What’s happening in the industry?
The creative media industry can change very quickly and is driven more and more by technological advances and trends. Animated films are a fast growing area and there may be a greater demand for people with web and software skills. There are also technological changes in areas such as photography, publishing and the visual arts. Some novels may be only published on the Internet these days and we can now watch TV on the net too.
Even though the media industry is expected to grow over the next 10 years there are many skills shortages. The reasons for these shortages are: an ageing workforce, lack of the right skills or qualifications and lack of specialist knowledge. In particular, there is a need for people with business and management skills and for people with advanced technical skills.
Over 50%(1) of jobs are in London and the South-East so you may need to be prepared to move if you really want a job in this sector. Many people also work freelance which means not having a permanent job but working to contracts.
More than two thirds of media professionals are graduates (2). That’s a lot higher (over 50% more) than the UK workforce as a whole. Because it looks like there will be more media graduates in the future, people wanting to get into the industry will also need to be able to show that they have other skills or experience.
There is plenty of opportunity in this industry to work abroad due to a global market. Animation and the film industry especially offer these opportunities.
There are many opportunities to work overseas in the performing arts sector. West End shows often transfer to Broadway in the United States with the original cast, dance and music easily crosses language barriers so there are opportunities to tour the world, and there are often openings on cruise ships for entertainers.
UK film production is facing more competition from companies in Canada, Australia and Eastern Europe as well as from the big players such as the USA and Bollywood in India.
In terms of animation, people are often recruited to work on projects abroad.
See the 'Notts Info' section for what's happening locally.
(1) Prospects
(2) Skillset
