What Careers are Available in Digital Video Production?

<p>Digital video production, also called digital videography, offers an array of jobs and positions. As a camera operator, video editor, DVD writer, animator, or audio director, you could work in movies, television, news media, advertising, education, government, or businesses. Once you learn how to operate the latest video equipment and associated computer programs, you can create factual and fictional audiovisual productions. </p> <p>Digital video production opens doors to becoming a <b>camera operator</b> working with a variety of digital cameras and computer software. A well-known type of camera operator is the videographer. <b>Videographers</b> often shoot weddings and other events, and may create documentaries for businesses as well. Other camera operators include <b>cinematographers</b>, who film movies, and <b>studio camera operators</b>, who work in broadcast studios. </p> <p><b>Editing film and videos</b> is another strong choice as most top movies are shot digitally, though film projects are still available as well. Video and <a href="http://learn.org/articles/Film_Editing_5_Steps_to_Becoming_a_Film_Editor.html">film editors</a> select footage and organize it into a coherent story based on the director's vision for the work. They work closely with directors and producers. </p> <p>You may want to be the one in charge of everything by becoming a producer or director. <b>Producers</b> are responsible for the budget, raising funds, hiring crew members and maintaining a production schedule. <b>Directors</b> direct the cast and crew, and collaborate with many people in the production, including the producer, set designers and location scouts. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> </td><td> <b>Videographers </b> </td><td> <b>Film &amp; Video Editors</b> </td><td> <b>Producers &amp; Directors</b></td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Degree Required</b> </td><td>Bachelor's degree </td><td>Bachelor's degree </td><td> Bachelor's degree</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Education Field of Study</b> </td><td>Digital video camera operation and production techniques; lighting </td><td> Video and film production; relevant computer systems and software </td><td> Film or video production management; leadership; film studies; business administration; studio and on-scene personnel management</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Key Responsibilities</b> </td><td>Set up and operate digital video cameras and related equipment </td><td>Manipulate recorded audio and video into story-telling sequences; create and add various special effects to productions </td><td> Interpret scripts; oversee video and film productions; direct camera and sound recordings; review and select various edits for final production</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Job Growth (2020-2030)</b> </td><td>24% (for all camera operators, television, video, and motion picture)*</td><td> 33%* </td><td> 24%*</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Average Salary (2020)</b> </td><td>$67,590 (for all camera operators, television, video, and motion picture)*</td><td>$83,880* </td><td> $96,690*</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---WhatIsDigitalVideoProduction">What Is Digital Video Production?</h3> <p><b>Digital videography</b> is a combination of art and technology. In videography, you use state-of-the-art digital video equipment and computer programs, like editing, animation, and special effects software, to create a story for viewing. The story can be real, such as a news report or documentary film, or fiction, such as a music video, television show, or commercial. </p> <p>As a digital videographer, you'll primarily operate digital camera equipment, but you'll also make use of other elements of the profession. You'll need to know techniques for using lighting equipment and natural light for both studio and location shoots, as well as audio and editing methods. In addition to these technical skills, you'll need to understand the process of digital video production, from original idea to post-production tasks. Finally, you'll need imagination and creativity to help your work stand out and be noticed. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreCommonVideoProductionOrVideoEditorJobs">What Are Common Video Production or Video Editor Jobs?</h3> <p>There are several niches to fill in the digital video production profession. You could work in television, movies, advertising, or news reporting. You also could apply your skills in education, government, or business industries. Within these settings, you could hold a variety of positions, such as a video editor, camera operator, animator, DVD writer or audio director. </p> <p>Projects typically involve goals as diverse as employee training, entertainment or the recording of personal events, such as weddings or bar mitzvahs. You could choose to work in a freelance capacity or as an employee of a company. As the uses for digital video increase, so could your potential career avenues, such as new media outlets. </p> <h3 id="section---VideoProductionDegreeInformation">Video Production Degree Information</h3> <p>Courses in a bachelor's degree program at a college, university, or film school can introduce you to equipment, software, and techniques used in the industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), digital video production is a competitive field, and employers often prefer or require you to have a bachelor's degree (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). Majors in filmmaking, multimedia, and broadcasting technology include hands-on experience, and many schools have their own studios or television stations where you can develop your skills. </p> <p>The BLS stated that employers are also interested in a high level of imagination and creativity. Digital video production programs typically provide the opportunity for you to create a portfolio to display your academic and professional work. Many programs also include business studies that can teach you pricing, contract development, insurance requirements, and marketing strategies that may be helpful if you offer freelance services. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatSalaryCouldIEarn">What Salary Could I Earn?</h3> <p>Your compensation as a digital videographer would vary with your job responsibilities, the company you work for and your experience level. In May 2020, the BLS stated that film and video editors earned a mean annual wage of $83,880 and primarily worked in the film industry. Additionally, the agency reported that television, video, and movie camera operators earned an average income of $67,590, and producers and directors earned an average salary of $96,690 in the same year. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreSomeRelatedAlternativeCareers">What Are Some Related Alternative Careers?</h3> <p>Related alternatives in the field of entertainment include technicians, screenwriters, and <a href="http://learn.org/articles/What_is_Multimedia_Design.html">multimedia designers</a>, artists, and animators. Many types of technicians work in the entertainment industry. For example, <b>audio and video equipment technicians</b> take care of the setup of video or film and other electrical equipment for various broadcasts. <b>Sound engineers</b> operate sound equipment, digital or analog, on a television set, movie location, music video, or news broadcast. Technicians typically need a postsecondary diploma, a certificate, or an associate's degree to begin their careers. Another related profession is screenwriting. <b>Screenwriters</b> create original screenplays for movies or television as well as adapt books and other sources into screenplays. As a screenwriter, you might work alone or as part of a team of writers. Screenwriters need a bachelor's degree. Other positions include <b>multimedia artists</b> and <b>animators</b>. These jobs also require a bachelor's degree and utilize digital art and animation skills to make specific effects for video games, music videos, and television shows.</p>