5 Minutes With… VFX Supervisor Mathieu Assemat

What would you say are the values of the artists on team?

All of the artists I work with are passionate about their job - they go above and beyond. It’s been a pleasure working in an environment where people feel free to propose ideas.

What makes a team great and why?

The motivation of the team makes them great. They want to do the best work and work well with each other. The communication between production, artists and supervisors being easy really makes a difference.

Would you describe Outpost as a supportive environment? If so, how?

I would. Outpost has really been looking after its artists. Making sure people can leave on time and listening about things that can be improved.

What in your day-to-day brings you joy?

The fact that the team can keep things light and still do such a great work.

How would you describe Outpost in three words?

Passionate, friendly, professional.

How do you make sure you bring your most creative self to work each day? How does the team help this?

By making sure I keep an open mind. We have a team that is quite senior, so involving them in the creative process opens new doors and ideas. It’s amazing what people come up with when you give them a chance. 

What helps you focus and maintain your flow while you’re working on projects like Foundation S2 and Thor: Love and Thunder?

I think what's super important to maintain flow is making sure everyone is aware of why changes of direction happen. It’s something that always happens on a project – it’s organic – and having the team understanding the reasoning behind those changes makes them better understand goals.

It can be super frustrating when you put so much effort into something to have a last minute change. Keeping the communication open allows everything to go much more smoothly because everyone is on the same page. That, and a nice coffee!

What lessons have you learnt from your team?

I think the biggest one is not to dismiss a crazy idea for being too complex before you ask the team. You can be really surprised sometimes. 

What’s been your proudest moment at Outpost so far?

Delivering Outer Range and Thor: Love and Thunder. Those shows were complex, and thanks to the team we manage to make the deliveries fairly smooth. There was no last-minute crunch, which is something that I haven’t seen a lot in the industry.

How does Outpost differ to places you’ve been before?

I feel that everyone has a voice. That makes a huge difference.

What’s your favourite memory during your time here?

I think it’s the first few weeks. It gave me the opportunity to work with some of the best people I worked with in the past, and discover some amazing new talent. 

Is there anything else you’d like to say about the environment here?

Outpost prioritise work-life balance. This is something I’ve heard a lot in the past, but the reality has often been different. Being able to focus on the work, then enjoy a life, gives us so much energy to tackle the next day. It keeps people motivated and efficient.

Finally, some quickfire questions:

What’s the one thing you always keep on your desk?
A coffee mug (or two).

You can eat one thing for the rest of your life – what is it?
Pizza has to be somewhere in there.

What would be your superpower?
Teleportation.

You’ve got a couple of hours to kill – what do you watch?
Usually the most random things I can find on YouTube

What are you currently learning?
Woodworking.

Any pets?
Not yet but thinking about it.

Favourite way to relax?
Going for a drive out of town.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I love Iceland, but I've done that. Maybe Peru next.

What irritates you?
Long explanations that go nowhere.

Guilty pleasures?
Speculaas Cookies.

Favourite song?
Hard to choose. Maybe Space Oddity.

Last present you bought yourself?
Some woodworking tools.