Production Futures Breakthrough Talent Award Winner Celebrates More Success at TRIC Awards
Production Futures Breakthrough Talent Award Winner Celebrates More Success at TRIC Awards
Production Futures recently celebrated a landmark moment for emerging talent in broadcasting with the presentation of the inaugural Broadcast Newcomer Award at this year's TRIC (Television and Radio Industries Club) Awards. The Award, a collaboration between Production Futures and TRIC, recognises outstanding early-career talent, and highlights the importance of perseverance, opportunity, and access within the broadcast industry.
The recipient, Will Swain, a graduate of Solent University and former Production Futures Breakthrough Talent Award winner, shared a powerful story of determination, revealing that he received eighty-eight rejections from employers before securing the breakthrough role at Sky News which launched his career. His story resonated throughout the Awards ceremony, where acceptance speeches repeatedly reflected on the challenges and setbacks that often define the journey into the creative and broadcast industries.
The Broadcast Newcomer Award was introduced following discussions between Production Futures and TRIC, who recognised the need to celebrate the next generation of talent alongside established industry figures. A key driving force behind the initiative was Lou Robey, former Head of Change at the BBC and founder of Voice4Impact, who has been a longstanding supporter of Production Futures and its mission to improve access and opportunity across the creative industries.
Will comments
“Sky took a chance on me, welcomed me into the industry, and gave me the opportunity to prove myself. They provided me with my first real-world industry experience in live broadcasting, and helped me to take the first steps into a career that I had worked so hard to try and achieve - and for that, I'll always be grateful.
“A huge thank you must also go to Production Futures for really helping to bring emerging talent upfront in the industry. The way that they work to create opportunities for the next generation entering the industry is just amazing to see. Their advice and encouragement throughout my own journey played a significant part in helping me get to this point. To now be able to say that I have won a TRIC Award is just crazy!”
Hannah Eakins, CEO of Production Futures, adds:
"Will joins an impressive list of Breakthrough Talent Award winners who have gone on to secure major industry awards, and his story perfectly demonstrates why this TRIC Award matters so much. Too often, we only see the success and not the journey that came before it. The Broadcast Newcomer Award shines a light on the resilience, determination, and talent required to break into our industry. By celebrating those journeys, we hope to inspire the next generation of young people to keep going, even when the path isn't straightforward."
Production Futures continues to work with employers, educators, industry organisations, and partners to connect young people with opportunities, career pathways, and role models across broadcasting, live events, production, and entertainment technology.