Entertainment Industry: Top 7 interesting professions

In the past years, the concept of entertainment could be easily defined, but due to the advancement of communication technology, the field of entertainment has expanded and now it is not so easy to define. This industry thrives irrespective of economic downturns as people see it as an escape from the realities of life.

Dialect Trainer

A dialect coach trains actors and others in international accents for film, television and theatre. Many professionals in this field focus on historical dialects, such as Old English or Shakespearean English. Some trainers work full-time, while others combine this work with an acting career.

Dialect coaches conduct research, provide instruction, and develop training materials for actors. They also help singers, comedians and corporate employees. In the UK, these professionals are called accent coaches. They are usually hired by coordinators or production managers.

Concert promoter

A concert promoter may also be referred to as a promoter or talent promoter. A concert promoter is usually in charge of organising concerts and finding the funds needed to put on the concert, either by raising funds through the involvement of others or using their own money. Before starting a concert, the promoter must develop a plan of action, which should include a budget for the concert.

The promoter should work with the artists or their labels and press agents to ensure publicity and hype around the concert. No formal education is required to become a concert promoter, although academic training in the music business can help. A booking agent, also known as a booking representative, can also be added here. A booking agent manages the engagements of the artists or bands they represent. If the artist is unknown to the general public, the booking agent must work on engagements, but if the artist is well known, promoters and clubs contact the booking agent to book a performance at a venue of their choice. The booking agent handles the contracting of the artiste's performances and receives his or her percentage up front once the contract is signed. Agents at large agencies may be assigned to certain categories.

The agent is usually responsible for the artiste and their manager. Booking agents do not need formal education to get started, but having a college degree in the music business and having taken seminars or workshops on booking entertainment would be an advantage.

Radio Announcer

Radio announcer is a broad title for many positions in the broadcasting industry such as news anchor, talk show host or disc jockey. The nature of the job depends on the format of the programme and its main focus. For example, a news anchor reads out the main news from a script, a sports anchor gives a voice-over commentary, talk show hosts work unscripted, and disc jockeys follow a playlist. Radio jobs require associate's and bachelor's degrees, and most employers prefer those with experience. In addition, depending on the position, a radio host may be required to have specialised experience. For example, disc jockeys must have a strong background in music.

Animation Director

Animation directors are responsible for recruiting and coordinating animation teams. They oversee and direct each team from the beginning to the end of the animation production. They usually have extensive experience in the animation and art industry. Animation directors work with the overall project manager, production department on schedule, production and budget. An animation director makes sure that the creative requirements of the project are met.

Animation directors can work in animation studios, film studios, television studios, advertising agencies, and game companies. A Bachelor's degree or preferably a Master's degree in animation and/or film and at least 5 years of industry experience is required.

Television Producer

Television producers handle the financing and scheduling of productions, select directors and crews, and make sure project deadlines are met. This position requires a bachelor's or master's degree in television, film, communications, or journalism, as well as significant work experience.

Television editors convert raw material into a finished product, using computer technology to blend video with music, sound and special effects. They work on commercials, news, documentaries and scripted programmes. Most editors work for national and cable networks, independent television stations and advertising agencies, often starting their careers as cameramen.

Art Director

The art director works closely with the production designer to realise creative visions for locations and sets that will give productions a unique visual identity. An Art Director may work on commercials, films and some television productions. An art director's work begins once the script and final schedule are received.

In addition to the production designer, the art director works in different departments, with the location manager, transport coordinator and other specialists. They oversee the construction, set up and tear down of all sets. To become an art director, you will need a degree in architecture, art, theatre, interior design or 3D. You also need to have experience in film and theatre design.

Publicist

A publicist is a public relations professional involved in writing press releases organising photographers at events, pitching and liaising with the media to secure coverage for artists and their albums. They work with editors, bloggers, music journalists, critics, radio DJs, photographers, artists, television producers, booking agents, record company representatives and personal managers.

An aspiring publicist will need a degree in public relations, marketing advertising, communications or journalism. They should have an understanding of the music business. Most publicists start as an intern or publicity assistant.