Cameraperson
Operates the film or video camera that captures the footage for a film or TV show.
Overview
A Cameraperson specialises in operating a film or video camera to capture the footage in a film or tv show. These professionals may work with a camera crew, a video company, film professionals or independently, serving a variety of clients through their work.
Where they work
- Film Production Sets
- Media Houses and other organizations
Work environment
You will be working both indoor and outdoor. You are likely to work in a team. Your work hours would typically depend on the period of the shoot of the TV show or movie.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You have a creative bent of mind
- You like working with gadgets
- You pay attention to details while working
- You are comfortable working in groups
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10 + 2 in any stream.
- 2Complete a Bachelor's degree in Mass media/Film studies/Film-making (B.M.M/B.A)
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree followed by a Master's degree (M.M.M/M.A) in the same or related field.
Forms, exams and applications
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
This course is offered by the Department of Media and Mass Communication. This list of institutes is indicative only.
Government institutes
- Film and Television Institute of India, Pune, Maharashtra
- Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Government Film and Television Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- CRAFT Film School, New Delhi
- Asian Academy of Film and Television, Noida, Uttar Pradesh
- Rayat Bahra University, Mohali, Punjab
- FA School of Media & Films, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- MV Media Institute, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
- Whistling Woods International Institute of Films, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- L V Prasad Film And TV Academy, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Biju Pattanaik Film & Television Institute of Jobra, Cuttack, Odisha
- K. R. Narayanan National Institute of Visual Science and Arts, Kottayam, Kerala
Distance learning
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Assistant Cameraman
- 2Movie Cameraman
- 3Head Camera Operator
Related careers to explore
Cinematographer
Captures a film, TV show or advertisement on camera according to the director's vision.
Photographer
A professional skilled at taking pictures or photographs with a camera.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Any Stream, Arts.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to creating.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Avijit Mukul Kishore — A Camera Person and film-maker based in Mumbai, who works closely with video artists and documentary filmmakers. He is a graduate in History from Hindu college, Delhi. During this period, he worked with Feisal Alkazi's Music Theatre Workshop, as well as for programmes aimed at children and adolescents on Doordarshan. After a course of cinematography at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune, he moved to Mumbai.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 1, printed page 73 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Job=Cameraman/Salary
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
The card places the Government Film and Television Institute, Bengaluru in Tamil Nadu; it is in Karnataka, and the state is corrected here. Biju Pattanaik Film & Television Institute is at Jobra in Cuttack, Odisha, as printed.
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.