Technology and the entertainment industry are constantly evolving to bring new media to consumers on new platforms. The entertainment technology industry includes interactive computer game design, digital entertainment and other types of computerized media. To work in information technology entertainment industries, an education in entertainment technology is essential.

Entertainment information technology training can be provided by many sources, but a mix of traditional education and real world experience can provide the best technology and the entertainment industry education and training. Find training opportunities to learn about entertainment industry technology through:

1. Companies that provide entertainment industry software and technology.

2. University classes that offer training in the latest entertainment technology.

3. Industry seminars and events that teach professionals about new technologies.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Earn an entertainment technology degree to work with technology in the entertainment industry

Many universities have added entertainment technology as a major within the past decade. These programs are designed to teach students about the entertainment industry and provide skills to work with a variety of computer equipment and software. Programs range from associate's degrees to master's degrees in entertainment technology.

I recommend: The City University of New York provides many certification programs and a bachelor's degree program in entertainment technology. Michigan Technological University offers many entertainment technology bachelor's programs, each with a different concentration. Some of the concentration areas include sound design and electronic media.

Hire a consultant to teach your employees about technology in the entertainment industry

Certain technology consultants provide education and training on technology designed specifically for the entertainment industry. Whether the consultant is hired to help choose the right equipment or to assist in creating a training course for your employees, these professionals can provide valuable information and resources on entertainment and information technology.

I recommend: Media Technology Consultants provides industry professionals with the chance to create custom training courses for employees who need to learn how to use new technology. Industry Sourcer provides training in different computer systems to help entertainment industry companies expand.

Attend conferences and events to learn about technology in the entertainment industry

A great way to begin learning about technology for the entertainment industry is to attend conferences, trade shows and other types of industry events. These events feature new products for television, radio and movie production, as well as educational events.

I recommend: Delta MAX provides professional entertainment industry seminars on a variety of topics, including the business and technology of motion pictures. The International Cinematic Technology Association holds three events very year where industry professionals can learn about the latest innovations in digital cinema.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Additional educational resources for technology and the entertainment industry are provided by industry organizations that specialize in different types of entertainment media.

Consumers' attention spans don't last too long when it comes to advancements in entertainment technology. Once a new technology gets popular its importance is tossed aside and the latest gadget has taken its place. The entertainment industry must constantly adapt to the fast-paced and sometimes complicated changes in technology.

Computer technology in the entertainment industry can provide both a challenge and an opportunity. It can require updating your business operations but can also pump up your efficiency and the offerings to your customers and investors. Those in the industry who aren't afraid to look to the future and act accordingly will be the most successful.

Consider the following entertainment industry technology information:

1. With the increase of information technology, entertainment often comes from user-generated content.

2. In the push for on-demand entertainment, information technology takes consumers a step past pay-per-view options and gives them what they want exactly when they want it, whether it be music or video.

3. Special effects technology and the entertainment industry combine creative forces with engineering and will continue to amaze audiences.

Action Steps
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Hire an entertainment technology industry consultant

With technology capabilities changing on a daily basis, it's important to keep up. Perhaps the best way to accomplish that is to hire an expert specialized in your area of the entertainment industry. A top technology industry consultant can advise you on the best strategies to not only maintain your current technology but adopt a bold vision for the future.

I recommend: Providing media and entertainment consulting, IBM services include strategies on how to manage change in technology. Media Technology Consultants can consult with you on a number of issues including the area of emerging technology.

Look into advances in entertainment industry software

Computerized technology is just one of many revolutionary advances in the industry. Not only can you expand the entertainment offerings to your customers but you can also rely on software to keep your operations running as smooth as possible.

I recommend: For managing theatrical distribution, Access Integrated Technologies provides the latest software from booking to tracking film production. Dynamic Digital Depth offers 3D stereo software for entertainment capabilities on mobile devices.

Research products and services for entertainment industry technology

Whether it's the latest high-definition camera or digital effects system, make sure you have the latest and greatest equipment on the market to put your business ahead of the competition. Many technology companies provide services that you can partner with to advance your business.

I recommend: From broadcast products including high definition cameras to production and master control, film production tools, distribution and transmission products, Thomson provides equipment and systems with the latest technology. Mediatechnics Systems Inc. offers timely CD and DVD production duplication services.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Perhaps the largest growth in information technology in entertainment has been the rise of the Internet. Internet growth allows media companies to market and make their content available to a worldwide audience.

Learn some technology and the entertainment industry key terms to keep yourself on the cutting edge in the industry. Keeping current with trends not only makes you appear savvy, but also gives you the tools to promote yourself and your work. When you know some of the technology and the entertainment industry key terms, it demonstrates to those around you that you are willing to put in time and energy to attain an in-depth knowledge of the business.

Action Steps
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Booking

In the entertainment industry, booking means that an entertainer and a venue agree on a date or dates for a performance. Generally, when an entertainer gets a booking, the hiring company and entertainer enter a written contracted agreement.

I recommend: BookingEntertainment.com connects entertainers with clients interested in booking entertainers for parties, trade show festivals and other events. It covers contracts for smooth booking transactions.

Gig

Professionals in the entertainment industry recognize the term gig as a short-term job held by music professionals. The term generally refers to pop artists or jazz performers rather than full orchestras.

I recommend: Trumpet College advertises an online book that offers musicians the inside scoop on getting gigs.

Digital media

The term digital media refers to technology that combines science and digital arts and technology with education, social networking and other forms of communication. It uses media based on binary computer codes and encompasses a variety of medium from digital video, audio and other content.

I recommend: Lee's Summit R7 School District identifies many forms of digital media, including webcasts, social networking sites, videos and movie makers. It demonstrates ways digital media enhances learning in the classroom.

Emerging technology

In entertainment and in technology, emerging technologies refer to the latest industry developments. Many of the programs coming out in emerging technology hit the shelves in beta format, waiting for consumers to test the product and offer feedback.

I recommend: Learn about emerging technology in online articles from Gizmag. This site offers information on cutting edge products ranging from automotive to Internet devices.

Expert consultancy

Many members in the technology industry and also in the entertainment industry go to experts for advice. An expert consultancy is an arranged meeting with a field professional who offers insight into the inner-workings of your business and gives advice for troubleshooting. The consultancy might include one-on-one meetings, a summarized report, a telephone or a web meeting or a combination of any of the aforementioned.

I recommend: Jeff Weisberg offers expert advice from an Internet technology professional offering consulting services. It offers analysis and solutions in addition to assisting on the implementation of new technologies.

Mobile device entertainment

Merge telecommunications devices with entertainment devices and you will find a mobile device entertainment product. This device allows you to participate in leisure technology even when you're far away from any modem or when you're on the move.

I recommend: Condesa highlights leaders in the podcast industry for mobile device entertainment.