Skills Accelerator at FarGo Village in Coventry
6 August 2026
Join us on Tuesday 25 August at The Box, FarGo Village, Coventry, from 6pm - 9pm, for a Create Central Roadshow as we launch Phase 2 of the Create Central Skills Accelerator Programme 2026–2029.
You’ll hear from Create Central, Mission Accomplished, local industry professionals and alumni from previous Skills Accelerator programmes. Come along and find out about our upcoming training programmes and career development opportunities. Take part in informal roundtable conversations with our speakers and make new connections.
You’ll hear from…
Jacqui Taunton Fenton
Senior HETV Training Liaison Manager at ScreenSkills, Jacqui manages the day to day relationships with all high-end television-related training providers, working with them to ensure high-quality training is delivered that is outcome-focused.
She also manages the tender processes and the contracting and monitoring of deliverables for all externally delivered activity funded by the High-end TV Skills Fund. Jacqui is based in the North of England.
Annabelle Bevan
Annabelle is a dedicated Production Buyer working across television and film, with a strong eye for detail, creativity, and the practical demands of production. She brings a hands-on, solutions-focused approach to sourcing everything from set dressing and props to specialist items and production requirements.
Known for being resourceful, organised and calm under pressure, Annabelle works closely with production designers, art departments, suppliers and wider production teams to ensure the right materials, products and services are sourced efficiently and within budget.
With a passion for the world of film and television, Annabelle thrives on the fast-paced nature of production and enjoys the challenge of turning creative ideas into reality. Her ability to build relationships with suppliers, negotiate costs and find exactly what a production needs makes her a valuable part of any art department.
Nigel Chapwanya
A camera trainee working in film and high-end television. After starting out in entry-level set roles, he's moved into the camera department and is now building his experience on professional productions. He is passionate about movies, visual storytelling and supporting young people who want to enter the industry.
Bonny John
A British-Indian filmmaker, director, and creative producer with over 12 years of experience across commercial, documentary, scripted, and branded content production. He has produced work for organisations including Tate Britain and the UK City of Culture alongside commercial campaigns on TV, digital, and online platforms for global brands such as Cadbury's, Emirates, The FA and Qatar Airways.
His most recent credits include producing and directing live performance content at the Royal Albert Hall, and directing the Living with IPF anthology series, to communicate patient stories to a national audience.
Bonny is a Royal Television Society Award winner, National Drum Award nominee, and an Industry Advisor at Create Central. As Founder and Director of Horizon Collective, he is developing a series of scripted and documentary IP through the company alongside video and content production services. Rooted in the West Midlands, his storytelling centres on underrepresented stories, communities, and the global majority.
Eleanor Gray
Eleanor grew up moving around the UK in a household where education was heavily valued. She was creative from a young age, but a career in Film or Television never felt like a realistic option as she did not live near London, had no contacts in the industry, and, like many people, assumed it was the kind of world that was hard to break into unless you already knew someone.
Looking back, the things that always interested her were stories, people and culture. Eleanor loved understanding what made people tick, why they made certain choices, and how a small detail could reveal something much bigger about someone’s life. That curiosity first led her to study Ancient History at the University of Nottingham, she then went on to build a successful career across Tech Sales, Marketing and Communications. Although she did well in the corporate world, Eleanor knew there was a part of her that wanted something more creative. The moments she enjoyed most were never just about targets or delivery, they were the moments when she was speaking to people, shaping ideas, solving problems and helping bring something to life.
When she came across the TV Film and Fusion MasterChef bootcamp, it felt like the first time the move into television seemed possible rather than out of reach. Reading about the transferable skills needed for Casting made something click. The organisation, communication, resilience and curiosity she had built throughout her career were not separate from television; they were exactly the kind of skills she could bring to it. Since completing the course and successfully securing a role within the MasterChef Casting Department, Eleanor has felt even more certain that this is the direction she wants to take. As working in TV brings together everything she cares about: creativity, human connection, storytelling and the chance to work on something different every day.
Graham Webb
Graham has over 30 years of multi-sector senior experience and a track record of successful delivery of complex programmes of work. Most recently, he led a major UK set construction company, delivering sets for film, TV, theatre, music and live events.
Graham recently led on the launch of a regional film production services office, Production Central WM, with the West Midlands Growth Company; established to bring more screen production to the West Midlands. Currently Executive Lead for Create Central, creative industries cluster lead body for the West Midlands Combined Authority in support of the agenda of the Mayor of the West Midlands' Growth Plan.
More speakers to be announced shortly!
Create Central Skills Accelerator is delivered with the support of the BFI, awarding National Lottery funding, and match-funding from the West Midlands Combined Authority.
