The role of technology in the arts and entertainment industry is constantly evolving as new technologies are created that allow artists to do things they were never able to do before. However, it’s important not to let the creative side of your brain overtake the business side when dealing with new technologies in your industry; there’s no point in buying a tool or software if it doesn’t actually provide you with an advantage over the competition. But what can you do to make sure you take full advantage of all the technological advances available to you? Here are some ideas.
Digital media can help maintain culture
The explosion of digital media allows consumers to connect with culture as it’s being created. Fans can interact directly with entertainers on social networks like Twitter, or by commenting on fan forums—both are free ways for artists to create genuine relationships. Fans who love a band’s early material may buy their new album or attend a live show, which gives musicians money to keep creating. Digital media has created stronger connections between fans and artists than ever before.
Digital technology has changed how we consume content
It allows us to read books online, watch TV shows on our phones, get tickets from our computers. But it’s also changed how content creators make their living: music professionals can now create albums using GarageBand; bloggers can write essays with just a few clicks; artists can take commissions for paintings through Etsy.
Digital technology has changed the types of content we create
It’s easier than ever to create videos, podcasts, photos and other multimedia content. But that doesn’t mean everyone can create content that a global audience will love—or even find watchable. If you want to succeed with video, for example, it helps to understand what viewers are looking for. In short: good lighting (or sound), clear narrative structure and authentic personalities.
Digital technology allows us to curate our own experience
We choose what we see. We decide who gets to speak. And we watch what we want, when we want, as many times as we like—no matter where or when it was made. This unprecedented control over our experience has turned us into an audience that’s not only bigger but also far more discerning than ever before, which makes it harder for individual creators to stand out.
Digital media helps connect people across distances and over time
A key advantage of digital media technology is that it enables people to connect with each other across distances. Distance learning, for example, can use digital media technologies to enable classroom interaction among students located all over a country or on different continents. And video conferencing has made distance collaboration even easier and more effective by enabling business meetings, conferences, presentations and lectures to take place between individuals who are not able to meet face-to-face.
