Education · 1 of 4

The path

Nobody hires a camera operator on a diploma. They hire on credits and on whether you are easy to have on set.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Media arts, physics and any shop course. Shoot constantly and learn to edit what you shoot.

2. 2

   Training (optional)

   1 to 2 years

   A 2-year college film or broadcasting diploma, or a one-year private film school. Or start as a paid production assistant instead.

3. 3

   Get on set

   1 to 2 years

   Trainee or second assistant camera on shorts, commercials and low-budget productions. Say yes to everything.

4. 4

   Join the union

   2 to 4 years in

   Work permit days on union productions, then apply for membership in a film technicians local such as IATSE (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees) Local 873 in Toronto.

5. 5

   Operate

   Year 4 and beyond

   Move from first assistant camera to operator, and later to director of photography if you want to light as well as shoot.