Our ever-increasing appetite for news, information and entertainment ensures that the media and those working in the media play an important role in our lives. Work in the media business is very competitive and in high demand. While working in this field is not easy, with looming deadlines and odd hours, it is a great career to consider.
Filmmaking & TV broadcasting
Filmmaking is the process of making a film, from an initial story idea or commission through scriptwriting, shooting, editing and finally distribution to an audience. Typically it involves a large number of people in diverse occupations and can take anywhere between a few months and several years to complete. [click here for an overview of the process (from www.skillset.org)]
The film industry is high-profile but surprisingly small and therefore extremely competitive to get into. One of the first steps is to explore the diverse job roles that are available, and then pursue this in whatever way is appropriate. Check on the Sample careers [left] for details on individual roles. Further information on filming in Ireland can be found from the Irish Film Board.
Broadcast television is still the medium of our age, although the internet is catching up fast. It reaches millions of people in an instant in the intimacy of their own home. TV supplies most people with the bulk of their daily entertainment, with most of their information about the world, and arguably with most of their views and opinions.
As digital TV is the latest wave of technology to sweep the industry, more opportunities for broadcasters will become available. Opportunities exist as TV presenters alongside the many technical roles that are required to ensure a show runs smoothly. Information on some of the many careers in TV can be found from the list on the left (from FÁS Career Directions)
RTE is the main employer in this sector, with a current staff of over 2,000. Job opportunities for RTE, TG4 and TV3 are advertised in the national press. Positions for Irish speaking presenters and supporting staff in TnaG and supporting film making companies are frequently in short supply.
Publishing
Ireland has a thriving publishing sector comprising of Journalists, Editors, Writers, Graphic Designers, Desktop Publishers, Researchers etc. These people work on publications such as:
- Newspapers and magazines - researching, writing, editing and illustrating news stories and features on a huge range of local, national and international topics
- Books - producing fiction and non-fiction titles on an enormous range of subjects
- Photography - producing images that tell a story or record an event
- Print - making hard-copy products that include books, newspapers, magazines, greeting cards, brochures and office stationery
Book Publishing
There are about 140 book publishing companies in Ireland, and most have only a few permanent staff. To get a book published, one would usually find a publisher that is receptive to what you have written. This would then be evaluated by a 'Series editor' who would then pass it on to a 'Commissioning editor' to see if would be commercially viable to produce. If all goes well, you could get a publishing contract after a few months. At this stage, the book needs to be written.
Once written, the Publishing house will normally do the typesetting, design and printing, much of which is outsourced. Recently, writers have had the opportunity to get their book printed and published directly from online services, e.g. www.lulu.com
Jobs within the publishing sector offer exciting possibilities, but it is important to realise that this sector is very competitive and you would need to be prepared. Work experience is a valuable asset as it demonstrates a hands-on interest and shows that you have what it takes to do the job.
Determination is the key to success. Those who manage to break into the publishing sector aren't just the most creative or talented - they're generally the most determined, taking the attitude that 'if at first you don't succeed, try again'. You'll have to persevere and remain optimistic if you want to realise your dream of becoming a famous actress or even the next Steven Spielberg.
New Media
New Media has become a significant element in everyday life. It allows people to communicate, bank, shop and entertain. The global network of the Internet, for instance, connects people and information via computers. In this way the Internet, overcomes the gap between people from different countries, permitting them to exchange opinions and information. Diverse means for this exist even within the context of the internet, including chat rooms, instant messaging applications, wiki sites, forums, email messaging, online video and audio streaming and downloads, and voice-over-internet telecommunications (VOIP).
New Media is defined not only as a communication tool, but also as a tool for the commercial exchange of goods and services. Consumer goods are for sale, and personal property may be auctioned, through the Internet.
New media workers play an integral part in the development and design of content. Working on the cutting-edge of what's new and exciting, they create an interactive mix of text, graphics, photography, video, animation and sound.
Music Publishing
Music Publishing is a skilled service provided to the songwriter by a music publisher to help create and promote a song or music piece. The music publishers job is to make as much money as possible for both the songwriter and him/herself as possible by 'exploiting' the songs controlled to their full potential. A fee is usually charged in the form of a percentage of the songs earnings being retained by the publisher for his/her services. Hence the split between songwriter and publisher is the first thing to be decided. This can range from a 50/50 split to a 60/40, 70/30 etc, the higher percentage always in favour of the writer. Other main points to be negotiated will be the term or length of the contract, the songs it covers, the territories it applies to (UK & Ireland, USA, Japan, The World, etc) and when payments are to be made.
The most exciting aspect to life as a Music Publisher is that things change rapidly. A style of music currently popular can become outmoded almost overnight. Copyright matters such as Internet usage etc. also bring new challenges and one must be constantly aware of and adaptable to these changes. [see IMRO for more details]
Getting into Media and Publishing
Many jobs in this sector require early starts and late finishes, day, evening, night and weekend working. Long hours may be required to meet deadlines. While some workers are based in offices, studios or print shops, others may be required to travel frequently and work outside in all weather conditions.
Creativity is an essential skill for many jobs in this sector. Communication skills, the ability to work well in a team, IT skills and confidence are also likely to be important.
The education that is needed for jobs in the media industry is dependent on your chosen career, but many of these jobs do require that you have Level 7/8 Degrees. The various technicians in this field will need to have specialised training to deal with the technical equipment that is used in media broadcasting today.
Reporters, presenters and correspondents usually need to have a degree in either communications or journalism, although at times employers will consider those who have non-media type qualifications. Writers and those working in media research would usually need to have a degree in literature, journalism, communications, or English.
Employers in this area are particularly interested in individuals who have a particular experience or knowledge in a chosen field. Training opportunities include on-the-job training. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) may be necessary to keep up to date with new technology. Freelancers must fund their own training.
Many careers have no formal promotional structure, but experienced workers may be able to progress to more senior roles.
Outlook
The National Union of Journalists state that there are approximately 4,300 journalists in Ireland and Northern Ireland, while Screen Producers Ireland states that there are over 4,300 people employed directly in the film and television industry in Ireland. Although work in this sector appeals to many, opportunities at the early stages of careers tends to be piecemeal and sporadic. A recent report by PricewaterhouseCooper reports that the Entertainment and Media Industry will grow by 6.6 percent annually worldwide each year to 2010. Growth and career opportunities offering the best prospects in the future will be in Digital technologies, chiefly broadband Internet and the mobile communication sector.
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