The final Production Futures ON TOUR event of 2024 took place at Production Park in Wakefield on 27 November. Some 53 companies were on hand to interact with those looking to take their first steps in the production industry as well as up-and-comers. ON TOUR provided a space to network, hands-on training as well as employment opportunities in live entertainment, brand activation, theatre, installation, audiovisual, broadcast and film production industries.
A selection of the key industry players from the dynamic world of live entertainment in attendance included KB Event, Robe, Neg Earth Lights, Disguise, Martin Audio, CHAUVET Professional, Black Lives in Music, among several others.
Additionally, the latest rendition of the Breakthrough Talent Awards saw winners crowned across 21 categories, reflecting the wide diversity of opportunities within the wider production sector.
Following the success of the event, Production Futures Chief Executive, Hannah Eakins, highlighted how the award category sponsors provided winners with prizes and valuable industry experience.
She commented: “Everyone involved loves the concept of the Breakthrough Talent Awards because the recipients receive something far more valuable than a trophy for the shelf! The reward of being granted direct access to these world-leading businesses means so much more in practical terms. In addition, Breakthrough Talent Awards’ individual categories are sponsored by multiple companies, breaking with the tradition of one award, one sponsor.”
Eakins added: “This new format enabled award winners to access an even wider range of industry contacts and training opportunities at a vital early stage in their careers. We believe that this approach is of huge benefit not only to the award winners but also to the several sponsors whose shared visibility and promotional reach is enhanced.”
The TPi Awards 2025 shortlist was released days after the Production Park event, which revealed five previous Breakthrough Talent Awards recipients among those on the 2025 TPi Awards shortlist, which celebrates the brightest and the best the sector has to offer. “Breakthrough Talent Awards took on even greater significance this year when five previous Breakthrough winners were nominated for the TPi Awards, something which demonstrates not only the value of investing in and trusting up-and-coming young talent, but the fact that the Production Futures mission is demonstrably achieving its aims,” Eakins said. “We’re very proud of our Breakthrough winners, past and present, and congratulate Abby Shum, James Coghlan, Morgan Evans, Oli Crump and Subul Lodi on their TPi Awards nominations.”
