Multimedia producers, sometimes called digital producers, work entirely in the digital realm to create, design and develop digital output such as web pages, videos and 3-D models. These producers have to be familiar with both the world of digital designers and the client side of those commissioning multimedia projects.

Skills Required

Multimedia producers should be at least basically familiar with software programs used in various aspects of digital design, including drawing, video and audio production, web development and design and 3D computer modelling. A producer doesn't necessarily have to be an expert in all or even any one of these programs, but he should at least have a working knowledge of how they work and how long digital media takes to create. In addition to design skills, a multimedia producer should have excellent project management abilities. Producers serve as the leaders of a team during the concept and design phase all the way through final production, so they should be comfortable with delegating responsibilities and guiding team members.

Primary Tasks

The primary task of a multimedia producer to to steer a multimedia project through initial stages all the way through completion. Producers set up a project management system and divide the production into multiple stages or phases to be accomplished on a given schedule. Producers keep an eye on the schedule and allocate team resources as necessary if they see that the project is falling behind at any point. Another major task of the multimedia producer is to meet with clients and take feedback on the project as it moves through production. These clients can be internal, such as a multimedia producer working on in-house projects for their employer, or external, where a multimedia producer works for a number of different clients on different projects.

Secondary Tasks

At times, especially in smaller production houses or firms, multimedia producers may be called to lend a hand with the production process. This can be shooting and editing video, manipulating digital photographs or building web pages. Multimedia producers are sometimes responsible for reporting on the metrics of their work, particularly in regards to web platforms. Here, they use a program such as Google Analytics to measure the traffic going to a multimedia web page and come up with ways that it can be increased. These types of producers also sometimes work with external content partners to produce or distribute multimedia content.

Background

Because multimedia producers have to be knowledgeable about all the different aspects of digital media, many producers work their way up from a multimedia design role such as video, illustration or web design. Many multimedia producer roles require either a bachelor's or associates degree in either multimedia production or one of the related fields, such as 3-D animation, web development or graphic art. Multimedia producers who have had at least two long-form productions distributed, or who have won an award at a recognized ceremony, such as the Emmys, Oscars or Producer's Guild Awards, are automatically eligible for membership. Although membership in the guild is not mandatory, it may help multimedia producers who are seeking employment in a competitive job market, such as Los Angeles or New York City.