5 Minutes With... UK Managing Director Rachel Matchett

Did you always want to work in the film and TV industry?

Being a child of the video nasty generation, I grew up loving zombie films – Romero, Fulci, etc. – and so when I was younger I wanted to be in special effects. During my university years, I worked at a toy shop on Saturdays. I used to face paint kids as zombies. I mean, why be a tiger or a butterfly when you can be a zombie – that’s my thinking. It wasn’t the thinking of the parents, but the kids loved it.

What brought you to Outpost?

Outpost has a great reputation in the industry, and I know a lot of great people who are already here. I mean, the best people I have had the pleasure of working with before. At Outpost you can have impact and add value – you actually feel inspired again.

Are you excited about the London studio launch?

Yes, completely. I’m so thrilled to be at the helm of the next phase of UK growth. I think Outpost can be seen as this quirky seaside VFX shop – and don’t get me wrong, that’s often part of the charm – but having a presence in London will give the local talent base another amazing option in the market; more opportunity for growth in their careers and the ability to work by the beach, in the city or at home.

It’s also great how many remote workers do want to come back to the office – I’m excited for the comedy moments, the new friendships and the creative hub!

What excites you most about VFX?

Everything we put on the screen. I mean, that’s the whole point, right? Finally sitting down and seeing all that work, in context and on screen, that’s the highlight.

What has been a career highlight for you to date?

Recognising when I was living Groundhog Day and being brave enough to wake up! I think a lot of us get stuck on repeat, or in a comfort zone with jobs or worse still think we couldn’t do anything else – before we know it, years have gone by, or we wonder what inspired us in the first place.

What kind of working environment are you trying to create?

An approachable and inspiring one.

What are some of the day-to-day challenges you face and how do you overcome them?

Other than the usual to and fro of VFX, I think indecisiveness is a pesky little thing that pops up now and again. I like to provide clarity where I can, or at the very least make a decision and then on my head be it!

In your opinion, what makes a good MD?

In my opinion, it is being available and listening to your team in order to provide direction and support where needed.

What was the last thing you watched that left an impression on you?

I saw a person walk into a lamppost the other day, it often pops back into my mind in times of need.

Finally, some quickfire questions:

What’s the one thing you always keep on your desk?

My elbows.

You can eat one thing for the rest of your life – what is it?

Cereal.

What would be your superpower?

Not laughing at jokes I don’t actually find funny.

You’ve got a couple of hours to kill – what do you watch?

Fail videos, people walking into lampposts is underrated.

What are you currently learning?

That I much prefer being in office – remote is fine for a while – but once you get a taste of studio life you remember how good it is!

Any pets?

An old black cat. He is my joy.

Favourite way to relax?

Telly, cup of tea and a selection of high-end biscuits.

What irritates you?

People dropping litter.

Guilty pleasures?

Laughing at people falling over.

Favourite song?

The The – This is the Day