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How a camera operator / television / video / film can use AI, task by task

O*NET 27-4031.00: Camera Operators, Television, Video, and FilmMedian pay $74,990/year (BLS, May 2025)21 tasksJob Zone 3: Medium preparation

Operate television, video, or film camera to record images or scenes for television, video, or film productions.

Your job title Type your own title and every prompt on this page updates to match. Also called: Camera Operator, Cameraman, Master Control Operator (MCO), News Videographer, Production Technician, Studio Camera Operator, Television News Photographer, Videographer.

Where AI fits in this job

AI-ready 12%AI-assist 23%Stays human 65%

Share of the job's tasks, weighted by how important and how frequent each task is (O*NET ratings). 3 AI-ready, 6 AI-assist and 12 human-led tasks out of 21. This measures where AI can help, not whether the job will disappear.

Information & paperwork

Thinking & planning

People & communication

Leading & teaching

Hands-on & physical

Shape of the job: importance of each kind of work activity (O*NET, 1 to 5).

🗓 Start here on Monday

The most frequent, most important tasks where AI can help right away.

Compose and frame each shot, applying the technical aspects of light, lenses, film, filters, and camera settings to achieve the effects sought by directors.Plan & schedule · Daily
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.Coordinate & message · Daily
Edit video for broadcast productions, including non-linear editing.Create & design · Several times a day

💪 Lean into these

Core tasks that stay human. These skills get more valuable as the routine work gets automated.

Operate television or motion picture cameras to record scenes for television broadcasts, advertising, or motion pictures.Hands-on work · Daily
Adjust positions and controls of cameras, printers, and related equipment to change focus, exposure, and lighting.Hands-on work · Daily
Observe sets or locations for potential problems and to determine filming and lighting requirements.Watch & inspect · Weekly

Skills to build & where you could move ↓

AI can draft these 3

AI produces a usable first pass. You review it, fix it and own it.

Compose and frame each shot, applying the technical aspects of light, lenses, film, filters, and camera settings to achieve the effects sought by directors.

Daily

AI drafts the plan, schedule or checklist for you to adjust.

Show prompt & steps

Describe the goal, the people and the constraints, and AI drafts the plan, schedule or checklist. You adjust it to what you know about real life on the ground.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a camera operator / television / video / film. Part of my job is to compose and frame each shot, applying the technical aspects of light, lenses, film, filters, and camera settings to achieve the effects sought by directors.

Context: We use Microsoft Excel and Adobe After Effects; the work draws on telecommunications, communications and media and computers and electronics.
Production: [scene, program, project]
Requirements: [camera, sound, timing, cast]

Draft a technical breakdown and schedule. Lay it out as a table with steps, owner, timing and what could go wrong, then list the decisions I still need to make.

10-minute exercise: Production technical plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you compose and frame each shot (today).

Step 2Fill in [Production] and [Requirements] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Cross out anything that won't work on the ground and ask AI to revise with your corrections.

AI doesn't know your people, your site or your history. Treat its plan as a starting point to react to.

Importance 4.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Determine technical requirements of productions or projects..

Write new scripts for broadcasts.

Monthly

AI turns complex material into plain-language handouts.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 40% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI is great at turning complicated material into plain-language guides, handouts, FAQs and how-tos for a specific audience. You check it's accurate.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a camera operator / television / video / film. Part of my job is to write new scripts for broadcasts.

Context: The work draws on telecommunications, communications and media and computers and electronics.
Subject: [property, layout, item]
Details: [paste notes]
Reader: [describe]

Write a clear description for the reader. Use plain language, one everyday analogy, and the questions people are most likely to ask with short answers.

10-minute exercise: Informational write-up

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you write new scripts.

Step 2Fill in [Subject], [Details] and [Reader] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check every answer is right for your workplace before you share it.

Rules, prices and policies change. Make sure AI is working from your current official version.

Importance 3.5/5 · O*NET work activity: Write informational material..

Stay current with new technologies in the field by reading trade magazines.

Monthly

AI maps out the topic and options; confirm with real sources.

Show prompt & steps

AI is a fast research assistant. Ask it to map out a topic, compare options or list what to check. Use a tool with web search and ask for its sources.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a camera operator / television / video / film. Part of my job is to stay current with new technologies in the field by reading trade magazines.

Context: We use Litchi and Pix4D Pix4Dcapture; the work draws on telecommunications, communications and media and computers and electronics.
Field: [my craft or work area]
What I want: [new tools, techniques, trends]

List current trends and techniques with examples, how to try each, and where to learn more.

10-minute exercise: New technique scan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you stay current with new technologies.

Step 2Fill in [Field] and [What I want] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Try one technique it suggests this week.

AI can invent sources and citations. Open every link and confirm it says what the AI claims.

Importance 2.7/5 · O*NET work activity: Research new technologies..

AI can help you prep these 6

AI speeds up the prep, drafting or thinking. The core of the task is still yours.

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.

Daily

AI drafts clear messages and talking points.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft updates, emails and talking points so your message is clear and complete. Relationships and real-time calls are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a camera operator / television / video / film. Part of my job is to 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.

Context: We use Adobe After Effects.
Project: [artwork, set, production]
Partners: [clients, lighting, sound]

Draft questions and specs to agree. Keep it under 150 words with a clear ask, plus a 2-sentence version for chat.

10-minute exercise: Technical production details

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you confer with directors, sound and lighting technicians and electricians (today). Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Fill in [Project] and [Partners] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Edit it until it sounds like you, then send it yourself.

Never let AI send messages for you. Read every word, because tone mistakes cost trust.

Importance 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Collaborate with others to determine technical details of productions..

Edit video for broadcast productions, including non-linear editing.

Several times a day

AI generates options and references; taste and the final call are yours.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to generate lots of options, references and rough mock-ups fast. The craft, the taste and the final call are what make it yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a camera operator / television / video / film. Part of my job is to edit video for broadcast productions, including non-linear editing.

Context: We use Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Creative Cloud software; the work draws on telecommunications, communications and media and computers and electronics.
Footage or recording: [describe content, length]
Goal: [final length, audience, story]

Suggest a structure, cut list and pacing notes. Give 10 quite different options from safe to bold, then develop the best 2.

10-minute exercise: Edit plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you edit video.

Step 2Fill in [Footage or recording] and [Goal] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Trust your eye for the final edit.

Check the usage rules for AI images and text in your field, and make sure the final work is original.

Importance 4.7/5 · O*NET work activity: Edit audio or video recordings..

Read and analyze work orders and specifications to determine locations of subject material, work procedures, sequences of operations, and machine setups.

Daily

AI gives you a first-pass summary; you still read the key parts.

Show prompt & steps

AI can pull out the key points and questions to look for. Use it as a first pass, then look closely yourself.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a camera operator / television / video / film. Part of my job is to read and analyze work orders and specifications to determine locations of subject material, work procedures, sequences of operations, and machine setups.

Context: The work draws on telecommunications, communications and media and computers and electronics.
Drawings or plans: [type the key dimensions, notes and specs]
Standards to meet: [codes, quality plan, client requirements]

Check the details against the standards. Make a table of item, requirement, OK or issue, and the exact detail it refers to. List questions for the contractor or designer.

10-minute exercise: Review drawings in detail

Step 1Take a drawing set or quality plan waiting for review.

Step 2Fill in [Drawings or plans] and [Standards to meet] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Do your normal review and compare. Note what AI missed so you know its blind spots.

Remove names and private details before pasting, and check your employer's rules on what you can share with AI tools.

Importance 4.3/5 · O*NET work activity: Review details of technical drawings or specifications..

View films to resolve problems of exposure control, subject and camera movement, changes in subject distance, and related variables.

Weekly

AI generates options and references; taste and the final call are yours.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to generate lots of options, references and rough mock-ups fast. The craft, the taste and the final call are what make it yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a camera operator / television / video / film. Part of my job is to view films to resolve problems of exposure control, subject and camera movement, changes in subject distance, and related variables.

Context: We use Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Creative Cloud software; the work draws on telecommunications, communications and media and computers and electronics.
Content: [film, broadcast, presentation]
Standards: [production, broadcast]

List review criteria and give feedback notes. Give 10 quite different options from safe to bold, then develop the best 2.

10-minute exercise: Review content

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you view films (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Content] and [Standards] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Pick the idea that sparks something and develop it yourself for 5 minutes.

Check the usage rules for AI images and text in your field, and make sure the final work is original.

Importance 4.1/5 · O*NET work activity: Manage content of broadcasts or presentations..

Read charts and compute ratios to determine variables such as lighting, shutter angles, filter factors, and camera distances.

Monthly

AI lays out options and timelines to react to.

Show prompt & steps

AI can lay out options, timelines and checklists to react to. Fitting it to your people, budget and situation is your call.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a camera operator / television / video / film. Part of my job is to read charts and compute ratios to determine variables such as lighting, shutter angles, filter factors, and camera distances.

Context: We use Microsoft Excel; the work draws on telecommunications, communications and media and computers and electronics.
Production: [scene, program, project]
Requirements: [camera, sound, timing, cast]

Draft a technical breakdown and schedule. Lay it out as a table with steps, owner, timing and what could go wrong, then list the decisions I still need to make.

10-minute exercise: Production technical plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you read charts.

Step 2Fill in [Production] and [Requirements] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Cross out anything that won't work on the ground and ask AI to revise with your corrections.

AI doesn't know your people, your site or your history. Treat its plan as a starting point to react to.

Importance 3.9/5 · O*NET work activity: Determine technical requirements of productions or projects..

Design graphics for studio productions.

Monthly

AI generates options and references; taste and the final call are yours.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to generate lots of options, references and rough mock-ups fast. The craft, the taste and the final call are what make it yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a camera operator / television / video / film. Part of my job is to design graphics for studio productions.

Context: We use Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Creative Cloud software; the work draws on telecommunications, communications and media and computers and electronics.
Project: [animation, effect]
Style and length: [describe]

Suggest shot breakdown, techniques and references. Give 10 quite different options from safe to bold, then develop the best 2.

10-minute exercise: Animation plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you design graphics.

Step 2Fill in [Project] and [Style and length] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Pick the idea that sparks something and develop it yourself for 5 minutes.

Check the usage rules for AI images and text in your field, and make sure the final work is original.

Importance 3.4/5 · O*NET work activity: Create computer-generated graphics or animation..

These stay human 12

They need your hands, your presence or your accountable judgment. Lean into them: they get more valuable as routine work is automated.

📏 Measured in this job (O*NET work context): Face-to-face discussions: every day · Contact with others: constant contact with others · Using hands on tools and objects: more than half the time · Physical closeness to others: moderately close (at arm's length)

Operate television or motion picture cameras to record scenes for television broadcasts, advertising, or motion pictures.

Daily

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a camera operator / television / video / film. Part of my job is to operate television or motion picture cameras to record scenes for television broadcasts, advertising, or motion pictures.

Context: The work draws on telecommunications, communications and media and computers and electronics.
Shoot: [video, photo]
Equipment: [camera, lenses, lights]

List settings, shot list and checks. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Camera shoot prep

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you operate television or motion picture cameras (today).

Step 2Fill in [Shoot] and [Equipment] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Shoot a test clip and review it.

Importance 4.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Operate still or video cameras or related equipment..

Adjust positions and controls of cameras, printers, and related equipment to change focus, exposure, and lighting.

Daily

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a camera operator / television / video / film. Part of my job is to adjust positions and controls of cameras, printers, and related equipment to change focus, exposure, and lighting.

Context: The work draws on telecommunications, communications and media and computers and electronics.
Production: [shoot, broadcast]
Equipment: [cameras, tapes, rigs]

List set-up, settings and pre-roll checks. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Camera set-up

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you adjust positions and controls of cameras, printers (today).

Step 2Fill in [Production] and [Equipment] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Record a test clip and review it before going live.

Importance 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Set up still or video cameras or related equipment..

Observe sets or locations for potential problems and to determine filming and lighting requirements.

Weekly

Needs your eyes on site. AI can build the checklist and the report.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can build your inspection checklists, explain standards and turn your notes and photos into clean reports.

Prep prompt

I work as a camera operator / television / video / film. Part of my job is to observe sets or locations for potential problems and to determine filming and lighting requirements.

Context: The work draws on telecommunications, communications and media and computers and electronics.
Set or exhibit: [describe]
Requirements: [safety, sightlines, operation]

Make a rehearsal and opening checklist. Group it by area, say what 'good' and 'bad' look like for each item, and add a short template for writing up what I find.

10-minute exercise: Set or exhibit inspection

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you observe sets or locations (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Set or exhibit] and [Requirements] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Take it with you next time, tick it alongside your usual routine, and add anything it missed.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Inspect sets or exhibits..

Use cameras in any of several different camera mounts, such as stationary, track-mounted, or crane-mounted.

Daily

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a camera operator / television / video / film. Part of my job is to use cameras in any of several different camera mounts, such as stationary, track-mounted, or crane-mounted.

Context: The work draws on telecommunications, communications and media and computers and electronics.
Shoot: [video, photo]
Equipment: [camera, lenses, lights]

List settings, shot list and checks. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Camera shoot prep

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you use cameras (today).

Step 2Fill in [Shoot] and [Equipment] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Shoot a test clip and review it.

Importance 4.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Operate still or video cameras or related equipment..

Operate zoom lenses, changing images according to specifications and rehearsal instructions.

Daily

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a camera operator / television / video / film. Part of my job is to operate zoom lenses, changing images according to specifications and rehearsal instructions.

Context: The work draws on telecommunications, communications and media and computers and electronics.
Shoot: [video, photo]
Equipment: [camera, lenses, lights]

List settings, shot list and checks. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Camera shoot prep

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you operate zoom lenses (today).

Step 2Fill in [Shoot] and [Equipment] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Shoot a test clip and review it.

Importance 4.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Operate still or video cameras or related equipment..

Test, clean, maintain, and repair broadcast equipment, including testing microphones, to ensure proper working condition.

Weekly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a camera operator / television / video / film. Part of my job is to test, clean, maintain, and repair broadcast equipment, including testing microphones, to ensure proper working condition.

Context: The work draws on telecommunications, communications and media and computers and electronics.
Equipment: [audio, video]
Issues: [describe]

List cleaning and minor repair steps. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: AV equipment upkeep

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you test, clean, maintain, and repair broadcast equipment (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Equipment] and [Issues] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 4.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Maintain recording or broadcasting equipment..

Set up and perform live shots for broadcast.

Weekly

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as a camera operator / television / video / film. Part of my job is to set up and perform live shots for broadcast.

Context: The work draws on telecommunications, communications and media and computers and electronics.
Program: [show, remote]
Equipment: [console, remote setup]

Give me a pre-show checklist, contingency plan and on-air phrases for problems. Suggest ways to open, phrases to avoid, and how to handle it if things get tense. Then play the other person so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: On-air or broadcast operation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you set up (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Program] and [Equipment] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Rehearse the contingency phrases before going live.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Operate communications, transmissions, or broadcasting equipment..

Assemble studio sets and select and arrange cameras, film stock, audio, or lighting equipment to be used during filming.

Weekly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a camera operator / television / video / film. Part of my job is to assemble studio sets and select and arrange cameras, film stock, audio, or lighting equipment to be used during filming.

Context: The work draws on telecommunications, communications and media and computers and electronics.
Production: [shoot, broadcast]
Equipment: [cameras, tapes, rigs]

List set-up, settings and pre-roll checks. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Camera set-up

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you assemble studio sets (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Production] and [Equipment] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Record a test clip and review it before going live.

Importance 4.3/5 · O*NET work activity: Set up still or video cameras or related equipment.. Also involves: Select materials or props..

Instruct camera operators regarding camera setups, angles, distances, movement, and variables and cues for starting and stopping filming.

Daily

Leading people runs on trust. AI can prep the paperwork around it.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can prep the paperwork around leading: meeting agendas, feedback drafts, rotas, briefings and difficult-conversation rehearsals.

Prep prompt

I work as a camera operator / television / video / film. Part of my job is to instruct camera operators regarding camera setups, angles, distances, movement, and variables and cues for starting and stopping filming.

Context: The work draws on telecommunications, communications and media and computers and electronics.
Production: [describe]
Crew: [departments]

Help me prepare: the key message in 2 sentences, what good looks like, how people might react and how I'll respond, and one thing I'll check next week.

10-minute exercise: Coordinating a production crew

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you instruct camera operators regarding camera setups, angles and distances (today).

Step 2Fill in [Production] and [Crew] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Afterward, note one thing people responded to and one thing you'd change.

Importance 4.6/5 · O*NET work activity: Coordinate activities of production personnel..

Direct studio productions.

Weekly

Leading people runs on trust. AI can prep the paperwork around it.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can prep the paperwork around leading: meeting agendas, feedback drafts, rotas, briefings and difficult-conversation rehearsals.

Prep prompt

I work as a camera operator / television / video / film. Part of my job is to direct studio productions.

Context: The work draws on telecommunications, communications and media and computers and electronics.
Production: [play, broadcast, film]
Scene or segment: [describe]

Prepare notes for performers and crew. Give me the key message in 2 sentences, how people might react, and how to respond to each.

10-minute exercise: Directing prep

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you direct studio productions (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Production] and [Scene or segment] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Afterward, note one thing people responded to and one thing you'd change.

Importance 4.0/5 · O*NET work activity: Direct productions or performances..

Set up cameras, optical printers, and related equipment to produce photographs and special effects.

Weekly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a camera operator / television / video / film. Part of my job is to set up cameras, optical printers, and related equipment to produce photographs and special effects.

Context: The work draws on telecommunications, communications and media and computers and electronics.
Production: [shoot, broadcast]
Equipment: [cameras, tapes, rigs]

List set-up, settings and pre-roll checks. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Camera set-up

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you set up cameras, optical printers and related equipment (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Production] and [Equipment] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Record a test clip and review it before going live.

Importance 4.0/5 · O*NET work activity: Set up still or video cameras or related equipment..

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.

Monthly

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as a camera operator / television / video / film. Part of my job is to 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.

Context: The work draws on telecommunications, communications and media and computers and electronics.
Program: [show, remote]
Equipment: [console, remote setup]

Give me a pre-show checklist, contingency plan and on-air phrases for problems. Suggest ways to open, phrases to avoid, and how to handle it if things get tense. Then play the other person so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: On-air or broadcast operation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you set up.

Step 2Fill in [Program] and [Equipment] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Rehearse the contingency phrases before going live.

Importance 3.6/5 · O*NET work activity: Operate communications, transmissions, or broadcasting equipment..

Get the full prompt pack for Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film

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Your next moves

Skills to build

From O*NET's ratings of how important each skill is in this job, matched to which part of the work it supports.

Stays human Deepen these

They power the human-led work, which is the part of the job AI can't take over.

Operations Monitoringimportance 2.9/5
Used in: Controlling Machines and Processes
Operation and Controlimportance 2.9/5
Used in: Controlling Machines and Processes
Quality Control Analysisimportance 2.9/5
Used in: Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Coordinationimportance 3.2/5
Used in: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates

With AI Use these to work with AI

When AI does the first draft, these are the skills you use to brief it and check what comes back.

Active Listeningimportance 3.8/5
Used in: Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Critical Thinkingimportance 3.1/5
Used in: Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Reading Comprehensionimportance 3.2/5
Used in: Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Judgment and Decision Makingimportance 3.2/5
Used in: Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Where you could move

Related jobs from O*NET with the closest skill profile, favouring ones where more of the work stays human. No step down in preparation.

Media Technical Directors/Managers61% human-led · Needs more preparation · $90,360/yr · usually bachelor's degree
Skills to build: Systems Analysis, Monitoring, Systems Evaluation
Audio and Video Technicians53% human-led · Same preparation · $58,100/yr · usually bachelor's degree
Skills to build: Systems Analysis
Film and Video Editors30% human-led · Needs more preparation · $75,420/yr · usually bachelor's degree
Skills to build: Active Listening, Reading Comprehension

New tasks appearing in this job

O*NET has started tracking 1 new or updated task here: 0 AI-ready, 0 AI-assist, 1 stays human. They have no worker ratings yet, so they aren't counted in the bar above.

Operate drones to capture aerial or unique angle footage for film, television, or video productions.

New in O*NET

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a camera operator / television / video / film. Part of my job is to operate drones to capture aerial or unique angle footage for film, television, or video productions.

Context: The work draws on telecommunications, communications and media and computers and electronics.
Shoot: [video, photo]
Equipment: [camera, lenses, lights]

List settings, shot list and checks. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Camera shoot prep

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you operate drones.

Step 2Fill in [Shoot] and [Equipment] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Shoot a test clip and review it.

New O*NET task (05/2025). O*NET hasn't linked it to work activities yet, so its label comes from similar tasks, such as “Review video surveillance footage.” (Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators), and was checked by hand. O*NET work activity: Operate still or video cameras or related equipment.. Also involves: Develop library or archival databases.; Distribute instructional or library materials..

Getting into this job

Associate's degree is most common (61% of workers)

High school or less 18%
Certificate or some college 15%
Associate's 61%
Bachelor's 7%

On-the-job training: up to 1 month
Related experience: 6–12 months

What workers in this job report, from O*NET surveys (typical values).

Software in this job

In-demand tools from O*NET. Many now have AI built in, so check what yours can do before adding a new tool.

Adobe AcrobatAdobe After EffectsAdobe Creative Cloud softwareAdobe IllustratorAdobe InDesignAdobe PhotoshopMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordTikTok