5 Keys to a Rewarding Career in Digital Media Production
Posted on Wed, Jan 04, 2012 @ 03:07 PM
The start of a new year is a time of reflection and new beginnings. Based on the n
umber of colleges offering digital media production classes it is safe to assume several people are entering this field. What does it take to have a rewarding career in digital media production? Working around the audio and video production industry for 30 years has provided me a bird’s eye view of 5 key qualities that together can lead to success.
Persistence: In the audio and video production industry it can be challenging to get your first break. Be persistent and practical. When you first enter the digital media industry you are competing for jobs with many other candidates. Be prepared to accept an internship or apprenticeship as a way to get your foot in the door and showcase your talents. I know a successful and Grammy Award winning audio engineer who started out sweeping floors at a recording studio.
Passion: In a January 1, 2012 Parade Magazine article by Martha Beck she shares insights from her book Finding Your Way In A Wild New World about how to pursue your passion. She describes work we are passionate about as an activity that causes you to forget time is passing. Jobs in digital media production often require long hours and crazy work schedules. A burning desire to do this work will help keep you going through long production days. If you are not passionate about digital media production Martha Beck recommends finding your passion. In my experience, most of the people in digital media are passionate about their craft. The next key to a rewarding career is often more difficult to develop than passion for the work.
Discipline: It is a kick to hear a song you produced on the radio or see a commercial you edited on TV. Better yet, to be on the production crew for a successful TV series or blockbuster movie provides a sense of accomplishment. A lot of people dream about this level of success, but it takes more than passion and dreams. The difference between those who are successful and those who never make it is discipline. Many starting out in digital media production have been following their dream in a basement or bedroom studio where they work on projects for days and sometimes weeks. Transitioning to a working production facility requires a discipline they are not used to. They no longer have days or weeks for editing and post production. The client needs the project by noon.
Creativity: Whether you are editing a marketing video, wedding or indie film, clients do not want their project to look like all the others. Incorporating fresh creative ideas into every project is a key to longevity in this industry.
A Learners Mind: Production equipment and techniques are always changing. A learners mind is the last but certainly not the least important key to success in digital media production.