Adding some class to your resume’: How a good school can make all the difference.

While the definition of multimedia may be wide and elaborate, the end result is always the same-a happy client. Whether you’re creating a series of in-house instructional videos or a multifaceted website, it’s important to understand the "want" of the client, the needed tools, and how to plan and budget a project through correctly. There are many people in the field of video production who have simply had a vision and gone for it - buying the equipment and learning the hard way how to white balance the camera and what the difference is between a codec and a format. It’s easy to see someone coming from, say, a technical theater background to help with lighting or sound, and picking up on interview tips or learning about ballast boxes.

Ohio Media School has several locations, including Columbus and Cleveland.

But the people who have had the best run with us, be they interns or employees, have had some sort of schooling under their belt. A good, all around knowledge of the industry and a desire to constantly improve will take a person far. It’s also a good idea to have more than just an A/V education if you’re thinking of making a living in the field-or even making money at all. A small business class or a bit of marketing under your belt can change the way you view a video project, because often it really does come down to how much money you can afford to spend. People who can think creatively and get the most for the dollar will go far in any occupation-as will people with a firm grasp on the realities of business and their capital.

Ohio University offers extensive film programs and degree options. (photo from Ohio University website)

A good school will push a student to try new things and take chances, not just give them lectures. Hands on experience with a variety of interests means when you need your audio guy to set up a 15×15 silk, he’ll say “Sure.” and not “Huh?”. It’s also invaluable in post production, when a night can be spent simply burning DVDs or time-mapping an audio file to match beats per minute.  Sometimes it’s better to be decent in several areas than proficient in one.  Most schools worth their weight have an A/V program and should at the least offer a principles or theory class.  If you have the time and the money, it’s a great way to learn what’s new and what’s on the horizon. Working with many Ohio locals, we hear of several schools that do a great job and have seen the results. Ohio Media School (https://beonair.com/locations/columbus) offers hands-on classes as well as the opportunity for students to create films and even enter festivals. Columbus State, CCAD and Franklin University in Columbus offer Multimedia degrees that touch on filmmaking as well as design and marketing. Ohio University in Athens has a renowned film and media program as well. There are many others, like Kent State, Toledo and Akron Universities.

I'AMedia are proud graduates of Franklin University and Columbus State and have hired and sponsored employees, freelancers and interns from Ohio University, Columbus College of Art and Design, Columbus State and Columbus Public Schools.

Columbus State Interactive media degree: https://explore.cscc.edu/programs/IMM.AAS/interactive-media-aas

A collection of the author's old school books.