Lighting Newcomer BTA Winner 2025 Profile Abi Skelton
Abi has only just graduated from studying Event Production at NTU, she won the BTA Lighting Newcomer of the Year 2025 last year and hasn't looked back or stopped ever since!
What inspired you to take the leap into this industry?
As most people do these days - I fell into this industry. I came out of A levels not having a clue on what I wanted to do so I tried to piece together what I enjoyed to find something I might like. I have always loved gaming and watching esports competitions, media studies and maths, so from there I found an esports production course in Nottingham. From the first open day I remember seeing a GrandMA3 and instantly being interested. From there I followed what I enjoyed and ended up swapping courses at uni to study even more lighting.
What's one thing you've learned that you wish you knew earlier?
I wish I knew how many roles and aspects there are of this industry - so many jobs I didn't even know existed even within lighting. I've also learned that networking is always the problem.
What's been your proudest 'pinch me' moment so far?
Doing my first solo operating shows in Belgium and the UK for the Sugababes and The Vaccines. It is amazing to see my programming come to life and also be the person controlling it on the day.
How has winning your Breakthrough Talent Award impacted you?
This award has given me more confidence in myself and visibility in the industry. It has allowed me to take a moment and be proud of what I have achieved so far instead of always looking at what I can do better. The award has given me loads of chances to network and meet people I wouldn't have met otherwise, and has also given me a platform to talk about what is important to me in this industry.
What did that recognition mean to you — both then and now?
It meant so much knowing that my hard work had been seen and recognised, and that big industry leaders would see it too. It was amazing to get a chance to celebrate the journey so far.
What skills are you working on right now?
I am always looking for new things to learn. Some of my focuses at the moment are learning about networking more in depth, Resolume and video control from a console, and all the new features in MA3 2.4.
Who or what inspires you to keep going when it gets tough?
My amazing partner Ant helps me through when it gets hard. Not only does he help me when I am stressed, but he can also help me technically as he is also a lampy! Him and family - both blood and those you meet along the way - giving constant support, reassurance, shoulders to cry on, and cheering is what gets me through.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in production?
Follow what you enjoy, as this is more than just a job - it really is a lifestyle. And don't miss out on learning networking, as it is EVERYWHERE and will only show up more and more.
What's next for you?
Over this summer I have the pleasure of working on the festival tours for The Vaccines and the Sugababes, including headlining shows and traveling to different countries. I am also graduating, which wraps up the past three years nicely.
Anything else you'd love to share with the community?
I want to give a big shoutout to the PF team and all their hard work. They are so supportive and are doing the work that is hard to do but needs to be done.
linkedin.com/in/abi-skelton