Who is a multimedia programmer and what do they do? Multimedia programmers are responsible for writing the programs that drive multimedia-based products, this includes website design, i.e. what we see when browsing the Internet.
What are the activities of the multimedia programmer job? A programmer takes texts, visual and sound materials and transforms them into websites. She/he creates not only individual pages but the whole structure that enables the Internet user to browse them and make successive choices according to selected criteria.
A programmer takes ready-made materials from their author, but some programmers create the whole of the graphics themselves. The pictures are taken from photographers or lithographers. If the website includes “moving pictures, ” they are usually taken from professional animators; in some cases the programmer creates the animation with the use of suitable graphics programs. Another major field of activity is the creation of computer video clips and computer games. In this case, the programmer takes visual and sound output from film-makers, incorporates them into his/her program which must enable him/her to work with the output, make selections, place criteria, and in the case of games also to operate the particular game. The division of tasks varies again: sometimes the programmer works with completely finished visual and sound sequences and animations, sometimes s/he does the editing, animation and other preparation. Programming of this type also directly replaces film production (e.g. Jurassic Park). Animated film or sound materials are also used by programmers who create various advertisement or news spots, or simulations of certain processes (e.g. development of financial rates, the process of a chemical reaction, progression of a cold front over Europe, etc.).
Where is it done and under what conditions? In offices, in a fairly comfortable working environment.
What tools/equipment do they use? The working tools are computers and other forms of information and communications technology.