A guide to career choices in the entertainment industry of Bangladesh.
In Bangladesh, the entertainment industry is experiencing noteworthy growth, opening up promising career opportunities for creative individuals. As this sector expands, new and exciting career paths have emerged, inviting those with a flair for creativity to contribute to the thriving world of Bangladeshi entertainment. By understanding the basics, practising essential skills, and gradually specialising in these fields, individuals can navigate their way into rewarding and dynamic roles, shaping the future of Bangladesh’s entertainment landscape.
Cinematography
The work of a cinematographer is to be a visual storyteller. A career in cinematography is ideal for those who love to capture moments that tell a story, just like in a movie or a TV show. The job is as straightforward as recording scenes but involves making crucial, make-or-break decisions on the mood, lighting, shading, and ambience. Cinematographers work closely with directors to bring their vision to life, and the path to becoming a cinematographer starts with the basics.
Technical-know hows such as how a camera works, understanding optics, and being good with technology and gadgets are a must for a cinematographer. Once these theoretical foundations are well set, the next step is to put them into practice and start building a portfolio.
The portfolio is the resume of a cinematographer and comprises solo projects, freelance works, paid or contractual works and works associated with agencies. Once the portfolio has some weight, there are different job opportunities in movies, TV shows, or even product advertisements. Cinematographers can be their own bosses, or be associated with other projects as freelancers.
VFX Artists
Visual Effects (VFX) artists make the impossible possible. Magical creators in the realm of fantasy movies, explosions at physics-defying scales, superheroes flying in the sky; VFX artists are the magicians behind who make these extraordinary visuals appear on screens. The typical VFX artist is good with computers, software, and effects and has a love for videos. Keen observation is an essential soft skill, as oftentimes, VFX artists are tasked with replicating real-life visual noises that are captured on camera through VFX simulations.
To get started as a VFX artist, the first and foremost step is to get used to VFX software and tools. Beginners start by experimenting with creating simple effects and gradually move to complex ones. Courses and specialisations can help ground practical knowledge to theory and also give exposure to advanced tricks and techniques.
BANGLADESHI MOVIES AND TV SHOWS ARE GARNERING A FOLLOWING OVERSEAS AFTER A SERIES OF VERY WELL-MARKETED WORKS THAT GOT THE GLOBAL MARKET EAGER AND EXCITED. THERE ARE THEREFORE PROMISING CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN MARKETING AS THE STAGE IS SET FOR WORLDWIDE EXPOSURE.
In recent times, the demand for VFX artists has risen as there are opportunities to work on major projects such as movies, or as freelancers for content creators. The gaming industry is perhaps the biggest employer of VFX artists, but in Bangladesh, this industry is still yet to take off.
Set Design
Directors will always want to shoot in fantastic landscapes and grand ceremony halls to capture the vast expanse of a cinematic universe. But practicality and budget restrictions can get in the way, which is why set decorators are in high demand. They work closely with directors and VFX artists to make rooms and places look just right for the story.
Knowledge of interior design, lighting, material, texture and shading is crucial for a set decorator. General knowledge and a sound understanding of history and geography can also help some set decorators stand out for period pieces. The end goal is to make the set feel real and create an immersive environment for the audience.
To get started as a set director, it is helpful to grow an understanding of how different elements make a space look good, get involved in various set direction projects as an assistant, and enrol in courses to learn about interior decoration. Practical experience counts most, and a well-documented portfolio with details on various design choices can help catch the attention of filmmakers.
Career opportunities for set decorators in Bangladesh are growing as it is directly correlated with the growth of the entertainment industry, particularly OTT platforms. With a multitude of online shows, TV series, movies, and reality shows already gaining in popularity, set decorators are viable career choices to get established in the entertainment industry.
Sound Engineering
Sound experts have the monumental task of delivering a realistic auditory experience for the audience balancing each audio channel to the perfect decibel for total immersion. From dialogues to background music to footsteps and even the creak of a rusty door hinge, all while ensuring the focal points never get drowned out, engineering the perfect sound mix requires precision, awareness, and good ears.
As in any other field, to work with sound, it is crucial to learn the basics. Sound gear can be expensive, so the best way to put theoretical knowledge to the test is by starting an apprenticeship or internship with a media production company. Working on projects is also the best way to network with people, connect with others in the industry, and seek more job opportunities. It is important to stay open to opportunities more than trying to land the dream job from the get-go as each experience will add to a growing set of skills.
The thriving film and OTT industry of Bangladesh promises multiple career opportunities to develop oneself as a sound engineer. However, there are tried and tested industries such as music production, but they are likely to be saturated, meaning competition will be high. Building a career in sound will take time and patience, but the entertainment industry is rapidly evolving, meaning there are a myriad of opportunities waiting for the future.
Branding and Marketing
While the work is, first and foremost, creative, the entertainment industry still needs to sell, and branding and marketing are crucial to the success of any project. Marketers will always be in high demand no matter the industry, but in recent times, its scope has increased significantly. Bangladeshi Movies and TV shows are garnering a following overseas after a series of very well-marketed works that got the global market eager and excited. There are therefore promising career opportunities in marketing as the stage is set for worldwide exposure.
A bachelor in marketing is the stepping stone where the basics can be learned under an institution. A marketing internship, or an entry-level job as an executive in a production company or agency can help give exposure to various forms of entertainment to choose from – movies, shows, or music. Marketing entertainment requires creativity, thinking outside the box, and going against the norm, but it is all grounded in the 4 or 7 Ps taught in business school. Pursuing a career in marketing in the entertainment industry also requires being people-oriented, so making use of networks is crucial for success. This will help present new opportunities like marketing or promoting an event or a concert and lead to bigger opportunities like blockbuster movies or music festivals.
