Production Futures has announced that TALKS, a feature of the organisation’s ON TOUR events, is to be developed as a podcast and YouTube platform. The new format will feature a series of live-streamed, recorded discussions with a variety of production industry experts covering a range of topics, all of which will be designed to provide a valuable resource for young people interested in careers in the sector.
The initiative will be launched on 12 March when leading lighting designer Tim Routledge will join a Q&A session chaired by Production Futures’ Hannah Eakins in an online session from 11.00 GMT, broadcast from the organisation’s Strawberry Studios set in Manchester.
Tim is a hugely respected figure in the lighting industry who has worked with a galaxy of international stars including J-LO, STORMZY, Spice Girls and Beyoncé, as well as designing lights for a host of spectacular events – Eurovision 2023 being one recent notable example. Tim, who is looking forward to taking questions from the young people in attendance, is enthusiastic about the event:
“I was never academic at school and despite my school wanting me to do something more traditional, I wanted a job I was passionate about. So how do you end up flashing lights for pop stars and TV shows all over the world? From a huge London New Year’s Eve show to Eurovision – how can flashing lights be a proper career? I’m very much looking forward to exploring exactly those questions with Production Futures’ young guests!”
As well as being the first in this series of filmed podcasts/interviews, Tim Routledge’s session will also be featured in the BBC’s Bring the Drama Festival, an initiative which sees the Corporation join forces with some of the UK’s leading cultural organisations, aiming to open doors to the next generation of behind-the-scenes talent.
Production Futures’ Hannah Eakins stresses the importance of the TALKS podcast digital platform:
“The success of our TALKS Stage, which has been a mainstay of our ON TOUR events, prompted us to look at ways in which we could broaden the availability of what is always very interesting and engaging content. We’re very grateful for the vision and commitment of all our expert guests, who deliver insight and inspiration in equal measure.
“The live-streamed interview and Q&A sessions that start with Tim Routledge’s appearance will continue to add to our on-demand content, which is invaluable for guiding youngsters towards careers in production. We’re also delighted that the BBC is to promote Tim’s TALKS session as part of the Bring the Drama Festival – it’s a great endorsement of our shared vision to bring through the next generation of talent into the production industries.”
Young people wishing to sign up for this and other Production Futures TALKS events during the Bring the Drama festival, should download the ERIC app and follow ‘Production Futures’.
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