The World of Digital Media Production

The World of Digital Media Production

Decisions, decisions

I decided to draft this story because I am currently enrolled in the Digital Media Program at Gulf Coast State College. One of the biggest reasons that drove me down this path came from serving on the Production Team at the church that I attend here in Panama City called Lighthouse Church. During my time on the team, I have been able to set up and tear down various equipment, create and display slides for the congregation, operate a video camera for live streaming, and run the soundboard during a service. While it has given me some hands-on experience of what it takes to be behind-the-scenes, a church service is only a small piece of what you can do with tools that you learn and will be able to apply in the future to a variety of careers.

What are those careers? Well, from what I am learning so far, is that those careers are all around you. I wondered myself, what opportunities I might find. I wanted to learn to be better at the things that I was already doing. How could I be better at it, what are the technical things that make some of the equipment work? Why do we use some of the equipment that we use? How do people make YouTube videos? I have always loved music, but I never imagined myself being able to run a soundboard. When I was younger, I always wanted to be one of the guys that got to drive all the cool cars and then write about them. I wanted to work for Motor Trend or Car and Driver. I don’t think that I ever really realized all of the hard work and effort it took to put out that content. Today, they make YouTube videos about car reviews. I never saw myself in movies, as an actor or on the sidelines of production. But all of those names that you see in the credits at the end of a movie have a working knowledge of one or multiple areas of the film industry.

How does that apply to me?

How does this apply to me? Why do I want to continue reading your articles Jay? Well, if you are like me, and you have a goal, you want to know about what kinds of things can help you get there. What is out there, that I can get my hands on to get me some experience? Who do I need to talk to? What classes should I take and why? What will help me achieve my goal of finding a job, being good at it, and enjoy doing it while making some decent money for myself?

Over the next several stories, I will explore some key areas behind the scenes here at Gulf Coast that help Digital Media students find their way. Although the degree itself offers three different pathways (Web Design, Marketing, and Production) my beat will focus on the Production pathway. The stories will include a look at Commodore Productions, Alternation Radio, and Commodore Waves. We will find out what they are and how each component prepares students for not only success while at GCSC, but also after graduation.