PTZ Cameras

AVE Standard | 1 Day | In-Person

Overview

PTZ cameras are on more corporate shows than ever, and operating them well requires more than knowing how to move the joystick. A good PTZ operator understands framing, movement discipline, preset management, and how to make robotic cameras feel intentional rather than mechanical. This course covers the full PTZ operator workflow: from camera setup and preset building to working live with a switcher and shader team. The focus is on developing the habits and instincts that make PTZ operators someone a director wants to call back.

This Class Is Right For You If...

• You're a camera operator or video technician looking to add PTZ operation to your skill set.

• You've run PTZ cameras on shows, but developed your technique entirely on the job, and want to fill the gaps.

• You're an event producer or technical director who wants your operators to move cameras with more intention and consistency.

• You're new to live production and want to build camera skills that are consistently in demand across corporate AV.

Career Level

Entry Level to Mid-Level: Designed for technicians at the beginning to middle of their career who want to add PTZ operation as a reliable, deployable skill. No prior camera experience is required, though basic familiarity with live production environments is helpful.

What You'll Learn

Upon completion, participants will be able to:

• Set up and configure PTZ cameras for a live production environment.

• Build, organize, and execute presets for repeatable, clean shot execution.

• Apply professional framing principles and movement discipline to PTZ operation.

• Match exposure and white balance across multiple PTZ cameras.

• Operate PTZ systems in coordination with a live switcher and shading workflow.

• Communicate effectively with directors, technical directors, and shader operators during a live production.

A Day in Class

Participants work hands-on with PTZ cameras throughout the day, building presets, practicing movement, and operating live through structured exercises designed to develop real operator instincts. Instruction covers both the technical setup side and the craft side of PTZ work: how to frame a shot that looks considered, how to move in ways that do not distract, and how to stay coordinated with the rest of the video team. Instructors review participant work and provide direct feedback on preset quality, movement habits, and show-floor communication.

What You Leave With

Participants receive an AVE PTZ Camera certificate of completion, a preset-building reference guide, and a show-day PTZ checklist. The practical focus of this course means participants leave with operator habits already in development, not just an understanding of what to do.

Reducing Risk

PTZ cameras that are poorly operated are immediately noticeable: awkward framing, jerky movement, missed shots, and cameras that look like no one is paying attention. On corporate shows where cameras feed to large screens or are being recorded, the quality of PTZ operation directly affects the production. Trained operators protect that quality and require significantly less direction from the technical director during a live show.

Instructors

Jason Liermann and Omar Colom are both AVE instructors with active production experience operating PTZ systems across corporate AV and live event environments.

Course Details

Duration: 1x day

Format: In-Person, Hands-On

Class Size: Maximum 10x students

Equipment: PTZ Cameras, remote control units, all necessary accessories, and laptops.