Joe Lamont-Fisher: Double Negative graduate

Employer: Double Negative
University: University of Reading
Subject: BSc computer science and cybernetics

I’ve always enjoyed messing about on computers and playing games. My sandwich course gave me experience of programming and built up a work ethic through an industry placement. It reinforced my interest in IT and I realised that I didn’t want to go into a typical graduate role such as banking. I researched my employer well before applying and I think my enthusiasm helped me to get the job.

My job

My employer is a visual effects company, producing 3D effects for films such as Hellboy 2 and The Dark Knight. I’m part of the R&D team, helping to support the needs of the current project. Rather than working on the effects, I help facilitate the process of applying the monsters and things to the raw film. This includes building the tools the art team need, such as 3D asset management tools that keep track of all the effects and finding new, better and faster ways of doing things. The work is challenging and I have to deal with a lot of change, but finding new ways to do things is exciting and interesting.

My training was predominantly on the job and I’ve found that what I learned at university is very different from how people programme in the real world. The requirements are always changing so I have to be pragmatic and sometimes creative in order to solve the current problem. The more experienced staff are always happy to help with any questions.

My work environment

Our office is a big old building in Soho. There’s free cereal and toast in the kitchens and we have a beer and pizza evening every month. The environment is relaxed, open and informal. There’s no dress code and hours are flexible as long as you get the job done, but there have been some late nights when getting close to deadlines.

Career highlights

It’s exciting to see something go from a concept to being programmed and then used in a film on the big screen. The odd bad review can be disappointing, but getting positive feedback is excellent!