Like most, I’ve seen more than my share of recaps on the NAB 2025 show in Las Vegas. I’m happy for this, because even though I attended IRL, no one can possibly get to everything. And often, it’s hard to spot all the hottest gear or the biggest emerging trends while you’re there. The show organizers do their best, releasing daily wrap ups, and previews, but it’s still a lot. So, kudos to the recappers, you’ve done Yeoman’s work.
But what’s up with working in the business? If I’m just starting out, or looking to shift gears or start over, what do I need to know? Based on NAB Show 2025, there are five key trends in production jobs. Invest in knowledge associated with any of these, and you increase your odds of landing a hot job in this still hot industry.
AI Integration
There are those two little letters again, AI is being integrated into various production stages, from automated editing to voice cloning for localization. AI is streamlining production workflows, generating scripts, and converting text prompts to finish scenes or entire productions. It’s happening now, and the pace is accelerating.
Virtual production
LED volumes are becoming more affordable, allowing smaller studios, and even companies to create visually stunning content and immersive environments remarkable as either digital worlds or mimicking the real one.
Workflow Development
When you add in the continued development of Hybrid and Remote Workflows taking advantage of cloud-based platforms and remote collaboration tools, you’ve empowered people and teams to work together seamlessly no matter where they’re based.
Mobile first
Although it’s a big win for device manufacturers and developers is the recognition that broadcasters (a catchphrase for all the big content studios and distributors) are taking a Mobile First approach. Remember Quibi? Maybe they were just too far out there on the bleeding edge or were done in by the Pandemic, but the focus on vertical video formats, short-form, and interactive features for content is real, and this trend is also driving innovation in compression technologies and delivery protocols.
Content creation
We’re all living in a Creator Economy. Individual content makers are leading innovation in production trends and development of new content formats. It doesn’t look like AI will end human dominance of creativity anytime soon, but it is certainly helping to fuel creators in new and exciting ways.
Choosing any of these five areas of technical or creative career focus looks like a good bet right now. And, as with any direction you choose for your career development, the key is to keep developing your knowledge and skills. Our industry isn’t slowing down, and you shouldn’t either.
