How Does a Cameraman Spend a Workday?

Cameraman Assignments

The first thing a cameraman does in a workday is consider his assignment. News cameramen are assigned duties by an assignment editor. Production cameramen are given work by producers. Film cameramen are told what to do by the director.

Cameraman Equipment

A cameraman is responsible for his equipment. After receiving his assignment, the cameraman selects the right tools for the job and makes sure everything is in working order. He also checks that he has enough blank tape, film or memory and that all batteries are fully charged. This can take anywhere from a few minutes up to an hour at the beginning of the day.

Cameraman Set Up

A cameraman tries to get to the location early to plan out his shots. Transportation time to and from the location can take up a large portion of the day. Once a cameraman arrives on the scene he must move all his equipment from the vehicle to the location and set it up. He consults with directors, producers and talent to determine their expectations. He must then work out logistical challenges like terrain, crowd control and lighting conditions.

Cameraman Lighting

Lighting is of foremost concern to a cameraman. He must consider what light he must provide himself and what ambient light from the sun or other sources he can use. Artificial lights, filters, gels and reflectors are all tools he must manipulate to get good shots. If a cameraman has time he can spend hours fiddling with lighting.

Cameraman Shooting

A cameraman spends surprisingly little time actually getting his shots. Most of the day is spent in preparation. When a cameraman does shoot he must be efficient. There is never enough time to do everything so a cameraman must make choices. Good cameramen know what the want and don't waste time getting the shots they visualize.

Cameraman Editing

Some cameramen edit what they shoot. This is especially true in television news and production. Those who edit spend the end of their day viewing what they shot then cutting it together from a script written by a producer or reporter. Experienced cameramen provide their input and assist with the final product.

Cameraman Cleanup

A cameraman ends his day cleaning up. It is his responsibility to return equipment to the equipment locker in the same condition in which he found it. Everything must go in its proper place and batteries placed on chargers. This way the equipment will be ready for use the first thing the next day. If anything requires repair, the cameraman is responsible for filling out a work order.