WEBVTT

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Whether it’s the silver screen of

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1950s Hollywood

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or the computer screen

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and YouTube of today,

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Americans have long carried a torch

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for moving pictures.

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When the director yells “Action”

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the camera operator’s eyes are

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glued to the camera’s lens,

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making sure to catch everything.

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There are three main types of

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camera operators.

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Studio camera operators work in broadcasting

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and follow directions as part of an

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ensemble production.

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They film their subjects from a fixed position.

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Cinematographers film motion pictures.

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They determine the angles, lighting,

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and types of equipment that will best capture

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a shot.

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Videographers may shoot special events,

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such as weddings, or work with companies

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to make corporate documentaries.

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They typically edit their footage for clients.

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Many videographers run their own businesses

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or do freelance work.

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Most camera operators

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work full-time schedules,

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but may have long, irregular hours

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while filming.

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Like anyone in the movie industry,

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once filming wraps there’s no guarantee

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when the next opportunity will come along.

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Camera operators may have to

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stand for long periods,

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and they may carry heavy equipment

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wherever production happens,

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which could be an office or a remote setting.

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Camera operators must be creative,

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detail-oriented, and effective communicators.

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Camera operators typically need

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a bachelor’s degree

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in a field related to film or broadcasting,

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such as communications.