If you love TV, movies, or both, a career in digital video technology might appeal to you. Digital video technology careers take you behind the scenes on film and TV production, allowing you to have an impact on the media that gets produced.
Entry-level digital video jobs can also help you get started on the path to a fulfilling career in the media. Learn more about digital video technology, including the type of jobs available and how you break into the industry.
Types of Digital Video Careers
If you want to get started in digital video technology, there are several entry-level career paths to choose from:
- Production assistant: A production assistant (PA) might work on a set or in the office. They take on the small, but essential tasks involved in the filming of a movie or TV program. As a PA, you might have to drive people around, help with catering, or perform any other tasks requested by the producer or director. Usually, a job as a PA serves as a way to get your foot in the door of the industry.
- Audio/video equipment technician: AV technicians are responsible for the operation and maintenance of video and audio equipment. They usually operate the mixing and soundboards and need to set up cables and wires. They take of projectors, recording equipment, mics, and video monitors during live or recorded events.
- Video/TV camera operator: A camera operator typically works in a studio and is responsible for filming a subject in a fixed position. They need to be able to follow instructions and, in the case of a live performance, adapt and make adjustments quickly. Videographers are similar but they typically film events outside of a studio setting, such as ceremonies or documentaries.
- Video editor: A video editor typically uses software to compile a film or TV show. Editors have a lot of control over the final product, as the choices they make can enhance a scene. They usually work closely with a film or TV director.
- Broadcast technician: A broadcast technician maintains and operates the equipment that controls the sounds and colors for TV broadcasts. They’re responsible for operating transmitters that send the broadcast signal out and that ensure people get to watch the program at home.
How to Get Started in Digital Video Technology
You can get started in the digital video technology field in a few ways. If you have connections, you might be able to land a job as a PA without any additional training beyond a high school diploma. PAs often perform the grunt work, though, and there might not be much room for advancement.
If a particular career path, beyond being a PA, appeals to you, it can be worthwhile to pursue training in the area. A career certificate in Digital Video Technology will give you the skills and training you need to succeed in the field.
During a digital video technology course, you can expect to take classes in AV technology, digital video direction and production, and videography. Completing a certificate program will prepare you to become an Adobe Certified Associate in Premiere Pro and Photoshop.
Digital Video Technology Salary Range
There’s a pretty wide salary range for digital video technology jobs, depending on the career path that appeals to you. Camera operators had a median annual salary of $57,200 in May 2020 while the median salary for video editors was $67,2501. Broadcast and video technicians had a median annual salary of $50,0002.
The industry you end up in influences your salary. Editors and technicians in the motion picture industry typically earn higher salaries than those in the television industry.
Digital Video Technology Job Opportunities
While the media can be a tough industry, and competition can be fierce, plenty of opportunities are anticipated for people who want to pursue a career in digital video technology. The BLS estimates that demand for broadcast, sound, and video technicians will grow by more than 20% by 20302.
The BLS expects the demand for video editors and camera operators to grow by 29% by 20301.
Orange Technical College offers a digital video technology career certificate program at our Avalon Campus. After just nine months of full-time study, you can be ready to launch an exciting new career in video production.
Request information to learn about our program today.
Sources:
- Film and Video Editors, Camera Operators, BLS, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/film-and-video-editors-and-camera-operators.htm
- Broadcast, Sound, and Video Technicians, BLS, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/broadcast-and-sound-engineering-technicians.htm