Visual Arts and Film Studies - Essay Example

Visual Arts and Film Studies and Outline Introduction Camera operator equipment Training andhands on experience Employment opportunities for freelance camera operators Getting the job Income rates for freelance camera operators Lifestyle and support of a freelance camera operator Insurance, health and safety Summary Questionnaire References Introduction A camera operator (cameraman / camerawoman) is an individual who specifically handles the camera in a bid to record video or film content. There are a variety of camera operators. In the film making industry, the individual who operates the camera is referred to as the cinematographer. In the video making industry, the individual responsible for recording the best video content is referred to as the video and/ or videographer and/ or the television camera operator. In each instance, each has their own set of duties that they are supposed to fulfil- Mostly, it includes working with the film and/ or camera crew in a bid to produce a motion picture (a film recording). The film crew consists of several individuals such as the director, photography director and the actors. To ensure that the output of the film recording is top notch, all the mentioned members must be available in the set. There are a number of attributes that the camera operator has to ensure that they are well set. These attributes relate to the environment where the recording will take place and the camera itself. The environment should be favourable in terms of lighting and landscape. While recording, the camera operator should ensure that the best lighting is projected in the scene and the landscape selected is also complementing the scene so as to encourage coherency. Additionally, the camera itself has to be perfectly working – The lenses should be technically analysed so as to ensure that they can zoom in and out coherently and the filtering capabilities of the camera should be verified before recording takes place - It is the solemn duty of the camera operator to test, clean and maintain the camera. Shepherd, St. John and Striphas (2006) stated that it is the duty of the camera operator to ensure that they critically analyse any potential challenges that may be encountered during filming. As a result, they should give ample advice and solutions to the filming crew – The challenges likely to be faced relate to lighting, set-up, props and camera angles. A camera operator can either work as part of an employment company or they may decide to take the job on a freelance note. Being a freelancer, the camera operator works as an independent unit and they can be engaged in a variety of jobs. That is, the camera operator could handle work related to recording small-scheme sporting events maybe at a school or a sporting venue, wedding events, birthdays, and even bigger events such as television and reality shows. However, for the bigger events, the equipment needed could be too expensive to purchase or even get through hire if the camera operator is just starting out. With that mentioned, equipment financing can be a massive challenge for the camera operator. Even if the camera operator sought to get equipment financing from other sources, it could be costlier than the anticipated income to be received after the event. As a result, equipment financing for bigger events becomes a challenge for beginning camera operator freelancers. On the other hand, camera operators who have been in the motion recording field for a while and they are stable in terms of financial matters could be very much capable of handling bigger events since they could be having the necessary equipment needed. On a final note, this paper seeks to focus on freelance camera operators, the equipment needed to fully perform their job, the employment opportunities available, their payment rates and finally, the lifestyle of a freelance camera operator. Camera operator equipment To produce quality photography and motion pictures, high definition equipments are paramount. In this respect, the equipment needed depends on the type of video recording being made. For instance, filming live broadcast events will mostly require the use of stationary cameras while film and/ or motion picture recording will require the use of advanced equipment such as track-mounted or crane mounted cameras which capture the scenery and movement optimally. An example of high definition equipment needed by a camera operator is the chimera sofbox for providing perfect light. According to Livingstone (1990), the Chimera sofbox is one of the highly preferred equipment due to its ability to generate beautiful and perfect soft light. Other equipment needed include grip equipment for holding the set cameras, sound kits with two headsets for sound recording, additional lenses and lastly a van whole sole purpose is to transport the equipment. For a beginner, the amount that they could set aside so as to purchase at least one of two sets of equipment could be at least $ 3000 – This could be for purchasing the camera, the lenses and the stands. Training and hands on experience The freelance camera operator field is one that is very competitive. Majority of the clients who need freelance camera operator services always go for those who have the best academic qualifications as well as hands on experience in the field. In that case, it is suitable for an individual seeking to become a freelance camera operator to at least have some form of qualifications which can be additionally tagged to hands on experience in the field. There are a variety of academic training courses that an individual pursuing to become a freelance camera operator can venture into. One of them is video production. For the video production course, the degree certificate is suitable and it could last an individual approximately two to four years depending on their mode of study – Full time or part time. During this period, students are trained on various concepts such as sound control and management, video manipulation, concept development, lighting, editing, storyboarding and more importantly motion graphics. Further, freelance camera operators need superior video and film editing computer programs. As a result, the freelance camera operator ought to have the knowledge, skill and creative thinking needed to at least be capable of editing the video or films that they have recorded with utmost professionalism. Based on that perspective, students are taught on how to use editing software’s such as final cut Pro and Photoshop. Despite the taught school courses, a freelance camera operator should be a dynamic individual with the zeal to learn more each and every time. This is due to the fact that camera technology keeps on changing with time, and to stay on top one has to change with technology. Livingstone & Lunt (1994) suggested that a camera operator needs to have the correct form of training, experience, talent and ability – All in one package. Andrejevic (2004) contributed to the same ideology by stating that a camera operator ought to have talent and an artistic eye that is keen to detail so as to compose interesting and visually dynamic images. Employment opportunities for freelance camera operators After the formal training, the next step for a lot of individuals is always to search for satisfactory job opportunities. The question that lingers in many students pursuing to become successful freelance camera operators is whether the available market can readily accommodate each and every one of them. A reflection into this question will lead to a positive response. This is because there are a lot of people who need the basic camera operator service and going to big companies could cost them a fortune. Therefore, these potential clients always rely on the services of freelance camera operators. In addition to that, being a freelance camera operator has its benefits such as: a wide variety of job opportunities in fields related to internet broadcasting, film and television broadcasting. According to the US Bureau of statistics in the Labour field, it is estimated that by the year 2018, there will be an 11% increased need for individuals who are knowledgeable and skilled in video editing (Job Monkey n.d). These statistics therefore project the positivity in the availability of freelance camera operator jobs now and in the future. Believe it or not, breaking even in this field is not a stone throw to a glass house. It takes time for a freelance camera operator to become stable. In most cases, it could take up to two years so as to get the necessary skills needed. An individual may acquire these skills through a variety of channels. These include: through volunteering as a trainee and engaging in other video production activities. It is important to know that beginning the freelance career is always the hard nut that a lot of hopefuls need to crack. An individual may start by working as a camera assistant before gathering sufficient knowledge to become a professional freelance camera operator. Further on that, an individual should always have it in the back of their mind that attaining the academic training course does not necessarily guarantee employment since career growth depends on the acquired technical knowledge. With that vividly mentioned; a good strategy as a freelancer would be to acquire multiple skills so as to become an all rounded camera operator. According to Fuchs (2010), acquiring multiple skills helps an individual to develop more outstanding skills through the exposure that they have been subjected to. In addition to that, an individual may be required to take up a number of responsibilities hence broadening their skills for future self-reliance. For a new student seeking to venture into the freelance market, this becomes a channel through which the student can develop the necessary skills so as to manage spot technical problems, build initiatives, cope with unexpected situations and more importantly develop a degree of intuition for the job. With regard to freelance job opportunities, this will enable the student to have a wide array of freelance opportunities to choose from in the event that they want to achieve greater success. Getting the job To get the job as a freelance camera operator, an individual undergoes similar interview questions faced by other job applicants. For instance, “tell us about yourself and what you do” are two of the common cross sectional interview questions. The interviewer would also wish to know the background of the jobseeker. This kind of question helps to establish the motivation behind pursing the career. In addition to that, the manner in which the job seeker responds to the questions asked determines a lot. For example, it could determine the confidence and motivation that an individual has. Through this conversation, an employer would also like to know what projects have been handled. This is in a bid to analyse what technicalities the individual is capable of doing (Hearn 2008) Income rates for freelance camera operators Every working individual always hopes to get a good pay at the end of the day. With that, the question of whether a freelance camera operator earns enough money or not solemnly depends on a number of variables such as their skills, knowledge and the position held. It is without doubt that a camera operator who has more experience is paid more compared to one who does not. Nevertheless, to develop a career as a freelance camera operator needs determination and motivation (Kiciloff and Starosta 2007). The pay rates depend on the working environment that one is subjected to. If an individual decides to go freelance on a full time basis, they could be expected to work for longer hours; sometimes even during the weekends. In addition to that, they may have to travel to different locations so as to get the work done. However, this trend varies with regard to the specific camera operator job that one is engaged in. For those who do studio recording, they spend less time travelling to different locations. With that, the annual average salary rates for freelance camera operators in television, video and films could approximately reach $ 50,439. For the film and video editors, their salaries could reach approximately $ 52,654 annually (Job Monkey n.d). As of May 2011, the US Bureau of Labour Statistics indicated that the annual average salary that a camera operator earned was approximately was $41,600. In addition to that, the numbers of those working in the television industry was 6,080 while those working in the cable industry were 650. The survey also revealed that 37% of the total number of camera operators was focused to the television industry. The others were focused to the film industry and they earned approximately $58,110 annually (Strauss 2013). According to College Grad (2013), in May 2004 the average yearly income for a television, video and film camera operator was approximately $48,900. However, this figure was distributed to half of the camera operators earning between $22,640 and $56,400. The lowest income noted was approximately $15,730. For freelancers, it is a common trend to be paid on an hourly rate. The amount that an experienced and/ or professional freelance camera operator can earn on an hourly basis ranges from $ 30 to $ 100 (Careers 2013). Lifestyle and support of a freelance camera operator The lifestyle of a freelance camera operator depends on their income. If the camera operator earns comfortably, then their lifestyle will also be satisfactory too. The Broadcasting, Entertainment, Cinematograph and Theatre Union (BECTU) is a UK trade union whose core aims are to: provide workplace support for all individuals working in the broadcast, entertainment and cinematography industries; provide legal help for their members; offer low cost insurance to their members; provide job placements (BECTU 2013). Therefore, all individuals in the mentioned fields are offered support and help when they need it. Insurance, health and safety There are numerous occupational safety and health hazards associated with camera work. Some of them include: the effects of chemicals during pre-production sessions, fire hazards, unstable walls, cracked ceilings, broken staircases and other natural medical problems. The lack of first aid facilities in many camera rooms tends to exacerbate the problem. A solution to these problems is to always have a first aid kit readily available as well as a stand by medical unit just in case things go awry. Further on that, high standards for safety and health should be observed in the course of the entire production work. This will in turn lead to optimal safety for each individual. Taking an insurance cover is also an advisable strategy. This is because risks can happen unexpectedly and their outcomes are always undesirable (Deery 2004). Summary Working as a freelance camera operator is a very interesting career. This is due to the reason that the job requires frequent travel. However, academic qualifications, skills and experience are essential so as to make this a reality. This paper has established the job definition and detail of a camera operator in the television and film or cinema production. It has also covered on matters to do with the equipment that a freelance operator may need as well as how much they would cost for an individual wishing to engage in this career path. Every job must have a pay tag attached to it. As a result, the annual payment rates as well as the hourly rates associated with freelance operators have also been discussed. It is worthy to note that the payment of a freelance operator determines their lifestyle choices. The earnings associated with freelance camera operator services can ensure that an individual lives a comfortable life. Insurance, health and safety are also essential in any work placement. Risks may happen without notice and it is safer when an individual has an insurance cover policy that is standby for such occurrences. Being a freelance camera operator could also be a lucrative business. However, being a business, there are several risk factors that could be encountered. These include mismanagement of funds or lack of proper customer service to clients. As a result, there is need for good management skills as well as problem solving skills so as to avoid or mitigate business risks. Questionnaire 1. What influenced you to study camera work - Motivation? 2. Who are some of the freelance camera operators that inspire you? 3. Which is your dream event to record as a freelance camera operator? 4. Since you became a freelance camera operator, how has the career path been? 5. What are some of the things that you have learnt along the way? How have they impacted you? Have they changed you for the better? 6. Due to the fact that equipment technology keeps changing, how do you cope with that trend? 7. What are the key values for a person to make a good camera operator? 8. What career options are there for a camera operator? What advice can you give? 9. What is the future with regard to being a freelance camera operator? 10. Are there enough jobs for camera operators? 11. Do freelance camera operator jobs pay well? References Andrejevic, M. (2004) Reality TV: The work of being watched. Lanham, MD: Rowman and Littlefield BECTU (2013) Services. [Online] Available from: http://www.bectu.org.uk/benefits-services [Accessed: 8 November 2013] College Grad (2013) Career Information. [Online] Available from: http://www.collegegrad.com/careers/proft32.shtml [Accessed: 8 November 2013] Careers (2013) Film/ Television Camera operator. [Online] Available from: http://www.careers.govt.nz/jobs/entertainment/filmtelevision-camera-operator/ [Accessed: 8 November 2013] Deery, J. (2004) Reality TV as Advertisement. Popular Communication. 2(1). p. 1-20. Fuchs, C. (2010) Class, Knowledge and New media. Media, Culture and Society. 32(1). p. 141- 150. Hearn, A. (2008) Variations on the branded ‘self’: Theme, invention, improvisation and inventory. The Media and Social Theory. p. 194 - 210. London: Routledge. Job Monkey (n.d) Videographer Jobs. [Online] Available from: http://www.jobmonkey.com/videography/videographer-jobs.html [Accessed: 8 November 2013] Kiciloff, A. and Starosta, G. (2007) Value Form and Class Struggle: A critique of the autonomist theory of value. Capital and Class. 31(2). p. 13-40. Livingstone, S. M. (1990) Making sense of television: The psychology of audience interpretation. Oxford, England: Pergamon Press Livingstone, S. M. and Lunt, P. K. (1994) Talk on television: Audience participation and public debate. London: Routledge Shepherd, G., St. John, J. and Striphas, T. (2006) Communication A Perspectives on Theory. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc. Strauss, Eric (2013) The Salaries of Television Cameramen. [Online] Available from: http://work.chron.com/salaries-television-cameramen-8233.html [Accessed: 8 November 2013] Read More