Torchora
Back to Home

Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Video Production Operator

💰 $45,000 - $75,000

Media ProductionCreativeBroadcastTechnical Operations

🎯 Role Definition

A Video Production Operator is a hands-on technical specialist at the heart of the content creation process. This role is responsible for the setup, operation, and maintenance of video, audio, and lighting equipment for both live and pre-recorded productions. Bridging the gap between creative vision and technical execution, the Video Production Operator ensures that all visual and auditory elements are captured and produced to the highest professional standard. They are the technical craftspeople who operate cameras, manage live streams, edit footage, and troubleshoot issues in real-time, making them an indispensable asset in any modern media, marketing, or communications team.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Production Assistant
  • AV Technician
  • Media Operations Intern

Advancement To:

  • Senior Video Production Operator or Technical Director
  • Production Manager
  • Director of Photography

Lateral Moves:

  • Post-Production Specialist / Video Editor
  • Motion Graphics Artist
  • Live Stream Producer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Operate a variety of professional video cameras (e.g., DSLR, mirrorless, cinema, PTZ) during studio and field productions, ensuring optimal framing, focus, exposure, and white balance.
  • Execute the complete setup and breakdown of production equipment for shoots, including cameras, tripods, lighting, audio recorders, microphones, and monitors.
  • Manage and operate lighting systems, applying techniques such as three-point lighting to create the desired mood and ensure subjects are lit professionally and effectively.
  • Configure and monitor professional audio equipment, including lavalier mics, boom mics, and audio mixers, to capture clean, high-quality sound free from interference.
  • Direct and switch multi-camera live productions using systems like TriCaster, vMix, or OBS for events, webinars, and broadcasts, seamlessly integrating graphics and video playbacks.
  • Perform non-linear video editing, assembling raw footage, creating coherent narratives, trimming clips, and preparing sequences for color grading and sound mixing.
  • Execute color correction and basic color grading on video footage to ensure consistency, correct issues, and achieve a specific stylistic look in line with project goals.
  • Conduct basic audio post-production, including leveling, noise reduction, and mixing dialogue, music, and sound effects to create a polished audio track.
  • Create and integrate on-screen graphics, such as lower thirds, titles, and motion graphics, using Adobe After Effects or similar software to enhance the final video product.
  • Ingest, log, and organize all captured media, applying metadata and maintaining a structured filing system for efficient access during post-production and for archival purposes.
  • Encode and export final video projects into various formats, ensuring technical specifications and compression settings are optimized for different delivery platforms (e.g., web, social media, broadcast).
  • Monitor audio and video signals during live streams and recordings to identify and troubleshoot any technical issues, such as signal loss, audio distortion, or dropped frames, in real-time.
  • Collaborate closely with producers, directors, and on-camera talent to understand the creative vision and translate it into technical requirements and a smooth production workflow.
  • Operate teleprompter systems for scripted content, controlling the speed and flow of text to assist on-camera talent with their delivery.
  • Act as a Digital Imaging Technician (DIT) on set, managing data wrangling, file transfers, and on-set quality control to ensure the integrity of all captured footage.
  • Research and recommend new equipment, software, and production techniques to keep the organization's video capabilities current and improve overall workflow efficiency.

Secondary Functions

  • Perform routine checks, cleaning, and basic maintenance on all video, audio, and lighting equipment to ensure operational readiness and prolong equipment life.
  • Manage the organization and archival of all video assets, raw footage, and completed projects within the digital asset management (DAM) system.
  • Assist in the setup and teardown of production sets, including lighting grids, backdrops, and safe cable management, both in-studio and on-location.
  • Stay current with emerging video production technologies, software updates, and industry best practices to contribute ideas for process improvements and innovation.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Camera Operation: Proficiency with a range of professional cameras (Sony FX/Alpha series, Canon Cinema/DSLR, Blackmagic) and understanding of manual settings (ISO, aperture, shutter speed).
  • Video Editing Software: Expertise in Adobe Premiere Pro and a strong working knowledge of the Adobe Creative Cloud suite, particularly After Effects, Photoshop, and Media Encoder.
  • Live Production Systems: Hands-on experience with live switching software and hardware such as vMix, OBS Studio, or NewTek TriCaster.
  • Lighting Technique: Solid understanding of studio and field lighting principles, including 3-point lighting, and experience with various fixtures (LED panels, fresnels).
  • Audio Recording: Skill in setting up and monitoring various microphones (lavalier, shotgun, condenser) and operating audio mixers and recorders.
  • Color Correction & Grading: Competency in using tools like Lumetri Color in Premiere Pro or basic functions within DaVinci Resolve.
  • Media Management: Strong organizational skills for data wrangling, asset management, and maintaining project archives.
  • Encoding & Compression: Knowledge of video codecs, containers, bit rates, and best practices for exporting video for web, social media, and broadcast.

Soft Skills

  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to framing shots, monitoring audio levels, and spotting errors in post-production.
  • Problem-Solving Under Pressure: Ability to quickly diagnose and resolve technical issues during a live production or time-sensitive shoot.
  • Adaptability: Flexibility to handle last-minute changes in creative direction, locations, or technical setups.
  • Collaboration & Teamwork: Excellent interpersonal skills to work effectively with producers, talent, and other crew members.
  • Time Management: Ability to manage multiple tasks, from setup to editing, while adhering to strict production deadlines.
  • Proactive Communication: Clearly communicating technical needs, potential issues, and progress updates to the wider team.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by a professional certificate in Media Production or a related technical field.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Film & Television Production
  • Media Studies / Communications
  • Broadcast Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 2-5 years of hands-on experience in a professional video production environment, either in a corporate, agency, or broadcast setting.

Preferred:

  • A strong portfolio showcasing a variety of video work, including corporate, creative, and live event productions. Experience with multi-camera live streaming and a solid understanding of both field and studio production workflows is highly desirable.
Explore More Careers