Topic 1 - Developing Industry Knowledge

March 2, 2008

Topic 1: Developing Industry Knowledge

1. Describe what constitutes the Multimedia Industry in Australia and identify the different sectors of the industry and their products and services?

2. Who are the major industry bodies/associations – AIIA, IIA, AIMIA, GDAA, MIN?

- Describe the role they play and their relevance within the industries.

3. What are the different markets and their relevance to industry sectors and include:

- The different distribution channels for their products and services.

- The economic and/or social significance of the industry.

“Multimedia. Noun. Multimedia pl.(plurale tantum) the use of different media to convey information; text together with audio, graphics and animation, often packaged on CD-ROM with links to the Internet.” [1]

Wikipedia.org

Multimedia is the mixing of different media inputs such as Text, Audio, Still Images, Video, Animation and Interactivity. Combining these medias makes for effective results is areas such as Advertising, Entertainment and Education. The Multimedia Industry in Australia is booming and with the constant advances of technologies this is set to continue. There are many roles played within the Australian Multimedia Industry these roles include Web Developers, Web Designers, Website Coordinators, Multimedia Analysts, Multimedia Editors, IT Multimedia Support Officers, Software Engineers, Game Developers, Video Editors, Graphic Designers, DVD Authoring Engineers, Program/Project Coordinators, ActionScript Developers, Corporate Sales Executives, Communication Managers and Flash Interface Designers. With all these roles available, Australia’s Multimedia Industry creates hundreds of jobs each year bringing in millions of dollars for the Australian economy. As well as creating jobs within the Multimedia Industry there is a flow on affect that reachers various job sectors in Australia such as printing, financial management, recruitment, IT, education, construction and many others.

Products and services provided by the Multimedia Industry include creating and developing websites, producing animation for advertising and entertainment, producing interactive games, educational videos and learning materials. Multimedia products are not restricted to the digital form. Paper based multimedia such as, brochures, magazines, catalogues and flyers use text and image to convey a message and are just as effective. Printing and paper producing companies are common services used by multimedia companies to create hard copies. This method allows presentations of concepts and final ideas for client projects and the public arena. People all around the world see products and services produced within the Australian Multimedia Industry. By increasing the viewers it then intern increases the Multimedia Industry client base and reputation bringing new money to the Australian economy.

The Multimedia Industry of Australia not only produces products and services to business but creates opportunities for new and up coming multimedia designers and developers. Awards and competitions are run throughout the year to help new comers and students break into the highly competitive industry. Competitions range from Logo design to Website Design and most other multimedia categories. Websites are produced to promote the awards and competitions, posters and flyers are also used, mainly within the education sectors such as universities and Tafe. Examples of these websites and awards include Webby Awards.com, Macromedia Web Contest.com, The iAwards, AADC Annual Awards, Communication Arts Interactive Annual 8 and the South by Southwest Conferences and Festivals Web Awards.

To ensure industry standards are meet, the rapidly growing Multimedia Industry of Australia has associations and bodies to keep check and manage the various sectors. The AIMIA, Australian Interactive Media Industry Association enables the public as well as people working in industry to receive important current and up to date information about the Australian Multimedia Industry. The AIMIA has created a website that post details regarding jobs, forums, event dates and information, industry development such as new technologies, awards and contests, resources and related links, and new. This website not only looks at the Australian Multimedia Industry but updates viewers with news from around the world as its imperative to be on the ball and up with the know.

The ACS, Australian Computer Society focuses on the information and communication technology side of multimedia. Their website contains information regarding computer based polices such as Industry Code of Conduct and professional standards. Other pages containing services, contacts, links, news and events are found within the site. These information sections are present in most multimedia based website. This websites purpose is to answer users questions and inform them of current happenings within Australia’s computer based multimedia society.

A union was formed in 1992 by small existing unions and a variety of industry employees from areas of arts, journalism and entertainment. This union is called Alliance and it implements industry policies, issues and standards. Unions and associations are import to keep industry up to date with world standards and implement efficient work methods. Rules and regulations give all Multimedia Industry employees equal opportunities and correct employee to employer relations.

Multimedia is a growing industry in Australian and many businesses all over the country are turning to multimedia to update and improve their business. Websites are now a common multimedia feature used by business to promote, inform and expand their sales and target market knowledge. Television and Radio are also widely used forms of multimedia in advertising. Television uses visual and audio techniques to convey a message where as radio is restricted to just audio. Newspapers, magazines, catalogues, brochures and flyers allow a businesses target market to retain a hard copy of an item in a text and image form. The person can carry the item with them for future reference and other purposes. By utilizing these medias individually or together will enhance the outcome, achieving higher sales, greater market share and improved consumer awareness.

REFERENCES

Internet