St. Louis Area: Training for the Future of Film, Gaming & Digital Media
The St. Louis region is preparing to become a powerhouse for film, gaming, and digital content—and we need to train the talent to power it.
The future of entertainment is no longer just in Hollywood. It’s in places that are ready to adapt, build, and train. With the right infrastructure and workforce development, the St. Louis area can lead the way in creating films, games, streaming content, and more.
This isn’t just a creative vision—it’s a career opportunity for students, entrepreneurs, and workers who want to step into the world of digital storytelling and media production.
What’s the Plan?
The goal is to transform underused industrial spaces into a modern creative district, with:
- Film studios and soundstages
- Digital content labs
- Game development hubs
- Post-production and streaming centers
This creates real pathways into high-paying careers for creatives, coders, editors, designers, and technicians.
What This Means for Students & Local Talent
We’re building more than facilities—we’re building a media workforce pipeline across the St. Louis region. That includes:
- High school programs in film, editing, and media entrepreneurship
- Trade and community college training in game design, sound engineering, and animation
- Adult learning courses in digital marketing, video production, and content monetization
- On-set internships and apprenticeships with real media companies
- Grants and studio access for emerging local filmmakers and digital creators
This plan gives students and adults the tools to create, produce, and launch their work professionally.
Career Paths in Media & Entertainment
| Field | Example Roles |
|---|---|
| Film & TV Production | Camera Operator, Lighting Tech, Video Editor |
| Digital Content | Social Media Manager, YouTube Producer |
| Game Development | Game Designer, 3D Artist, Script Developer |
| Post-Production | Sound Engineer, VFX Artist, Colorist |
| Entrepreneurship | Indie Filmmaker, Influencer, Media Startup |
With the right training, these are achievable careers—many of them freelance, remote-capable, and scalable.
How the Region Will Support Creative Growth
Creating a Regional Media District
- Convert old industrial buildings into creative production zones
- Offer space for film sets, editing suites, and green screen studios
- Install fiber-optic internet and cloud production tools
Launching a Media Incubator for Creators
- Provide mentorship, funding, and studio space to new creators
- Support indie game studios, YouTubers, filmmakers, and animators
- Develop shared tools and distribution platforms for local artists
Partnering with Schools & Industry
- Collaborate with universities and trade schools to create certified training programs
- Host joint internships with production companies and tech firms
- Offer micro-credentials in media tech, editing software, and storytelling
Who Benefits?
- High School & College Students – Learn modern creative skills in filmmaking, gaming, and content creation
- Adult Learners & Creators – Upskill or re-enter the workforce in an exciting, growing industry
- Entrepreneurs & Small Studios – Access tools and networks to launch scalable digital ventures
- Local Communities – Enjoy vibrant public events, film festivals, and creative economy growth
Community Engagement & Training
- Public Media Workshops – Teach video editing, streaming, podcasting, and more
- Creator Meetups & Networking Nights – Build a media community across neighborhoods
- Film & Gaming Festivals – Showcase local talent and bring in global audiences
- Studio Tours & Open Houses – Let residents see what’s possible in this new industry
St. Louis: The Creative Economy Starts Here
This is more than a media plan—it’s a training movement for the future of storytelling. The St. Louis area is poised to become a Midwestern hub for film, digital content, and entertainment tech—and that starts by empowering the people who will create it.
Whether you’re a student, creator, educator, or aspiring entrepreneur—your story belongs in this industry. Let’s train, produce, and lead together.