JOB REPORT / 27-4031 · 21 TASKS

Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film.

Can AI do the work of Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Films?

Mostly it works alongside you. Here is what shifts, task by task.

YOUR EXPERIENCE MATTERS

How does this fit your work?

How many tasks do you use AI to assist with at work?

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The mark shows what’s typical for this job.

The parts of your job AI can already do most of:

Read and analyze work orders and specifications to determine…
Read charts and compute ratios to determine variables
Write new scripts for broadcasts

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A guided certificate program in AI-assisted Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film work. It covers the 18 AI-affected parts of your job and ends in a capstone a person reviews.

WHAT WE LOOKED AT

Your job, task by task.

18 of 21 tasks reviewed

This job has 21 core tasks. We went through 18 of them, one at a time.

Task by task, from the work Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Films actually do. How we describe AI use in each task is our own read of it, not a measurement of whether AI can replace the job.

TASK 01
Read and analyze work orders and specifications to determine locations of subject material, work procedures, sequences of operations, and machine setups.
AI DOES
Parses work orders, flags key details, and suggests shot sequences or setup checklists
YOU DO
Apply on-set experience to judge what the specs really mean in the physical space
TASK 02
Read charts and compute ratios to determine variables such as lighting, shutter angles, filter factors, and camera distances.
AI DOES
Calculates exposure ratios, filter factors, and distances from input values instantly
YOU DO
Trust your eyes on set to fine-tune what the numbers miss
TASK 03
Write new scripts for broadcasts.
AI DOES
Drafts script outlines, suggests phrasing, and checks grammar
YOU DO
Shape the story angle and match the broadcast's unique voice
TASK 04
Stay current with new technologies in the field by reading trade magazines.
AI DOES
Summarizes trade articles, highlights new gear trends, and surfaces relevant updates fast
YOU DO
Judge which new tech fits your specific shooting style and jobs
TASK 05
Edit video for broadcast productions, including non-linear editing.
AI DOES
Auto-assembles rough cuts, syncs audio, suggests trim points, and organizes footage
YOU DO
Trust your storytelling instincts to shape pacing, tone, and the emotional arc of the final cut
TASK 06
Design graphics for studio productions.
AI DOES
Generates draft graphics, suggests color palettes, and speeds up template creation
YOU DO
Make final creative choices that match the show's tone, brand, and audience
TASK 07SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Compose and frame each shot, applying the technical aspects of light, lenses, film, filters, and camera settings to achieve the effects sought by directors.
AI DOES
Suggests camera settings and lighting setups automatically
YOU DO
See the story and frame the emotion
About this analysis
51% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 08
View films to resolve problems of exposure control, subject and camera movement, changes in subject distance, and related variables.
AI DOES
Analyzes footage for exposure errors, motion issues, and focus problems
YOU DO
Watch the film yourself and decide what fixes will serve the story best
TASK 09
Instruct camera operators regarding camera setups, angles, distances, movement, and variables and cues for starting and stopping filming.
AI DOES
Suggests shot lists, camera angle ideas, and framing guides based on script or scene type
YOU DO
Read the room, adjust live to what actors and light are doing, and lead your crew in the moment
TASK 10
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.
AI DOES
Suggests shot lists, camera movement ideas, and lighting setups based on script or scene notes
YOU DO
Read the room, build trust with the crew, and make real-time creative calls together
TASK 11
Observe sets or locations for potential problems and to determine filming and lighting requirements.
AI DOES
Analyzes location photos and suggests lighting or framing ideas based on shot descriptions
YOU DO
Walk the actual space and trust your eyes, ears, and instincts about what will work on shoot day
TASK 12
Operate television or motion picture cameras to record scenes for television broadcasts, advertising, or motion pictures.
AI DOES
Assists with auto-focus, object tracking, and stabilization systems built into modern cameras
YOU DO
Make creative framing choices and respond to live, unpredictable action in real time
TASK 13
Direct studio productions.
AI DOES
Suggests shot lists, run-of-show schedules, and script breakdowns
YOU DO
Make split-second creative calls and lead a live crew in person
TASK 14
Adjust positions and controls of cameras, printers, and related equipment to change focus, exposure, and lighting.
AI DOES
Suggests camera settings based on scene conditions or analyzes footage for exposure issues
YOU DO
Trust your eyes and instincts to make live adjustments on set
TASK 15
Set up and perform live shots for broadcast.
AI DOES
Helps plan shot lists, monitors signal quality, and flags technical issues in real time
YOU DO
Stay physically present to frame, move, and react to live action as it happens
TASK 16
Set up cameras, optical printers, and related equipment to produce photographs and special effects.
AI DOES
Suggests camera settings, shot lists, and equipment checklists based on project specs
YOU DO
Handle the physical setup, adapt to real lighting and space, and make on-the-spot creative calls
TASK 17
Assemble studio sets and select and arrange cameras, film stock, audio, or lighting equipment to be used during filming.
AI DOES
Suggests camera placement, lighting diagrams, and gear checklists based on the shoot type
YOU DO
Physically build the set and adjust real equipment based on what you see and feel in the space
TASK 18
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.
AI DOES
Helps with basic video editing suggestions and signal troubleshooting guides
YOU DO
Handle the physical setup, framing, and live transmission decisions on location

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AT A GLANCE

Occupation: Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film
SOC code: 27-4031
Tasks reviewed: 18 of 21

How we assess

PAY & OUTLOOK

Compare pay by state

Median pay (national): $74,990 · BLS OEWS 2025
Median pay (Colorado): $74,990 · BLS OEWS 2025
Employed (national): 21,550
Employed in Colorado: 300
Job outlook: +1.2% by 2034 · ~2,900 openings/yr

Wages from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. National figures cover the United States. Job outlook is national.

How does this fit your work?

Earn a certificate in your job

Your job, task by task.

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

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

Write new scripts for broadcasts.

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

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

Design graphics for studio productions.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

Direct studio productions.

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

Set up and perform live shots for broadcast.

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

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

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.

Practice AI.Use your judgment.

Practice AI.
Use your judgment.