The Digital Media Institute is located in Shreveport, Louisiana’s, creative and technological vortex: the InterTech 1 building.

Students learn to work in digital field

Greg Nelson, academic director, has been with Digital Media Institute since Day One.

DMI delivers advanced digital media training taught by industry professionals in a state-of-the-art environment to enhance workforce development in digital media.

They will celebrate their 10th anniversary with an open house on Aug. 13 at 6 p.m. “I’m super thrilled that DMI has made it 10 years,” Nelson said, adding that working there has been a privilege.

Nelson said the number of employees has grown from five to 12, depending on the time of year, and they can teach online in a way they were never able to before. He called it a “new launch”—asynchronous, remote and pre-recorded lessons.

DMI uses a learn-by-doing approach, and the instructors and administrators create an atmosphere that facilitates real-world studio scenarios. DMI’s one-year accelerated program model is the only one in the region. Students receive quality rapid training in a professional environment.

The institute’s facilities include industry-grade hardware and software and a 1,600-square-foot digital media stage. The studio features a green screen cyclorama wall, multi-actor motion capture facilities and professional-grade lighting and grip gear.

Students work in teams to complete 3D projects as well as 2D versions and demo reels.

Students from other states are provided with laptops and can take classes via Zoom. They have come from New Mexico, Georgia and Pennsylvania.

Students are placed in internships, and recent graduates are matched with companies and projects. Companies DMI students have worked with include Moonbot Studios, SwayBox Studios, Planet Aqua Group, Crafty Apes VFX, the Shreveport Aquarium, Somdal Associates Architects, Ingels Info Security, Music Mountain, KSLA, Sound Fighter Systems and CRM Studios Dallas.

Alumni created a digital display that is now at the Shreveport Aquarium. They made a virtual fish tank, modeling, lighting, texturing and animating—perfecting the look and feel of the aquarium.

DMI works with Louisiana Film Prize, engaging in filmmakers’ projects with elements including visual effects, title sequencing and finishing.

DMI is nationally accredited by the Commission of the Council of Occupational Education. It has been approved to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.

The institute offers a Digital Animation and Visual Effects certificate program, an online Game Development certificate program and an online Digital Marketing and Design Associate Degree program.

The Digital Animation and Visual Effects program encompasses 12 months of in-class instruction and lab time. Students receive a well-rounded education in animation and visual effects for film, television and gaming. Class sizes are small, and students enjoy an immersive and interactive classroom experience with the instructor and a teaching assistant. Students often work in teams to complete a demo reel, a 2D project and a 3D final project.

The student count fluctuates but is usually between 12 and 20. “We have certainly grown,” Nelson said. He said that, with lessons five days a week from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., instructors get to know the students and their investment in their skillsets.

“Learning to animate is hard,” Nelson, who is also an instructor, said. “You have to have a great attitude to be an animator and do well.” He explained that students need to work through problems as they arise. That may be broken software, a menu that disappears or an animation that breaks. When something goes wrong, they need to figure out why.

The Game Development Program encompasses 11 months of in-class instruction and lab time. Students get an in-depth education in C# programming and learn how to use the Unity Gaming Engine. They work toward completing multiple fully functional games.

DMI also offers one associate degree program: Digital Marketing and Design. This program takes two years to complete. Students learn the fundamentals of modern digital marketing and achieve mastery of the Adobe Creative Cloud.

Skills obtained at DMI can be applied in various fields, including animation, motion graphic design, composition, scene layout art, interactive content creation, game programming, graphic design, digital design, advertising and promotions management, brand and product design and app and website design.

Nelson said some students are searching for new careers. Some are looking to upgrade their skills to be more versatile in their current roles. Others are learning the skills to become entrepreneurs and freelancers. Ages have ranged from 18 to 53.

Nelson said the most successful DMI student later went to Los Angeles and got a four-year degree to work in film and visual effects.

Nelson is excited about 50 Cent’s association with Shreveport. No specific talks have been held with 50 Cent, but “if it’s as big as it looks, it’s a huge economic boost in arts and workforce development,” he said.

DMI’s enrollment deadline is Aug. 10, and classes start Aug. 26. Prospective students present portfolios and undergo interviews to make sure they are the right fit, Nelson said. “They are usually admitted, but not always.”

Nelson said some scholarships are available. The Biomedical Research Foundation, which focuses on economic development and has many divisions, provides guidance.

DMI also offers three summer camps. Campers aged 13 to 17 can learn the fundamentals of creating 2D and 3D animation using Blender. Using their own ideas, campers will implement their knowledge to make unique animations.

Out-of-state students can attend classes via Zoom.

DMI offers Digital Animation and Visual Effects certificate programs in addition to a one-year accelerated and two- and four-year degrees.

DMI facilities include a 1,600-square-foot digital media stage.