Tools for Success in the Digital Media Industry
In the bustling city of Phoenix, the video production industry is thriving, offering a wealth of opportunities for those looking to break into the field. Here's a rundown of what you need to know to get started.
For entry-level positions, a high school diploma is the minimum requirement. As the industry moves towards a "gig" economy, most positions are hired on a freelance basis, with larger corporations looking for content creators for social media content.
Soft skills like communication, problem-solving, reliability, and patience are highly valued, as are business skills such as bookkeeping, invoice creation, and contact organization. Traditional art skills can help in understanding composition, framing, color, lighting, and shadows. Understanding what it takes to run a small business is important for freelancers in the industry.
A professional online portfolio is expected for consideration in the industry, with Vimeo being the most common format. Permission should be obtained before including work done in a non-professional capacity in a portfolio. Offensive content should not be included.
The Digital Imaging Technician (DIT) position is in higher demand, ensuring the production meets technical objectives on set. Strong writing skills are highly valued, and a good understanding of computer literacy and the transfer of images and sound is essential. Technical skills such as Adobe Premier, Avid, Photoshop, and knowledge of backing up, duplicating, and storing large video files are important.
While analog film is experiencing a niche resurgence nationally, there is no direct evidence from the search results about increased or decreased demand for digital imaging technicians or related video production jobs in Phoenix in the last 3-5 years. The local economy shows signs of improvement with reshoring and job growth in manufacturing and related sectors, which may potentially lead to increased local production activities.
Production crews often work long days and are understaffed, so being a team player is important. Entry-level artists or designers can expect to make around $40,000 annually, but this varies by city and is often for full-time employment.
Lastly, for those looking to make a mark in the industry, showing up early to work and being willing to help out anyone on set is a good start. With the right skills, attitude, and portfolio, a career in video production in Phoenix is within reach.
Pursuing a career in video production in Phoenix, one might find it beneficial to delve into education-and-self-development opportunities in areas such as graphic design, where understanding composition, framing, color, lighting, and shadows can be advantageous. Additionally, having a lifelong passion for sports could potentially lead to exciting roles capturing and producing sports-related content. Furthermore, it's essential to keep up with the technology advancements that constantly evolve within the industry, as many positions are moving towards freelance work, requiring the ability to handle business skills such as bookkeeping and invoice creation.
