Production Futures kicked off the first leg of its 2022 UK tour in Manchester at the Depot Mayfield with hospitality courtesy of Escape to Freight Island.
Students and freelancers across all disciplines of entertainment and production industries attended to take advantage of the training workshops, networking and career opportunities.
The event saw Sennheiser, ChamSys, CHAUVET Professional, Vectorworks and Interfacio run equipment training, CAD, audio and lighting design and career workshops. While industry panels ran throughout the day, covering various topics from how to enter to industry, and overcoming obstacles to the latest real-time technology, TV production careers, and diversity issues.
Despite Production Futures facing many curveballs from last-minute venue changes, staff and supply shortages due to covid, tram strikes, and university strikes, there was still a great turnout.
Brompton Technology Director of Business, Robert Fowler commented: “It’s been a tough two years for the production industry, but I still believe it’s an incredible industry in which to build a career, and I think Production Futures is a very worthwhile initiative to help young people learn and find out what a role in our industry can offer them.”
Social media was flooded with posts from attendees sharing their experiences and positive feedback of the day.
Today at @ProdFutures was brilliant! Learned a lot during workshops & was given some incredible advice by many different people regarding opportunities in the world of production and events.
Big up especially to Rebbecca from the @ChamSysLtd booth, so welcoming and helpful!
— Toni 🐼 – she/her (@inothalliday) March 24, 2022
While Media and TV Production student, Eleanor Davis shared on LinkedIn [sic]: “Great morning had with Production Futures in Depot Mayfield Manchester. Some great advice given and wonderful to listen to some inspirational speakers!”
Screenwriter Alicia Deighton also shared on LinkedIn [sic]: “Thank you to Production Futures for such a great event today! I learnt so much about media and the most recent technology changing production as we know it! Having a go with lighting and media boards was very exciting.”
Production Futures CEO Hannah Eakins commented: “Thank you to all of our amazing visitors, panellists and partners who just went with the flow, with positivity, passion and an open mind and huge thanks to our incredible partners who created the perfect setting for the day and warmly welcomed our young Mancunian audience,” she continued. “To the hundreds of young visitors who joined us, thank you for making us feel what it was meant to feel, full of hope and excitement for the future. You are the future, and seeing your passion is infectious.”
A special mention was given to FIX8Group for their excellent technical support and attention to detail and Liz Madden, Gabrielle Wilson, Ben Hyman, and Hannah Pike, the live events dream team. Natalie Lea, Jon Drape, and Sarah Greenhalgh were also given recognition for their hard work, dedication and coming to the rescue with a new venue alternative.
Eakins concluded: “A special thank you to some of our young Breakthrough Winners, who appeared on their first-ever Production Futures panel. As an industry, we look upon you all in awe of your work ethic, positivity and resilience, and we look forward to taking you on this journey with us.”
Production Futures continues its UK tour and will be at Rose Bruford College, Kent on 12 April. You can register for the next event by clicking here.
