What Is Digital Media Production?

Digital media production is a group of professions, processes, and practices involved in planning, creating, and delivering digital content. Although digital media can be any type of media saved in a digital (readable by computers) format, it usually refers to content produced and distributed via the internet.

Some jobs in this field include producing, videography, directing, editing, animating, and on-screen work. The digital space has rapidly evolved to be as serious and lucrative as traditional media in many ways. So, people interested in working as directors or video editors can find suitable employment in the digital field.

Research suggests that people are watching more and more digital content. A study found that U.S. adults are now spending more time with digital content than with traditional media. Many production studios are also focusing increasingly on digital video and audio due to the editing and encoding advantages. Therefore, there is a lot of demand for digital video editing and other production skills.

Career Outlook for Digital Content Production

The good news for students in this area is that the career outlook is good. The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not track digital jobs specifically, and they are spread out across several categories. Nonetheless, the available data paints a positive picture. The following are a few especially noteworthy facts:

• Film and Video Editors: The 2019 median pay for editors was $63,780, higher than the national median. Additionally, the 10-year growth between 2019 and 2029 is expected to be 18%, significantly faster than the overall job growth.
• Producers and Directors: As of May 2019, the median pay for producers and directors was $74,420. The top 10% of workers in this category were earning $173,680 or more. Job growth is expected to be 10% between 2019 and 2029, also faster than the average.
• Special Effects Artists and Animators: People working on special effects and animations earned median pay of $75,270 in 2019. The jobs in this area had been multiplying in recent years. However, the 10-year outlook is about 4% growth, roughly on par with the overall job growth.
• Broadcast, Sound, and Video Technicians: Those working behind the scenes on the technical operations of media are also experiencing growth. The median wage in 2019 was $45,510. The 10-year outlook is 9% growth.

Overall, it looks like this is a great field to consider getting into. Bear in mind that many other people are working in digital media, including writers, actors, journalists, and more.

Why Are Digital Media Careers on the Rise?

Media and entertainment tend to be consistently strong. People want entertainment no matter what else is happening in the world. In 2020, the global health crisis made media jobs, especially those in emerging media, even more important as people wanted both information and distraction. All this despite the public health and economic issues negatively impacting many other industries.

Furthermore, many of these professions are very new. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and other popular digital platforms were all created in the last two decades. Similarly, Netflix and other streaming services began in a similar timeframe. While there was digital content, video games, and other media, there has been an explosion in recent years as improvements in internet technology have made distribution easier.

So, there is a combination of people wanting more and more access to media and rapid advancement in technology in the digital realm. Plus, few people have been formally trained in this field. Schools only started offering programs relatively recently. Therefore, there is a lot of opportunity for people who can bring appropriate digital skills to the workplace.

A Constantly Changing Field

Of course, that newness also has another effect: the field is constantly changing. This is both a challenge and an opportunity for people entering the industry. On the one hand, it means that you need to learn new ideas, technologies, and processes continually. On the other hand, if you can do that, you will be in a great position to advance within a fast-growing industry.

How Can Emerging Media Studies Help You Succeed?

While the first generation of digital media professionals had to figure it out as they were going, there are now programs to help you get your start. Significantly, they can help you master the foundational skills and knowledge to build your career. While the cutting edge of the field may constantly be changing, having a good understanding of the basics will help you stay ahead.

Getting the proper education can make it easier to land your first position. For some jobs, it is essential. In others, it may just give you a leg up over the competition.

How Can You Get Started Studying Emerging Media?

There are many great options for getting an education in emerging media. You can pursue a four-year degree. However, many people wanting to get into the field think that this is too much time. By the time you have completed your degree, the industry will have evolved and moved on.

Alternatively, you could aim just to get hands-on experience. However, this is not an option for many people because few employers want to hire someone with minimal existing skills and knowledge.

A better option in many cases is to pursue a shorter educational program. You can pick up the skills and knowledge you need to succeed while still getting started on your career as soon as possible. Better yet, you can pursue a program that includes both hands-on training and classroom theory.

Within digital and emerging media studies, you may have a few options of courses of study. For example, you could learn about creating web content, running social media campaigns, or producing internet video and audio. Whatever path you choose, the future is likely bright.

Key Takeaways:

• Digital content and distribution channels are growing increasingly important.
• This trend is driving increased demand for people with digital video and audio skills.
• Students who want to break into this area should strongly consider an education in digital media.

More and more students are choosing an education in digital media. Not that long ago, this field of study didn’t exist. Today, it may offer some of the most promising opportunities in the media industry. With some hard work, this could be your path to success.

Apply To Study at The Media Schools, located in Colorado, Ohio, Illinois, and Miami

If you are interested in learning more about digital media production, consider a course of study at the Media Schools, located in Colorado, Ohio, Illinois, and Miami. With our media programs, you can learn everything you need to know to earn your first position in emerging media. Apply today to take your first step toward digital media success.

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