Multimedia 

Introduction

Multimedia is one of the most interesting and popular branches of software industry. Its effects can be seen everywhere around us in form of interactive games, CD-ROMS, Special effects (SFX) in entertainment industry or the fun and loving animation movies and characters. Thus this branch of software provides a host of opportunities for those with a creative bent of mind and an interest in newer technology. This is the area where you can let your imagination run wild and play with text, graphics, animation, audio and video with computer interactivity to create new visual and virtual worlds

Animation, which is the most well known face of multimedia industry, is one of the fastest growing IT-enabled services in India. Its widespread use can be found in areas such as entertainment (films and television), business (marketing demonstrations, product promotions), sales (presentations), education, tourism, publishing (graphics and printing), web design and virtual reality for simulation in defense projects, engineering, advertising (commercials and advertisements), interiors and fashion design.

We all have admired the amazing leaps and feats of Hrithik Roshan in Krrish. Equally loving and wonderful have been the movies on Hanuman and Ramayana. These are the first rate examples of what multimedia animation and 3D modeling have done to the entertainment industry. Films like Lord of the Rings and Matrix have been composed on the computer where the set is designed in 3D. This was done with the help of various multimedia software programs such as Maya, 3D Studio Max, Adobe After Effects, Giff Animator, Flash which generate movement with great precision and reality.

Requirements and Training

From video and sound editing to special effects, virtual reality, animation, games and interactive multimedia programming --- learning multimedia can be an enjoyable experience. But it is not as easy as it sounds. It requires a lot of hard work, ability to visualize, logical designing, artistic talent and a streak of creativity.

There are many good courses that are available for entry into this field. But it is much better to have a basic degree in software engineering or information technology before moving into specialized multimedia courses. The National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad offers full-time 4-½ years Diploma courses in Graphic Design, Animation Film Design and Video Programming. And there are other reputed institutes such as Arena multimedia and Maya Academy of Advanced Cinematics in New Delhi and Mumbai

Alternatively, One can also go for a degree in video production, multimedia production, or animation or a bachelor's degree in a visual arts related discipline. Obviously diplomas in computer graphics is a must. There are a plethora of specializations which you can choose from such as Visual design, 2D and 3D animation, Motion graphics, Interactive design , Publishing. Special effects, Game design, 3D Modeling and Interface design. These areas require use of softwares such as Macromedia Flash, Illustrator, Microsoft Producer, Dreamweaver, Adobe Acrobat, and Photoshop to name a few.

Opportunities

The use of special effects is increasing day-by-day in our film industry and so are the opportunities for young professionals. Radio, television, advertising and the film industry where cartoon films, ad films, movies are being made regularly now offers good options to animators, designers and multimedia professionals. Similarly, there is a good amount of work available in Interactive Multimedia such as in interactive websites, elearning sites or production of interactive CDs. Publishing industry requires illustrators, animators and graphic designers for designing and organizing the page layouts of magazines, books and newspapers. And there are good options for graphic designers, visualizers, compositors, character developers and modeling artists in Graphic design studios.