Ron Smith Multimedia Designer My informational interview was with David Vanderhafen a multimedia designer in the Eugene area. David said his company did not currently have a name due to complications. We went on site to a nightclub to make a promotional video. We met one half hour early at the Jazz Station to set up before any one else arrived. The sound person arrived to and we chatted a bit before the owner came and unlocked the door. David arrived caring all loaded down with all kinds of equipment I helped him carry it and he returned to his car for another load. The equipment he brought for the job was microphone stands, a Cannon HFM 500 camera, a go cam, amplifiers, and studio lighting equipment. I asked him how he ended up doing this kind of work. He began as a Rock Musician in the 60’s and 70’s. Later he went to Lane Community College were he studied electronic engineering. Later he mastered the media design program. I wanted to know what kind of person could make it in this industry so I began firing questions at him. He replied that employers are looking for the kind of people who can interact successfully with a variety of people, and who also have an understanding of music and video production. You also need an attitude of being both humble and outgoing. Its is also essential that you be a self-starter. I asked him if there was a surplus or shortage of workers. He said, ”there is always room for great artist and great managers”. Multimedia appears to me to be in such a transitional state of flux, and I wanted to know what sort of things was affecting the industry. David said, that the Internet had changed everything about video production. People who are located on different continents can now divide projects. Skype has made it in expensive to personally communicate and collaborate with people in different countries. One of the economic factors that affect him the most is the availability of money. Art becomes one of the first expenses to be cut, when money gets tight. So I asked him, ”What is the outlook for the future for this job”? The future of video Production wide open, and can only grow and expand in the future. I wanted to know how people in this industry advance. His reply was that because he was Self employed, it is important to continue to learn and increase one’s skill level in order to obtain more advanced job opportunities. To find business opportunities you have to be diversified. One day you could be working with a musician, the next creating of commercials, or a documentary. Sometimes travel is necessary but most of the work can be done on line. Other skills that may be useful are a “Sound Mixer,” or a Photographer. Some of the greatest challenges that Video Editors face include meeting deadlines, getting good video footage, finding projects that pay well, and finding the right people to collaborate with. I feel the interview went very well and I learned a lot about the multimedia industry. David was very candid and helpful. The next interview I want to take more time to stay and get to know the Artist.