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Video vistas
While watching a television programme today, we are often amazed at the kinds of visuals, the slickness of their movement, the synchronisation of picture and sound, and the incredible way in which a story can be told, sometimes even in 20 seconds.
These are, in fact, the skills of a video editor at work. The production of any television programme involves three stages. The first stage includes working on the ideas and concept, conducting the research, writing the script, and making all the preparations for filming. Then follows the actual filming stage, whether on a set, studio or an outdoor location. The final stage is that of video editing, when the visuals and sound recordings are put together, along with any special effects, music and graphics, if any. This final stage is when the film actually comes to life, as the best visuals and sounds are selected, keeping the director’s focus and storyline in view. The video editor, therefore, plays a key role in the post-production process, adding the aesthetic aspect into any film, through well-honed techniques of editing. Work profile
The main task of the video editor is to edit soundtracks, film and video for the motion picture, cable and broadcast visual media industries. The videotape editor puts together a film or documentary by arranging or modifying the sequence of visuals from the tapes on which they have been filmed, adding whatever sound, music and special effects necessary so as to make the film appealing to viewers. It is the video editors’ skill that determines the quality and impact of the final product. Video editors work with the production personnel using advanced editing tools to analyse, evaluate, trim, arrange and join scenes. Video editing is carried out with the help of video editing machines. These can be in the form of linear editing, which involves recording the required visuals from the filmed tape on a master tape in the sequence required for the film, with the help of video recorders and players. This has to be done visual by visual and can be time consuming and laborious. With the advancement of technology, most editing is now carried out digitally with the use of computer technology. Digital or non-linear editing involves transfer of all video and audio data on to hard disks or any other digital storage device and then editing on the computer using any of the wide range of softwares available for editing. In this way, film footage is captured on to the computer, edited according to guidelines set out by the producer or director of the project, and then transferred on tape or any other recording or broadcasting device. The video editor can add or take out visuals, sounds, music, scenes or even freeze and print certain frames as photographs. They use a wide range of software to manipulate the captured footage. Clips are arranged on a timeline, music tracks and titles are added, effects can be created, and the finished program is rendered onto a finished video. The video can then be used in a variety of ways including broadcast, private distribution, for CD-roms, DVD, Internet, web etc. The video editors creativity, technical skill and experience help in giving the programme a final touch along with the animations, graphics and special effects. So, video editors need to be technically proficient with a sound knowledge of the different editing software, as well as have an aesthetic visual sense, and an ability to portray thoughts and messages through selection of appropriate filmed video data.
Entry point
A career in video editing doesn’t require any specific educational qualification, although a course in video editing, or diploma/degree in television and film will enable you to understand the basic concept of editing and provide the technical knowledge of the different software involved. You can get into video editing with any subject background or qualification. Creativity is the main requirement, with a keen eye for detail, imagination, a critical mind, and the ability to work well as part of a team. General computer literacy and an aptitude for working with digital equipment are also important. Digital video editing software can range from the very basic applications such as Windows Movie Maker to professional packages such as Final Cut Pro, Avid’s Media Composer, Xpress Pro, Adobe Premiere, Velocity etc. A general knowledge of cameras and digital film technology can be useful. And as technologies and software change you must be able to keep up with new software and updated with the necessary skills.
Content clues
There are many institutes providing specialised courses in video editing, at different levels. There are diploma and certificate courses which you can take up after plus two, or after graduation, as well as degree programmes in television and films which include modules on video editing. The Film and Television Institute of India, Pune, and Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, Kolkata, offer postgraduate diploma courses in film and video editing for graduates. The master’s degree in mass communication, which includes film and television editing, from MCRC at Jamia Millia Islamia is also only for graduates. However, institutes such as the Film and Television Institute of Tamil Nadu, Chennai, St Xavier’s College, Mumbai, and several other institutes offer diploma and certificate courses, as well as short courses where you can pick up the technical skills required for the job. Most courses include theoretical instructions, as well as practical exercises using the dedicated editing software, and other post-production techniques. Most institutes train candidates to work with professional grade linear and non-linear editing equipment and handle the ever-changing tools used within the process of video editing. However, experience is the best training in this field, and video editors usually acquire their skills through on-the-job training.
Job prospects
While formal training is not necessary, a degree or diploma in mass communication, multimedia, or information technology, or a digital video editing course can help you find a job in film and TV production studios, television channels, web design companies, advertising and multimedia companies. You can work with independent production companies and for motion picture studios. With some years of experience, video editors like to work on a freelance basis, working on short-term contracts for post-production studios, television companies and corporate employers. While starting salaries may be between Rs 5,000 to Rs. 7,500 per month, those with talent and experience can expect to earn between Rs. 25,000 - 50,000 per month. Those working freelance after a few years of experience can command a fees of Rs 200-500 per hour, depending on the project and competence. Large studios offer competitive salaries for the top editors in the field. As a new channel gets launched with increasing frequency, job opportunities are multiplying. Moreover, with the advent of streaming videos and movie clips in websites , video editors are in great demand. The increased popularity of online video clips has also produced a large increase in video editing activity by Internet users. So if you have an interest in what comes on the box, and are willing to spend months and years creating films in a studio, then this could just be your dream calling!
The writer is a noted career expert.
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Q I am doing my bachelor’s in history. I am toying with the idea of
doing history of art at the PG level. What exactly does a curator do?
As a curator your typical work will include some / all of the following: Writing and reviewing grant proposals, articles in art journals, institutional reports and publicity material. Negotiating and authorizing the purchase, sale, exchange, or loan of collections. Planning and acquiring, storing, and exhibiting collections and related materials like catalogues, monographs etc. Examining, and testing acquisitions to authenticate their origin, composition, history, and current value. Conferring with the board of directors to formulate and interpret policies, determine budget requirements, and plan overall operations. Planning and conducting special research projects. Attending meetings, conventions, and civic events to promote the museum’s services and seek financing. Organising group tours and events or auctions and collecting admission fees. This may involve scheduling special events like “openings” and organizing refreshment, entertainment, and decoration. Conducting or organizing tours, workshops, and instructional sessions to acquaint visitors and scholars with the museum’s facilities, and materials. Developing and maintaining cataloguing, and basic record keeping systems. Coordinating and supervising the staff Arranging insurance coverage for art objects on loan or special exhibits abroad. IT's recession time
A True, if the US economy sneezes, India’s IT sector is bound to catch a cold because Indian IT companies earn more than 60 per cent of their revenues from the US. But these (recession) are cyclical things that shouldn’t worry you overly. The Indian IT sector which has been witnessing 30-40 per cent growth every year over the last four years will continue to shine regardless. In fact the big issue looming large over IT companies is the availability of quality talent. India requires a 2.3 million-strong workforce by 2010 and fears a potential shortfall of nearly 0.5 million qualified professionals. So don’t worry, software engineering will continue to be one of the fastest growing occupations for the next decade at least. In fact, employment of computer software engineers is and is projected to grow “much faster than average”. There are two types of computer software engineers: computer applications software engineers and computer systems software engineers. Computer software engineers are employed in a wide variety of industries since every business requires unique computer software and systems, but approximately 30 percent of computer software engineers work in computer systems design and related services. Other industries for computer software engineers include software publishers, government agencies, computer manufacturers and electronic equipment manufacturers. Computer software engineers are have employed in almost every industry due to the proliferation of Internet, e-mail, and other communications systems, which is expanding electronics to engineering firms that are traditionally associated with unrelated disciplines. Engineering firms specializing in building bridges and power plants, for example, hire computer software engineers to design and develop new geographic data systems and automated drafting systems. Computer software engineers are truly needed in every field and industry. This need has led to a great number of job openings for these professionals. To be eligible for one of the thousands of computer software engineer positions, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree, preferably in computer science or software engineering. For more complex jobs, a postgraduate degree in computer information systems or computer applications and advanced certifications are required. Social responsibilityQ I am doing MSW. What sort of jobs are
there for professionals in this field in the government sector? A The Government of India conducts examinations through the UPSC and State Public Service Commissions for appointing welfare officers at the central and state levels. The position is that of gazetted officers in family welfare, education, social welfare, tribal development programmes, prisons etc. National bodies like the Central Social Welfare Board (CSWB) and National Institute of Public Co-operation & Child Development (NIPCD) and major community development projects also appoint welfare officers. Some of these jobs are also open to PG degree-holders in related fields like Sociology, Psychology, Economics, etc. As a Social Welfare Officer, your functions would be primarily that of an executive. You would be involved in programme planning, funding, execution, monitoring, evaluation and auditing procedures.
Calculated approach
A To answer your last question first: You
shouldn’t pay even a single paisa. If you're a candidate going to a search
firm, you should never pay a fee. The hiring company pays the recruiter to fill
the position. As for whether it’s fine to work simultaneously with more
than one placement firm, the answer is: Surely. Recruiters are the engine to
which you hitch your wagon - it helps to have as many driving your cart. Every
placement agency understands that you want a job and that you'll work with
whoever can help, so don't worry about hurting their feelings. But... if a particular agency starts pushing your resume around heavily to companies, it's wise to stay loyal. They may feel cheated if you use someone else.
Room in front office
A Just because front office work is different
from what you're doing now, doesn't mean you aren't — or couldn't soon be --
qualified to do the job. Oftentimes, people find they can build on core
functional skills they already possess. Talk to at least three people who are doing the job you want to move into. Find out what skills, training and experience are needed and assess your own career and life experience to see where you match these requirements and identify the gaps. Then, put together a plan to bridge the gaps. The plan may involve a brief internship, taking a course, or volunteering to do related tasks for your present employer. Remember, it's not uncommon for high-level executives to have rotated through a variety of disciplines in an
organisation. The key is to show how your assets and transferable skills would make you successful in the new position. Speak to your HR department. Organisations are now increasingly open to lateral moves. Particularly if the person has worked in the organisation and is well acquainted with its culture and functioning. The writer is a noted career expert.
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Passion works!
If one of your resolutions is to find a better job -- or just find a job -- you have lots of company right now. The year beginning is historically a peak hiring period. Many businesses operate on a calendar year budgeting cycle, so now they have money to fill vacancies or expand.
Now could also be the time to land your dream job. But first you have to know where to look and what to look for. Is that too obvious? The country's job-finding experts say it isn't. "There's a huge disconnect in society when it comes to thinking about careers," says Elliott Brown, founder of a nonprofit that provides career-planning services to low-income workers. "Our parents were told that you went to school and then you made a career choice," he says, and that was it. But the economy -- not to mention individuals' attention spans and expectations -- has changed. Today, someone will go job hunting at least eight times in his or her life, writes Richard Bolles in his classic career-seekers guide, "What Color Is Your Parachute?" The disconnect is that many job-seekers don't understand or don't want to believe that. The truth is that it's not only a good idea periodically to reassess your skills, interests and goals, but it's also imperative to stay marketable. You should think of your career-search process as a long-term journey, Brown advises, with sojourns along the way. How to discover a passion that pays? Read on for tips and we'll help you land your next job.
What to do first
There's little mystery here, experts agree. You have to be honest with yourself -- about your skills, what you like to do and (most important) what you don't like to do. Susan W. Miller, founder of California Career Services, asks employed clients a seemingly simple question: When you're having a good day at work, what exactly are you doing? She follows up with: Among all the things that you do every day at work, what do you do best?
Next, take this test:
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Interview people who know you well. They can help sort out what truly engages you and what turns you off. They may have insights about vocations you never imagined and could remind you of important truths about yourself. If you struggle with percentages or the concept of compound interest flummoxes you, a career in finance is probably not your best bet no matter how passionate you are about making a lot of money. n
Investigate jobs you think would suit you. Don't just imagine that you would enjoy being a paralegal; talk to a paralegal. n
Intern or volunteer to test your conclusions. Internships aren't only for young people. If those positions aren't available, companies are sometimes happy to take on unpaid workers for special assignments. Or a paralegal might let you shadow her for a day. This can help validate your research and give you experience and contacts to "pivot into a new occupation," says Mark Oldman, co-founder of a business information firm. He recalls a banker who dreamed of a radio career, interned as a disc jockey and loved it so much that she quit banking for a full-time job on the air. Perhaps the most important tip of all: Set realistic expectations. Finding the career path that's right for you could easily take six months.
Wade through websites
You don't have to look hard to find career help on the Web. Many authors operate companion sites for their books with tests, checklists, diagrams and links to courses and resources to help you find your path. "I became enormously frustrated that people live paycheck to paycheck with no passion," says Nicholas Aretakis, who wrote "No More Ramen" and runs nomoreramenonline.com. He calls it "the twentysomething's real world survival guide." Cued to young people struggling to "find themselves" as they leave college or their parent's orbit, the Web site is sprinkled with anecdotes, "to do" lists and advice, including the pros and cons of grad school and how to become a Supreme Court justice. "If you were a jock in college," Aretakis says, "you may not make the PGA or the LPGA, but you could market yourself to sports-apparel companies." Along the same lines, job search sites such as www.monster.com and www.careerbuilder.com offer free assessment tests, articles on careers, research on hot jobs and bits and pieces about job training. But if you're honest with yourself and pay attention, you can learn something from almost any self-examination no matter how silly the questions might seem. Consider these examples : n
I would rather be a wildlife expert, or I would rather be a public-relations expert. n
I would rather be a company controller, or I would rather be a TV anchor. n
I would rather be an auditor, or I would rather be a musician. Web surfers will find data on labor market trends and answers to questions like: n
What kinds of businesses hire the job that I'm looking for? n
What jobs use the skills I have now? n
Where can I get training to get a better job? The site poses one other key question: What jobs will be in demand in the future?
Consult counsellors
Forget your high-school guidance counsellor; career advisers have gone upscale. Private counselors, who work out personalized plans for each seeker, may charge hourly fees. Their services can include assessment tests, job market research, resume help and coaching sessions to calm interview jitters. Many nonprofit counselling agencies charge less than private firms. The career centers at virtually every college and university are gold mines for befuddled students and alumni. "You have no idea how many lawyers I see walk in my door saying, 'I'm done,'" says counselor Deborah Campbell. Ditto for burned-out nurses. Like many counselors, Campbell asks the people who come to her: What do you like to do in your spare time? What was your favorite class in school? At another counselling firm, clients attend workshops to create career maps. These don't necessarily include a destination, but they have what Brown calls "the components" -- skills, interests, dreams -- of what he reminds clients is going to be quite a trip. "I tell people to relax," Brown says. "It's going to be a long journey."
— LA Times-Washington Post
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Now, Europe on campus call
Lured by the huge business potential offered by large number of Indians preferring to study abroad, universities in Europe, especially from Italy and Germany, joined the fray to compete with those from US, UK and Australia to attract students from India.
Trying to make a foray into the hitherto stronghold of American, British and Australian Universities, which were traditionally preferred by the Indians because of the availability of courses in English, their European counterparts have started offering courses in that language. Recently, a group of Italian universities conducted roadshows in India to promote courses offered in that country while those from Germany organised an education fair in Chennai. The Italian universities and colleges were showcasing courses that would be taught in English, notably post graduate courses, a very vital area as many Indians go abroad for postgraduation and research. Christiane Roath, Head of International Recruitment Services, Univesita Bocconi, Milan, Italy, said that there was a high interest from Italian and international companies to recruit Indian graduates from Bocconi as the economic and business ties between Italy and India were growing. "Italy indeed, often known for its food, culture and history, is also one of the world's major economies (G8 member) and home to internationally renowned successful enterprises," she said. "Italian economy is one of the top worldwide. Currently, there is a keen interest from Italian businesses and industries in a growing cooperation with Indian firms. That leads to an increased need of managers able to bridge the gap and work for both Italian or Indian corporations increasing their business ties," Roath pointed out. Bocconi offers one Bachelor of International Economics and Management course and six Master of Science Programmes apart from Phd programmes in Economics, Statistics, Finance and Business Administration and Management. The university began offering programmes in English in 2001 for undergraduate courses and in 2004 for the postgraduate and Ph.Dprogrammes, Roath said. In fact, Bocconi has tie-ups with major institutions, most notable a double degree for a Master of Science programme international Management with IIM-Ahmedabad. In addition, there are student exchange agreements with IIM-Bangalore, IIM-Kolkata, IIM Kozhikode, IIM-Lucknow and Indian School of Business Hyderabad, Roath said. Politecnico di Milano University offers Master of Science Programmes in architecture and allied fields in English and MBA and courses like Master in Strategic Project Management in English. According to Sandhya, an architect with a leading firm here, who is looking for postgraduate courses in architecture, these universities could also work out as a good option, as they offer a "different perspective" on architecture. Also, the fees in Italian Universities work out to less than half of what I might have to pay anywhere else in the world, Sandhya said. Many of the universities that offer courses in English offer scholarships and funding arrangements based on merit and needs of the student. Some universities from Germany conducted an education fair in the city aiming at attracting Indian students. The fair showcased courses offered in English medium, especially programmes in management, with the Berlin School of Economics offering an MA programme in international economics and MBA in European-Asian programme. The Techniche University Dresden offers courses in nanotechnology and material sciences in English. The university is one of the top nine German universities.
— PTI
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After India degree, Oxford offers course on China
The University of Oxford has launched an M.Sc in Modern Chinese Studies, just days after launching a master's degree in Contemporary India.
"The M.Sc degree can serve as valuable stand-alone training for those wishing to specialise on China, either out of academic interest or as preparation for work in the private sector, international organisations, government or in other professional capacities," Vivienne Shue Director of Graduate Studies, who is in charge of the new programme, said in London recently. The nine-month long course, designed to provide high-quality graduate research training, aims to broaden and deepen the students' understanding of modern China and raise appreciation for the value of various research methods now used in the field of China studies. The programme run by the School of Interdisciplinary Area Studies within the Division of Social Sciences, is built around two core courses. One will strengthen the students' research skills and the other will deepen the students' understanding of key readings and theoretical debates in today's study of China. It also offers opportunities for extended study in an area of each student's choice, including more in-depth study of the Chinese language. The programmes are part of the university's response to recent demand for knowledge in the west on the burgeoning economies of India and China. The M.Sc in Contemporary India announced in January will begin from October 2008 and is designed to provide students with the opportunity to learn about both India's achievements and persistent problems. "India is a fascinating country to study: it is the largest democracy in the world, a regional superpower and has had great IT business success on the one hand, but there is political violence, widespread environmental degradation and human development failure on the other," Barbara Harris-White Professor of Development Studies, said. The degree has been designed for the students from a wide range of backgrounds, particularly the Social Sciences and History, a university statement said. Several Indians, including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, have studied at the university.
— PTI
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Fuelling staff crunch
As the oil sector has opened up to private players in a big way, public sector giants like the ONGC are facing a severe shortage of skilled manpower.
Thanks to globalisation, the private sector companies in the oil sector have in a way revolutionised the oil industry, but have also triggered a drain of best brains in their public sector counterpart. In fact, the crunch in the availability of efficient technical hands in the oil industry is a global phenomenon and many countries look up to India for a steady supply of young and skilled professionals. The public sector giants in the country have emerged as a favourite training academy of sort. An entry-level young hand is trained for not less than five years, says Gaurav Das, general secretary of working committee of the Association of Scientific and Technical Officers in the ONGC. He said that besides Indian private companies multinationals based in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Britain and Malaysia have regularly poached on the oil PSUs in India. The private companies offer pay packages in the range of Rs 25 lakh to Rs 50 lakh annually, Das said. An ONGC worker, who wished not to be named, recently joined 'Saudi Aarmeo', the world's largest oil company, after being in the payroll of the PSU oil firm. He said that besides the money factor, a professional and healthy work environment in the multinational companies resulted in the large-scale migration of skilled workers from the PSUs. ONGC, since its inception in the late 1950s, has been involved in the exploration and production of oil and gas. It earned a profit of Rs 15,000 crore in the last financial year, marking itself as the indisputable leader in the oil sector, Das says. The company has three on-shore bases in Nazira (the largest in the country), Jorhat and Silchar, contributing a large chunk to the company's profit, he adds. Das says that his association had approached the central government as well as the top brass of the ONGC recently to do something to stop the brain drain. The association also urged the government to consider pay revision and incentives, performance related rewards and draw out employee retention measures. Besides, pointing out sophisticated state-of-the-art technology in drilling and exploration, and adequate safety measures are the need of the hour, he said. Stating that this was expected to soon result in the revamp and restructuring of the oil exploration major's policies towards its employees, Das felt that a healthy work environment was a must to reduce the attrition rate. ONGC authorities say that the firm's employees were provided with laptops and mobile phones as incentives, which in turn have helped improve its operations. A Rs 2,000-crore 'Assam Renewal Project' was in the pipeline for upgrade of the oil rigs, changing old oil pipelines, renovating employee quarters and redevelopment of colonies for improvement of efficiency of skilled workers and overall working condition, the authorities said.
— PTI
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Make a mark in group discussion
After belling the CAT, the group discussion (GD) is the next step in the battle to grab a seat in your dream B-school. The GD is all about working in a group to achieve a common goal. It is a test to see how well an individual can work in a team as managers have to be team leaders.
In the beginning of a career, a manager works as a member of a team and when he rises in the hierarchy, he leads a team. So, the ability to work with team spirit is the most important criteria that the panel or the jury tests in a GD. If an individual cannot work in a group, he can never be a good manager.
Team spirit
The GD aims at assessing your group dynamics. However, there is a tendency to move from a general topic to a specific, issue-based one. You, therefore, need to have a fairly good general knowledge to have an edge over the others. All qualities of a manager — good communication skills, group dynamics, leadership qualities, general knowledge and even good listening skills — are the important ingredients to crack a GD. The jury tests your verbal as well as non-verbal communication skills (body language). Just like a game of basketball, where players of a team pass the ball from one player to the other for the final goal — the basket, the GD is teamwork incorporating the views of different participants to reach a common goal. With CAT results triggering off several rounds of group discussions and personal interviews at all B-schools across the country, students are gearing up for the same. Well, you cannot learn to swim until and unless you plunge into the water. So, one should rehearse well to prepare for the GD.
Practice makes perfect
Hirdesh Madan, regional head of Bull's Eye, says a healthy mix of topics equips the students well for case studies as well as GDs. “Everyday, we decide upon a ‘theme’. We cover current affairs on one day and topics relating to business, international issues, culture, case and society on other days to prepare our students for the best,” he adds. Rohit Sawhney, manager of academics, Career Launcher, says, “To score better in a GD, a participant should strike a balance and create harmony within the group to reach a consensus within the stipulated period of time. One should speak in short, clear sentences and try adding humour to the discussion whenever the it becomes a little tense.” He adds that one should start the GD with a good opening point, leading the group in the right direction. Amrita Kaur, an MBA, says, “In a GD, confidence is the key to success. And confidence comes from your knowledge or general awareness. Keeping track of current affairs, good rehearsal and experience help you speak with confidence and make an impact in the discussion.”
However, to make a mark in a GD here are some dos and don’ts: n
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A Simply put, curators administer the affairs of a museum, art gallery or private collection. They direct instructional, research, and public service activities of the institution.
Q I will be completing my Class XII (science) this year. Everyone
around me is planning to go for IT. But my family members say that IT
will be badly hit with the recession in the US. I am getting very
confused.
Q After working for three years in a CA firm, I am looking for a job
change. Is it alright to deal with more than one placement agency? How
much, should one pay them?
Q I am working as a senior accountant in a hotel. I am now getting
bored of my work which is a back-office one. I am an extrovert with good
communication skills. I feel I would do very well in the front office
but don't have any experience in this function. Is there any chance for
me?