New Contents Academy Cultivates Practical Talent for Tech-Driven Content Industry

The New Contents Academy (NCA), operated by the Korea Creative Content Agency, is cultivating practical talent for the content industry, particularly in fields like AI, XR, and immersive technologies. The program aims to equip young individuals with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

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I used to describe myself as the most analog person. Even though the technologies used, like media art, XR, and AI video, have changed, the desire to give people an 'escape from the everyday' through content remains the same. But there were limits to learning technology on my own, and I desperately needed a training course with equipment and a proper environment.

NCA employs a project-based learning approach, simulating real-world content production environments. Trainees collaborate in teams, iterating through planning, production, and presentation stages. A key feature is the integration of internships with actual content companies, providing invaluable hands-on experience and reducing the gap between academic learning and industry demands. This practical focus ensures graduates are not just theoretically knowledgeable but also practically skilled.

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I wasn't originally someone who quickly adopted new tools. Through the training course, I gained the ability to judge the possibilities and limitations of technology on my own. Now, when a new tool emerges, instead of being afraid, I first consider how it can be utilized in my work. Learning the attitude of adapting to change itself is the greatest asset.

Companies like Dexter Studios, a leading visual effects firm, have benefited from this model. They have hired several NCA graduates as interns, noting their rapid onboarding and high adaptability. Kim So-hee, an intern at Dexter Studios, shared that the academy's training in areas like media art and XR, even for someone with a background outside technology, was crucial. She found the structured learning environment and access to equipment essential for mastering new skills.

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The onboarding period is noticeably shorter because they already understand how to use AI tools and the basic flow of content planning. They also have high flexibility regarding their scope of work thanks to experiencing various fields during the training.

Kim Ji-soo, another NCA intern at Dexter Studios, highlighted how the academy changed her perspective on technology. Initially hesitant to adopt new tools, she now proactively considers how emerging technologies can be applied in her work. Dexter Studios values NCA graduates for their ability to understand both technology and content planning, emphasizing the growing need for professionals who can bridge these domains.

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In the past few years, XR or VFX were considered the domain of specialized technicians, but now it's an era where technological understanding is needed regardless of job role. The importance of talent that can discuss technical feasibility from the planning stage together is growing.