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How exposed to AI is a Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film?

Of the 24 tasks O*NET lists for camera operators, television, video, and film, 1 could be done in half the time with a chat window today. 15 cannot be sped up at all. Here is which.

Exposure means published research judged an AI could halve the time a task takes, at the same quality. It does not mean the task stops needing a person. How to read this

Also called
Camera OperatorCameramanMaster Control Operator (MCO)News VideographerProduction TechnicianStudio Camera OperatorTelevision News PhotographerVideographer
Reachable today Needs software built first Cannot be sped up
24
tasks rated for this occupation
7%
hold a degree, from a survey of 20
20k
people do this job in the US
32 of 40
least protected in arts, design and media

Every task, and what AI can do with it

These are O*NET's task statements for this occupation, exactly as written, sorted into the three bands by the ratings behind this report. Nothing has been reworded.

Reachable with a chat window today

1
  • Write new scripts for broadcasts

Only with software built on top

8
  • Compose and frame each shot, applying the technical aspects of light, lenses, film, filters, and camera settings to achieve the effects sought by directors
  • Confer with directors, sound and lighting technicians, electricians, and other crew members to discuss assignments and determine filming sequences, desired effects, camera movements, and lighting requirements
  • Edit video for broadcast productions, including non-linear editing
  • Read and analyze work orders and specifications to determine locations of subject material, work procedures, sequences of operations, and machine setups
  • View films to resolve problems of exposure control, subject and camera movement, changes in subject distance, and related variables
  • Read charts and compute ratios to determine variables such as lighting, shutter angles, filter factors, and camera distances
  • Design graphics for studio productions
  • Stay current with new technologies in the field by reading trade magazines

Cannot be sped up

15
  • Operate television or motion picture cameras to record scenes for television broadcasts, advertising, or motion pictures
  • Adjust positions and controls of cameras, printers, and related equipment to change focus, exposure, and lighting
  • Operate zoom lenses, changing images according to specifications and rehearsal instructions
  • Observe sets or locations for potential problems and to determine filming and lighting requirements
  • Set up and perform live shots for broadcast
  • Use cameras in any of several different camera mounts, such as stationary, track-mounted, or crane-mounted
  • Test, clean, maintain, and repair broadcast equipment, including testing microphones, to ensure proper working condition
  • Instruct camera operators regarding camera setups, angles, distances, movement, and variables and cues for starting and stopping filming
  • Assemble studio sets and select and arrange cameras, film stock, audio, or lighting equipment to be used during filming
  • Direct studio productions
  • Set up cameras, optical printers, and related equipment to produce photographs and special effects
  • Set up and operate electric news gathering (ENG) microwave vehicles to gather and edit raw footage on location to send to television affiliates for broadcast
  • Label and record contents of exposed film and note details on report forms
  • Prepare slates that describe the scenes being filmed
  • Reload camera magazines with fresh raw film stock
What this does not say

This is not a prediction about your job

Nobody surveyed an employer. Tasks are counted equally, so a percentage here is a share of the list rather than a share of your week. And the ratings were made in 2023, which makes every figure a floor rather than a ceiling.

It must never be used to select anyone for redundancy. The full limits are here.

Where to go next

This is the standard task list for the title. The useful next question is which of the tasks you actually do should go near AI, and which should not.

Sort your own tasks Read the full report

Exposure ratings from Eloundou, Manning, Mishkin and Rock, GPTs are GPTs: Labor market impact potential of LLMs, Science 384, 1306–1308, 2024, used under the MIT licence. This page includes information from the O*NET Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. People Team AI has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. Employment figures from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.