Drivers of change: The future of the industry

In the final part of TVBEuropes series of features considering the state of the media tech industry we look to the future, and ask what should the industry be focusing on?

By Jenny Priestley

Published: August 30, 2023 Updated: August 31, 2023

In the final part of TVBEurope's series of features considering the state of the media tech industry we look to the future, and ask what should the industry be focusing on?

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In the final part of our series of features looking at the current state of the media tech industry we look to the future, find out how companies are engaging with the next generation of talent, and ask what should the industry be focusing on?

How is your organisation engaging with the next generation of potential talent that we need to attract into our industry? Bryan Castle, Avid (BC): Avid and the customer-led Avid Community Association (ACA) run the Avid Learning Collective (ALC) programme as a means to actively support those that bring - and champion - new voices and talent to the industry. The aim of the program is to aid in the creation of a more inclusive workforce that will help strengthen and improve every aspect of the media and entertainment business. The educational organisations and initiatives receive sponsorship of a three-year membership in the global Avid Learning Partner programme and licenses for Avid creative tools, teacher training and course materials for students as well as peer and professional networking to cultivate visibility, mentoring and job opportunities for students. In 2022, ALC awarded programmes to six recipients that span the globe, from Africa and the US to Scotland, who are leading this charge: Ability Post Productions Academy LTD, Docs in Progress, Ebony Life Creative Academy, Haven Studios, Heart of JOB Foundation, and Women's Audio Mission (WAM).

Caroline Meyer, Bedrock: To engage with the next generation of potential talent, Bedrock focuses on:

School Partnerships: We collaborate with schools, participating in events and workshops to showcase industry opportunities and provide guidance.

Recruitment of Apprentices and Interns: We actively recruit apprentices and interns from educational institutions, offering hands-on experience and potential future employment.

These initiatives help us attract young talent, inspire their interest in our industry, and provide valuable learning opportunities for their career development.

Glodina Lostanlen, Imagine Communications (GL): Across the industry we have all talked a lot over the last few years about the way that the industry has had to adapt, from fixed configurations of bespoke hardware to software-centric architectures. And along with that, we have talked about the need for IT skills alongside broadcast engineering.

But what perhaps we have overlooked is that the IT industry is a very different employment environment. The traditional broadcast engineer might change employers once or twice in a lifetime, but basically stayed in the industry and did what they knew best. In the IT industry the expectation is to move every few years. There is high demand for the best IT skills, and those experts can pick and choose jobs.

We also have to accept that the working environment is different today. It was accelerated by Covid, of course, but the IT industry was already embracing home working and flexible hours. To attract the best talent, we have to understand that they want to determine their own work/life balance.

Carina Schoo, Pixotope (CS): When it comes to virtual production, affordable access to tools and simplified, smooth workflows is an essential driving force behind the ongoing development of Pixotope software. By breaking down barriers that often prohibit entry into this industry, such as access to the necessary software, resource costs and ease of use, it ensures a greater number of people can pursue a career in this industry and help overcome the current skill shortage.

Moreover, we are actively engaging with the next generation of virtual production potential talent through our robust Pixotope Education Program. This programme is specifically designed to equip aspiring professionals with the technology, knowledge and skills required to thrive in the rapidly evolving field of virtual production. Through partnerships with educational institutions and industry experts, this program offers access to our state-of-the-art virtual production platform, enabling students to gain hands-on experience, as well as connections to the Pixotope global community of industry experts.

The latest exciting development in this programme has been the launch of the Pixotope Pocket mobile application. Even with the accessibility benefits the program provides, we realized that many students still don't always have access to the large professional studio setups in their school's media production labs. Available to students in the program, the launch of Pixotope Pocket means that students only need their phones and a PC to be able to engage and practice with virtual production tools and workflows wherever they are. By fostering a supportive learning environment and equipping young talents with the necessary tools and knowledge, the Pixotope Education Program plays a vital role in shaping the future of virtual production.

What initiatives do you have underway and/or what industry initiatives are you a part of that seek to build bridges with schools and further/higher education facilities in promoting our industry as a great place to work? BC: Avid is now offering higher education institutions that offer undergraduate and graduate degree programs the opportunity to provide free Media Composer software to any student who wants it. The Media Composer for Students Program enables schools to provide the same tools and tech

LINK:	https://www.tvbeurope.com/business/drivers-of-change-the-future-of-the...
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