Multimedia Production Team: Roles and Functions
Creating
a multimedia project requires a variety of skills.
The largest, most
complicated projects, mostly created by large corporations
and businesses, utilize several trained professionals, each delegated to a specific role in the production.
- Writer – The writer is one of the most important jobs on the team. The writer generally provides all the information, data, narrative, and text on the project. A good writer is a tremendous asset to the project. On projects, with a more limited role, the writer uses text already provided to him and simply writes it.
- Content Strategist – There are many ways to present content (i.e. video, graphics, text), and the content strategist, by evaluating the audience and its needs, determines the best way to convey the information to it. He also does much research on the topic, and can provide this information to the writer.
- Instructional Designer – The instructional designer is like a “teacher”, in the sense that he determines what the best way is that the user can process the information. The instructional designer can then chunks the material into smaller units, add or take away interactive capabilities, or modify flowcharts.
- Information Architect – Also called an interactive architect, the information architect’s role is similar to the instructional designer’s. His role is not to instruct the user, but to help make a site more user friendly by using flowcharts, wire frames, and other interactive modes.
- Interface Designer – The interface designer designs the visual layout of a site that would be most appealing to the user. The interface determines what an attractive site would looks like, and then using graphics and spacial design, creates a look which contributes to a site the user would feel comfortable using.
- Game Designer – The game designer’s role is similar to the interface designer’s. On video game projects, the game designer creates the graphics of the game, the storyline and flow of the game play, and interactive elements of the game with the user.
- Usability Expert – The usability expert has the role of looking at the project from both the user’s and the client’s point of view. He makes sure that the client’s goals are being presented clearly to the user. At the same time ensuring that the user can access and utilize the material in an efficient way. The usability expert receives user feedback from questionnaires, etc., and uses it to modify the project accordingly.
- Subject Matter Expert – The subject matter expert is often used in complex projects requiring a high level of expertise. He provides the writer with the correct data and information for the project. He also acts as a “proofreader” of the writer’s work, making sure it is as accurate as possible.
- Business Strategist – The business strategist usually works on corporate and financial related projects. He is an expert in the field of business, and many times has an advanced degree in the field. He writes situations, or scenarios, that describe how the product is being used by the user. The writer uses this information when deciding how to present the client’s goals to the user.
- Art Director – The art director acts as an overseer for any graphics and creative designs on the project. He works especially with the information architects and game designers, making sure that the graphics do not dominate the content (except on video games). His work helps make the project more visual friendly to the user.
- Animator – The animator is especially important on projects where the best way to present the information is in an animated, visual way. The animator can create sequential animation and graphics when needed on a project.
- Project Manager – The project manager oversees the entire project. He is responsible for keeping track of budgets, deadlines, and personnel.
- Video/ Audio Director – The video/ audio director provides any film or audio aspects of the projects. He works with the writer in many cases. On projects focusing on video, the director may have a whole team of video workers.
- Photographer/ Videographer – The photographer provides images that best serve the content of the project. The writer gives him recommendations on what the project needs in a visual sense, and the photographer provides it as best as possible.
- Voice Talent and Actors – Voice talent and actors are used on projects where there is narration or acting. The writer helps refine the scripts to suit the project and the client’s needs.
- Programmer / Coder – The programmer encodes the project into computer code. He can work with the writer to find what capabilities and skills are needed to present the project well. A programmer who can code in many formats can give the project more depth of options.
- Product Manager – The product manager understands the wants of the user market, and uses this information to best sell the product to them. He also understands the needs of the client and can work with the writer developing marketing strategies.
External Links
- Garrand, T. Writing for Multimedia and the Web. (2006).
Burlington, MA: Elsevier.
Out of Context Title : Multimedia Roles for Interactive Web Projects.
Philip Trevizo (2009).
