Addressing the Media Technology Skills Crisis: A New Initiative

A recent establishment has emerged to address the mounting skills crisis within the media technology industry. The Global Media & Entertainment Talent Manifesto, co-founded by Carrie Wootten and Chris Redmond, is committed to bridging the skills gap and laying the foundation for future skillsets. The Manifesto aims to establish an international framework of principles, actions, and initiatives that CEOs, companies, and individuals can endorse in order to have a significant impact.

Several influential companies, including Vizrt and Deluxe as founding members, as well as A+E Networks, AMD, BBC, Dell, DTG, Harmonic, Imagine Communications, ITV, Media City Odense, Microsoft, Redholt, Signiant, SMPTE UK, SWR, Tek Systems, and Warner Bros.Discovery, have lent their support to the Manifesto.

Over the next year, the Manifesto will introduce five key projects to raise awareness of the industry as a viable and creative career path for students. The initiative will culminate in the development of a physical manifesto for members to sign and commit to delivering specific actions.

Carrie Wootten, co-founder of the Global Media and Entertainment Talent Manifesto, emphasised the need for collective and collaborative efforts within the global sector to address the impending skills crisis in the industry. Sharing best practices, implementing new initiatives, and attracting talent to the industry are deemed crucial. In addition, there is a need to educate and inspire young people about the diverse range of roles within the industry, and the Manifesto will work with educational institutions globally to achieve this.

Wootten also expressed her enthusiasm for the support network of the founding members, underscoring the importance of industry leaders like Deluxe and Vizrt to promote and uphold the mission of the Manifesto.

The establishment of the Global Media & Entertainment Talent Manifesto represents a significant step towards tackling the skills crisis in the media technology industry. With the involvement of influential companies and dedicated individuals, this initiative has the potential to drive meaningful change and create a brighter future for the industry.