The operator is responsible not only for physically operating the camera, but for framing throughout a given scene or shot.

The camera operator may collaborate with the actors and crew to make technical and creative decisions. In filmmaking, a camera operator is part of a camera crew also consisting of the cinematographer and director—although in some cases one person may fill multiple roles.

Important camera operator skills include choreographing and framing shots, selecting appopriate photographic lenses, and using equipment (dollies, camera cranes, etc.) to portray dramatic scenes appropriately.