Thursday 12 June 2014

6. Job Roles


Camera Operator.
Camera Operators perform a vital role within the camera department on feature films. They accurately carrying out their instructions from the directors regarding shot composition and development.They are usually the first people to use the camera's eye piece to assess how all the elements of performance, art direction, lighting, composition and camera movement come together to create the cinematic experience.Camera Operators usually begin work at the end of pre-production and, if the budget allows, attend the technical recces with other Heads of Department Most Camera Operators begin their careers as Camera Trainees or Runners, progressing to 2nd AC and, as they gain more experience, to 1st AC. Throughout this progression, they must build upon their experience, and achieve a high level of competence when operating a variety of cameras. 

What the role involves.
A camera operator has many different responsibilities and jobs to do, in a studio the camera operator usually follows a camera script, telling them the different shots to do.The skill lies in interpreting what the director wants and acting quickly and effectively to achieve it. work activites for a camera operator can vary due to what they are filming, however the main work activities include:


  • assembling, preparing and setting up equipment prior to filming, which may include tripods, monitors, lighting, cables and leads, and headphones;
  • offering advice on how best to shoot a scene, explaining the visual impact created by particular shots;
  • planning shots - when filming an expensive drama scene, such as an explosion, there may be only one chance to get things right so shots need to be meticulously planned beforehand;
  • practising the camera moves required for pre-arranged shots;
  • studying scripts;
  • finding solutions to technical or other practical problems (for an outside broadcast, for example, the natural light conditions need to be taken into account when setting up shots);
  • being prepared to innovate and experiment with ideas;
  • working quickly, especially as timing is such an important factor;
  • taking sole responsibility in situations where only one camera operator is involved in the filming;
  • keeping up to date with filming methods and equipment;
  • repairing and maintaining equipment;
  • demonstrating a good awareness of health and safety issues;
  • driving crew, actors and equipment to and from locations.

  • For this job you do not need a specific qualification, instead you would usually learn the
    practical skills required through hands-on experience on the job. That said, continuing professional development is vital, especially as camera technology changes rapidly. 
    Basic stills photography, which develops visual and composition skills, also provides a useful starting point in training for this role.n addition, the Apprenticeship in creative and digital media could allow you to gain camera skills on the job. Again, the creative skill set tick has been awarded to some apprenticeship programs  that provide the meet the highest standard of industry-relevant training.


    Graphic designer Graphic designers use lettering and images to communicate information and ideas. This could be for all kinds of purposes from advertisements to product packaging. for this job you need to be very creative and have many different ideas. they have to know what they are doing but also make room for changes to be successful they need to show off their skills and imagination.   
    As a graphic designer, your work would include:
    • discussing the requirements of the project (the brief) with clients and colleagues
    • providing costs for the project
    • choosing the most suitable materials and style
    • producing rough sketches or computer visuals to show the client
    • using specialist computer software to prepare designs
    • producing a final layout with exact specifications for typefaces, letter size and colours
    • working to budgets and deadlines.
    Most professional graphic designers have a foundation degree, HND or degree in graphic design or other art and design-based subject.You will also need a working knowledge of desktop design software such as Illustrator, InDesign or QuarkXPress, and image editing packages like Photoshop. an employer will be as interested in your design skills and creative ideas as they are in your qualifications. 
    You will need to keep your skills up to date throughout your career. You may be able to attend short courses, for example in design software, and you will need to continue gaining experience and learning new skills on the job.












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