December 2001 — Features
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Evolution of a Digital Production Studio
The next step is to begin production. Several multimedia design and development models exist. Generally, most models include three stages: planning, design and development. Designing multimedia is more complicated in terms of management, due to the number of people required and the increased number of steps involved to produce a final product. Multimedia production teams can also be quite large. Therefore, good interpersonal communication skills, as well as technical know-how, are required to produce a product cost-effectively and in the time required by the client. Good project management is also essential to avoid cost overruns and project delays.
Another important consideration is whether you can put together a team of professionals who are both knowledgeable and personally committed to the process of planning, funding, developing and implementing a production facility. A key component to teamwork is communication. Studio project coordinators understand the importance of good communication skills when interacting with studio staff to produce quality projects within required time constraints. Likewise, the staff must possess good communication skills to work with the studio coordinator and outside vendors to solve problems with hardware and software conflicts that arise when putting together a new facility. Clearly, an effective, well-designed multimedia product is not a one-man show.
References
"Digital Workflow, Defined." 2000. Folio: The Magazine for Magazine Management, 120-21.
Furber, Rob. 2000. "The Big Picture," Marketing Week. 23 (43): 51-55.
Intel Corp. 2001. "Processor Hall of Fame - What is Moore's Law?" Online: www.intel.com/research/silicon/mooreslaw.htm.
Ohio State Department of Education, Columbus and Ohio Board of Regents. 2000. "Ohio Information Technology Competency Profile." Online: www.itworks-ohio.org/ITCOMP.htm.
Pennsylvania Department of Education, Harrisburg. 2001. "Link-to-Learn Guide." Online: www.LZL.org.
