53111 – Motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators
Lead statement
Camera crane operators assist technical workers and perform other support duties related to broadcasting and the production of motion pictures and the performing arts.
Main duties
- Set up, assemble, adjust, maintain and replace reels and projector equipment; detect and repair mechanical and electrical problems; and change and install an electronic control panel using automated equipment.
- Check the condition of the copy; set up and load film reels on movie theatre projection systems, adjust focus, sound levels and other projector and theatre settings; and maintain projection equipment.
- Assemble, repair, place, build and oversee props.
- Distribute scripts to actors; keep detailed notes of all actions, positions and camera angles; and photograph and date scenes.
- Rig, place, move and dismantle sets, backdrops, scenery and other stage equipment.
- Clean, maintain, transport and store costumes, and assist performers to dress in costumes.
- Provide support to the director and producer, and are responsible for various aspects of production such as preparing schedules, setting up equipment, and making travel arrangements to various shooting locations.
Employment requirements
- Completion of secondary school is usually required.
- Most occupations in this unit group require completion of college courses in broadcasting, theatre arts or a related field ora period of on-the-job training.
- Certification for projectionists is available, but voluntary, in New Brunswick. In Quebec, projectionists are regulated under operators of electrical machines, cinema equipment.
- Projectionists are required to be licensed by their province of employment.
Example job titles
boom microphone operator · boom operator · camera crane operator · spotlight operator · searchlight operator · motion picture projectionist · film projectionist · projectionist · fireworks handler · scenic constructor · set dresser · set builder · props handler · stage property person · props person · property person · staging assistant · continuity person - motion pictures and broadcasting · prompter · script assistant · lighting assistant · rigger - motion pictures, broadcasting and performing arts · grip · stagehand · wardrobe attendant · dresser · dresser - motion pictures, broadcasting and performing arts · wardrobe assistant · audiovisual (AV) assistant · special effects assistant · stage production worker · production assistant · recording assistant - recording studio
Wages (per hour)
| Province / territory | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $18.00 | $26.80 | $40.00 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $16.25 | $25.31 | $35.00 |
| Nova Scotia | $17.00 | $25.48 | $36.87 |
| New Brunswick | $15.85 | $23.00 | $37.47 |
| Quebec | $20.00 | $28.00 | $40.00 |
| Ontario | $18.00 | $24.00 | $38.00 |
| Manitoba | $16.35 | $25.00 | $35.62 |
| Alberta | $17.87 | $29.00 | $40.03 |
| British Columbia | $17.85 | $30.00 | $41.94 |
Source: Job Bank wages, 2025 release (ESDC). Low and high are the 10th and 90th percentiles.
Occupation details: ESDC OaSIS 2025, based on NOC 2021.