Technology is having a significant impact on music festivals, award shows, and sports games, both in terms of enhancing the experience for attendees and making these events more accessible to a wider audience.
In music festivals, technology has enabled organizers to create more immersive and interactive experiences for attendees. Similarly, technology has transformed award shows by allowing audiences to interact with the event in real time. Technology has also significantly impacted sports games, both on and off the field.
Tech such as AI (artificial intelligence) and VR (virtual reality), amongst many others, is dramatically shaping the world of entertainment, transforming the way we consume and create content, as well as changing the nature of the entertainment industry itself.
This blog will look at specific examples of how technology has transformed some of the entertainment industry’s biggest events, how this growing industry is increasing the demand for new tech-savvy creatives, and the best job opportunities in 2023.
The impact of technology on global events
Undoubtedly, technology has revolutionized the experience of global events in a number of ways. Today, technology is enabling people from all over the world to participate in global events remotely, and still be fully immersed in the experience. Let’s take a look at some of the ways technology has impacted global events, such as music festivals, sports games, and award shows.
- Live streaming: The ability to live stream events has allowed people from all over the world to participate without physically being there. For example, music festivals like Coachella, Glastonbury, and Afronation are now streamed online, allowing fans to experience the event from the comfort of their own homes.
- Virtual reality: The development of virtual reality technology has also enhanced the experience of global events. With virtual reality, viewers can feel like they are actually present, even if they are miles away. For example, the Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2021 offered virtual reality experiences that allowed fans to watch events from various angles.
- Social media: Social media has become a major platform for sharing information and experiences related to global events. People can use platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to share their thoughts and photos in real time. This has created a sense of community among fans and has allowed people to feel like they are a part of the event from afar. All major events, like the World Cup, NBA Finals, Golden Globes, and AMA’s, heavily rely on social media promotion pre and post-event to involve viewers from all over the world.
AI (artificial intelligence) and machine learning (ML) are also being used to enhance the experience of global events. For example, AI and ML tech can be used to analyze social media data in real time, allowing event organizers to better understand what fans are saying and adjust their strategies accordingly.
- Mobile apps: Mobile apps have also revolutionized the experience of global events. For example, sports events like the Super Bowl and the Olympics have created mobile apps that allow fans to keep up with scores, schedules, and other important information in real-time. Music festivals like Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza have also created apps that allow fans to create their own schedules and get alerts when their favorite artists are about to perform.
- Augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) technology: AR and MR technology allow viewers to superimpose digital objects onto the real world, creating a more immersive and interactive experience.
For example, at the 2018 Super Bowl, Pepsi created an AR experience called “PepsiCo’s Hyped for Halftime,” which allowed viewers to use their smartphones to interact with a virtual halftime show featuring Justin Timberlake. Similarly, at the 2019 Coachella music festival, attendees were able to use the festival’s mobile app to access AR experiences that allowed them to see virtual art installations and other digital content overlaid on real-world festival grounds.
The demand for tech-savvy creatives
Despite major tech layoffs these past few months, the 2023 outlook for the IT sector is continued growth. According to the Nash Squared Digital Leadership Report, 56% of digital leaders are expecting their technology headcounts to rise in 2023, and over half (52%) expect their technology budget to rise.
With technology’s continued evolvement and increased use across major global entertainment events, the demand for tech-savvy talent is a no-brainer. Here are the top three reasons why you should continue to pursue a tech-savvy creative career.
- Technology is pervasive: Technology is increasingly intertwined with every aspect of our lives, from how we work to how we communicate and consume media. As a result, there is a growing demand for professionals who can creatively leverage technology to solve problems and create engaging experiences.
- Evolving consumer preferences: Consumers today are more digitally savvy and expect seamless experiences across various devices and platforms. Businesses need creative professionals who can design and execute these experiences.
- Emerging technologies: New technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Web3 are transforming industries and creating new opportunities for tech-savvy creatives.
The outlook for creative jobs in the technology sector for 2023 appears positive. While the pace of technological change can be difficult to predict, the pandemic accelerated digital transformation efforts by several years, according to a report by McKinsey & Company. The ongoing digital transformation of businesses, evolving consumer preferences and the emergence of new technologies suggest that creative professionals with tech skills will remain in high demand.
Top 5 job opportunities for tech creatives in entertainment (2023 edition)
If you’re tech-savvy and have a flare for design, and a passion for creativity, here are some of the top five job opportunities out there right now, and the salary range for each.
- Virtual Production Engineer: This role involves designing, implementing, and operating virtual production workflows for film and television productions. Virtual production engineers work with a range of technologies, including LED screens, motion capture, and real-time rendering software, to create immersive, interactive environments that can be used for live filming.
Salary according to Glassdoor:
- UK: £45,000 – £90,000 per year
- Singapore: SGD 50,000 – SGD 120,000 per year
- USA: $70,000 – $150,000 per year
- Canada: CAD 60,000 – CAD 130,000 per year
- Australia: AUD 80,000 – AUD 150,000 per year
- Augmented Reality Developer: Augmented reality (AR) developers create digital overlays that can be added to real-world environments, such as for use in mobile apps or live events. This role requires expertise in software development, as well as knowledge of computer vision, graphics programming, and 3D modeling.
Salary according to Glassdoor:
- UK: £30,000 – £70,000 per year
- Singapore: SGD 40,000 – SGD 100,000 per year
- USA: $70,000 – $150,000 per year
- Canada: CAD 60,000 – CAD 120,000 per year
- Australia: AUD 70,000 – AUD 130,000 per year
- Machine Learning Engineer: Machine learning is increasingly being used in the entertainment industry for tasks such as image and speech recognition, recommendation engines, and predictive analytics. Machine learning engineers are responsible for designing and implementing these systems, as well as ensuring their accuracy and reliability.
Salary according to Glassdoor:
- UK: £50,000 – £100,000 per year
- Singapore: SGD 60,000 – SGD 140,000 per year
- USA: $100,000 – $200,000 per year
- Canada: CAD 80,000 – CAD 160,000 per year
- Australia: AUD 90,000 – AUD 180,000 per year
- Sound Designer: A sound designer is responsible for creating and implementing sound effects and music for film, TV, and video games. They work closely with directors and producers to create a specific mood or atmosphere for a scene or game. Strong understanding of digital audio workstations (DAWs) and software like Pro Tools and Ableton Live, as well as knowledge of music theory and composition, is often required.
Salary according to Glassdoor:
- UK: £20,000 – £50,000 per year
- Singapore: SGD 30,000 – SGD 80,000 per year
- USA: $30,000 – $100,000 per year
- Canada: CAD 35,000 – CAD 90,000 per year
- Australia: AUD 40,000 – AUD 100,000 per year
- Game Developer: A game developer is responsible for designing and programming video games. They work closely with other members of the development team, such as artists and designers, to bring the game to life. Strong understanding of programming languages like C++ and Unity is often required, as well as knowledge of game engines and development tools.
Salary according to Glassdoor:
- UK: £25,000 – £70,000 per year
- Singapore: SGD 30,000 – SGD 100,000 per year
- USA: $50,000 – $120,000 per year
- Canada: CAD 50,000 – CAD 110,000 per year
- Australia: AUD 60,000 – AUD 120,000 per year
These roles require a blend of technical expertise and creative vision, and offer the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects in film, television, gaming, and other forms of entertainment. In this ever-evolving field, the demand for tech creatives is only expected to grow, making it an exciting time for those with a passion for both technology and entertainment.
Many roles in the tech industry require a blend of creative and technical skills, and having a strong foundation in both can make you a more attractive candidate to potential employers. Whether you are looking to work in virtual production, augmented reality, animation, or any other field in tech, having a foundation in tech skills will give you an edge and help you stand out from the competition.
General Assembly’s tech training programs
It’s clear that tech-savvy creatives are an up-and-coming and in-demand talent, however, figuring out the career that will best suit you in this field can be challenging. If you’re thinking about undertaking some research and finding out more information, try some free resources such as tech creative courses, or online meetups. These tend to be hosted by thought-leaders or previous course alumni that have a strong understanding of the industry.
At GA, we have plenty of free resources that will help you find your footing in tech. Explore an intro to workshop to learn more.