Multimedia Programmer

What is it?

A Multimedia Programmer is a specialized type of programmer who is especially good at writing software which includes and focuses on multimedia, such as audio, pictures, animation or video.  They make programs which use these media extensively, such as games, flash videos, presentations, and websites. 

How is IT involved?

Multimedia programming is a fusion between the arts and programming, and as such, has a strong technical requirement.  Multimedia Programmers use many different pieces of software to create videos and presentations, and are highly dependent on computers for displaying their work.

Where can I see it?

Multimedia programming is everywhere, especially online.  All websites that use Flash have been created by a multimedia programmer, who has helped fuse together the disciplines of art and programming to entertain, and educate.

A good example of Multimedia Programming is websites for popular movies.  A movie website will usually contain a video of the trailer, some publicity photos, audio interviews, blogs and various other updates about the status of the movie.  To maintain the site itself, Multimedia Programmers take all of this data, put it together in a way that makes it easy to navigate, and fun to watch, without requiring that you jump through hoops, like downloading extra software, or exiting your browser.

How can I be a part of it?

A Multimedia programmer has a good sense of art, as well as layout and graphic design, and is excited to work with computers and programming on a familiar level.  Multimedia Programmers also need to be familiar with basic computing and the programs that will help them do their job.  Those who are artistically inclined, but also curious about the more technical side of programming will excel at Multimedia Programming.

What else might I like?

Multimedia Programmers work closely with Art Directors, Web Developers, Software Designers, and Project Managers

Where can I find out more?

DevShed resource for various Multimedia Programming resources

Some easy to learn Multimedia programming tutorials