Studio Production: Camera Operation - Research

I have been researching the role of a studio camera operator which is the studio role I will be taking on for the production. It is the camera operators job to follow the Directors' shot list, based on a studio script and frame up the camera. The cameras used for a studio production will be of high quality and complexity. In the working environment, there would be another person to operate the iris of the camera. However, as a camera operator on this production, all of the operators will be managing every element of the camera for the show.

Other responsibilities of a camera operator include:

• Ensuring the cameras and associated equipment is rigged and ready for the required set up. 
• Using talk back, camera operators must be able to multitask to carry out several technical tasks,  listening to directions from the Director. 
• Assisting and supervising the Camera Assistant to move the cameras and carry out fault fixtures.
• They must also work with the contributors, giving them constructive advice, and giving feedback to the Director in order to achieve the required picture composition needed. 
• Working quickly and efficiently to a professional standard to provide the appropriate shots. 

I have found out that most camera operators start out by having training, as an apprentice. This means that they would learn most of their practical skills through hands on experience on the job. Throughout this production we have been rehearsing and having hands on experience with the cameras in a studio environment. I feel like this is the best way to learn about the many settings on the cameras and have as much practice and rehearsal time as possible. Being a technical role, it is essential that we learn through doing and exploring the features of the camera, as well as learning to troubleshoot to solve any problems on the day. 

Continual professional development is very important for this role, especially as technology is changing so rapidly. I found that some useful ways of obtaining information about this role in practice includes attending exhibitions, studying trade journals and joining industry forums. Basic photography skills, which help to develop visual and composition skills, provides a camera trainee with a useful starting point. I have an interest in photography and think that my attention to shot composition has helped me understand the basis of this.