Two of its Production Futures’ previous Breakthrough Talent Award winners have progressed to win recognition at this year’s TPi Awards 2026. Jake Mazzuca, Head of Production at Only Helix, won Production Manager of the Year, whilst Abby Shum, freelance laser designer, programmer, and operator, won Laser Operator of the year.
Mazzuca and Shum who won their Breakthrough awards in 2022 and 2023, respectively, have progressed to the highest levels of the production industry through hard work and dedication to their craft, and are an inspiration to new young talent, according to Production Futures’ Hannah Eakins: “Having organised the TPi Awards for the first twenty years, and with Production Futures being born from it a decade ago, this moment means so much to me personally. Seeing Breakthrough Talent award-winners go on to win a TPi Award is exactly what we always hoped would happen – it truly feels like a full-circle moment,” she said. “Watching BTA winners grow, flourish and achieve beyond the platform we created is incredibly special. We’re so proud of Abby and Jake and everything they’ve accomplished over the last few years, having seen firsthand how hard they’ve worked and how much they’ve grown. This recognition is so inspiring and so very well deserved.”
Mazzuca reflected on his award: “I’m hugely proud and very grateful to have won – even to be nominated felt incredible. The Award is a nice bit of reassurance that you’re doing things in the right way because it comes from within the industry. It’s a tip of the hat from your peers and people whose work you’ve respected for years and used as an inspiration. Touring is such a collaborative effort, so it means a lot to celebrate this with the people you work with every day who have helped to make this happen.”
Shum was also proud of her achievement:“TPi Awards really is the touring ‘Oscar’. It’s something so many professionals work towards, so to win feels honestly unbelievable. It’s such great recognition and acknowledges the work I’ve put in, and everything I stand for and represent. I’d add that it’s not really just about me- there are so wins wrapped up in this, from the crew members and creatives I’ve worked with on my journey, to the people who gave me the opportunity to be part of this wonderful industry in the first place. They all have a stake in this Award.”
