A Day in the Life: Mike Scholfield
What’s your role at Lux Aeterna?
I’m the IT Manager here at Lux Aeterna. My goal is to ensure the smooth operation of the studio, from licensing to storage, RAM upgrades to network installations, you name it I do it. The lifeblood of what we do is in the artists, by far, and keeping them happy is the name of the game. It is often said that the best IT team is the one you don’t need to call. Communicating change and celebrating success is also a large part of keeping the team operational and I document everything in our wiki so that when anyone needs to do something they know how and any pressing news I’ll send bulletins and catch up with them one on one.
One of my biggest tasks is keeping the renderfarm going. We have an impressive array of rendernodes that are working constantly to produce the work we do and I recently set up a fresh server to keep it ticking smoothly, a mammoth task but rewarding and a great experience.
What does your typical day look like?
The role is dynamic to say the least, never the same twice. It’s important to have plans but the work we do is so fast paced, the only way to be prepared is to prepare for everything! Right now I’m working on the live storage and streamlining access controls, but on a moment’s notice I need to change gears as the business requires. Sometimes it’s as simple as setting up a new workstation, others it’s negotiating multi-year service contracts.
The industry thrives on connection and that is no different in IT. I regularly liaise with teams from all over the world and it’s awesome to build and share knowledge with so many talented people, it’s like the whole industry is one machine sometimes, the boundaries are hard to see with so much collaboration, it’s really inspiring.
The atmosphere in the studio is great too. Everyone is so willing to pitch in when it’s needed. I think we all see how hard we are working on what we love that we want to reach out and help where we can, it’s a true family atmosphere which starts at the top and makes its way into everyone here.
You’re the beating heart of the business! You keep the very core of our service functioning! How do you unwind from this at lunchtime?
Ha! I couldn’t possibly accept that praise! That’s too kind, if honest.
Living in the center of the bustling culture bomb that is Bristol there are few things better than taking a walk over the river and spending some time in the sun at Castle Park. During the summer there’s always a few of the team kicking about in the park around lunch and having an unwind together watching the world go by has few contenders. Even as winter sets in we gather around the lunch table and put the world to right.
What’s your top tip for a VFX artist against a deadline who is facing computer issues?
I have two: “Save, and save often” and “The only stupid question is the one that isn’t asked”
What has been your favourite Lux Aeterna social event so far?
We had the honour of being invited to a preview showing of Blue Whales: Return of the Giants. The energy and atmosphere of being surrounded by everyone who had worked on the project, hearing the passionate Hugh Pearson (Producer/Director) give a preamble on the feature, 3D glasses on, popcorn in hand, lights go down, apprehensive and expectant silence from the crowd, curtains open wider, credits roll and then suddenly Andy Serkis’ voice narrating a spectacular and important piece. We always have great times together but being part of this was intoxicating.
What do you enjoy the most about working at Lux Aeterna?
Did I mention how awesome everyone here is? No, seriously. Right is right and wins out every time, there’s no ego here. If someone has an idea it’s heard by everyone with the same ears no matter who said it.
What’s the best thing about the Lux Aeterna office itself?
The immaculate cable management.
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