More than 200 students from institutions around the UK tuned in live to Production Futures’ new YouTube channel for the launch of the Production Futures Studio TALKS podcast last week. Cheshire College, LIPA, The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, and Norwich University were all represented, with in some cases, tutors bringing whole classes to the session.

The inaugural podcast with leading lighting designer, Tim Routledge, was presented in conjunction with the BBC’s Bring the Drama Festival, which sees the Corporation joining forces with some of the UK’s prominent cultural organisations to open doors of opportunity for the next generation of behind-the-scenes talent.

The 90-minute live broadcast Q+A, which saw Tim take part remotely from a secret location – he is currently working on production rehearsals with Take That – provided the young audience with valuable and inspiring insights into the world of lighting and production in general.

Hannah Eakins of Production Futures hosted the podcast, and reflects on a very successful launch:

“We received great feedback from everyone involved in this first edition of the podcast, and owe a debt of gratitude to Tim for generously taking time out of his busy schedule to participate. In the coming weeks and months, we’ll be broadcasting conversations with inspirational figures from across the sector, of all ages and at all stages of their careers, including our own Breakthrough Talent award winners – people who are ‘paying it forward’ to help newcomers access and better understand the production industries.

“We’re also immensely grateful to Chauvet Professional, Wavecast and FIX8Group for helping us build our studio and making everything happen behind the scenes. All our podcasts will be professionally recorded and made immediately available on our new YouTube channel for those unable to join the live broadcast.”