Author Archives: Matthew

Oh, you know each other?

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As I travel the country working on events and visiting schools, it always makes me smile when someome says “We had a visit from X, not sure if you have ever come across them?” or “Ah, so you know and get on with X?” (X is a STEM presenter).

Katie Steckles (seriously cool maths presenter) next to an unknown person

There’s a high chance that I know them and they know me. You see, whilst we may seem to operate by ourselves as freelancers or appear to compete for headline shows, we do talk and support each other. The UK Science Communication scene is very close-knit.

It may come as a shock to some people who consider us to be competitors that we may admit to liking each other or (heaven forbid) even recommend someone else for a particular gig. If I am unable to fulfill a potential client’s needs, rather than just say no, I would much prefer to recommend an alternative and point them in the right direction.

But our collaboration goes beyond that. There are regular messages flying around on WhatsApp, email and Slack groups about potential clients, laser safety, the best cameras or smoke machines, plus things like how to get hold of large quantities of borax or veterinary lubricant.

We are one industry with a mission: To engage our audiences with science (in fact, all of the STEM subjects). Sure, we each bring our own expertise or niche to the festival stage, school hall, theatre, online videos, television or radio shows, but collectively we share a common broad aim. With that in mind, why wouldn’t I want to support my fellow science communication colleagues, be it formally or informally?

I have worked with and supported many other presenters behind the scenes on theatre tours and festivals, particularly from a Health and Safety perspective. Whether it is working with Greg Foot on a national theatre tour, supporting production H&S at Cheltenham Science Festival or advising on Christmas show tour safety, I enjoy my work behind the scenes just as much as being on stage.

Of course, I get to see another side to presenters and support them towards best practice in science show H&S. It provides an interesting dual-perspective on the performance world!

That’s why I value being part of a close-knit group of people and organisations such as the BIG STEM Communicators Network. It gives us an opportunity to support each other and, in the longer term, raise the quality bar.

Silicon Republic names Matthew as a top influencer

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The Sci-Tech website SiliconRepublic.com has named Matthew as a top influencer in the city of Bristol.

In an article published on 15th February, Matthew is cited as “the UK’s number one firework science presenter” and listed as one of ten of the biggest sci-tech influencers in Bristol.

The website aims to keep readers informed on vital issues impacting STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths). In this focus on Bristol, ten people are highlighted as “people you should get to know from the Bristol area”, particularly for new people moving to the city.

Matthew first moved to Bristol in 1995 to study physics at the University of Bristol and quickly fell in love with the city. When he is not on the road, he actively supports the local science communication scene, taking time to network with early career and aspiring science-communicators at the monthly Bristol SciComm Socials. He is also a regular voice on local radio, including BBC Radio Bristol, BCFM, Ujima 98, and Pirate Nation Radio.

In the words of SiliconRepublic.com: “For anyone with a passion for science, fireworks and pyrotechnics, [Matthew] is a must-follow.”

Matthew’s work erupts in Early Man movie

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Matthew’s special effects work is featured in Aardman Animations’ latest film, Early Man.

Producer Peter Lord wanted a set of volcanic eruptions in keeping with the characteristic Aardman look and feel. It had to be real and not computer-generated.

Matthew was approached by Director of Photgraphy, Dave Alex Riddett, in April 2017 with a request for very specific flame, smoke and debris effects.

Following a theatrical volcano project earlier in the year, Matthew stepped up to the mark and scoped out a series of scaled effect sequences to be shot against green screen.

He teamed up with Mark Lewis from Aardvark FX when it came to building specific rigs and testing debris launchers.

“We were clear that the eruptions had to feature explosive elements, with flying debris. But we also wanted to give the production team a variety of eruption styles to include on the volcanic horizon.” says Matthew, who has a genuine interest in volcanology and geophysics.

Their work features in several of the official trailers:

Matthew managed all Health and Safety aspects and arranged a suitable filming location near to Bristol for the shoot.

He added: “The Aardman crew aren’t used to working with pyrotechnics and our day of filming was somewhat of a novelty for them. Aside from the flames and smoke, we were shooting at 120 frames per second, rather than a few frames per hour.”

Pictured after the shoot: Matthew with Tom Barnes (middle), Technical Director and Dave Alex Riddett (right), Director of Photography.

Set at the dawn of time, when prehistoric creatures and woolly mammoths roamed the earth, Early Man tells the story of Dug, along with sidekick Hognob as they unite his tribe against a mighty enemy Lord Nooth and his Bronze Age City to save their home.

The film goes on general release in the UK from 26th January.

Rehearse! Rehearse! Rehearse!

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Science presenters often have stunts and acts that appear chaotic, funny and a bit haphazard on live stage or television. The truth is, for the majority of us, they are thoroughly rehearsed.

The result is that whenever you see a presenter doing something that appears seamless in a live performance, it is because it has been rehearsed. Yes, we rehearse. Even if it appears to be a first time for them or a surprise on stage, we’ve rehearsed it, especially if we are working with a fellow presenter or guest.

To those of us in the industry, this is a fundamental part of our profession. Each demonstration or stunt is blocked through so that everyone involved knows what to expect and what to do if something goes wrong. It is part of our risk assessment but goes much deeper than that. I like to think of it as a professional standard.

A few years ago, I was commissioned to create a vat of custard for a world record attempt on daytime television. A well-known TV chef was to do it first-time, but we had to talk him through exactly what would be happening to ensure that he understood what would be required and how to do it safely. In short, I tested it and then we had a rehearsal with the main presenter.

This is routine.

However, sometimes the thrill of live TV can get the better of people and the weaknesses in their preparation becomes apparent. Watch and learn from this example on Australian TV recently.

There is a catalogue of failings right from the start of the clip. The person leading the segment appears to be absorbed by the excitement of a live broadcast and is not paying attention to the safety of himself nor those around him. The presenters involved could have been seriously disfigured, blinded or far worse.

When I see a clip like this, I worry. I worry that impressionable people could see this as the norm; that it is acceptable to take these sorts of risks. In this particular case, the mishandling of liquid nitrogen can be lethal. There are asphyxiation, pressure explosion, projectile, frost bite and slip hazards, to name but a few.

Professional science presenters work tirelessly to perfect their demos in order to carry them out slickly and safely in high-pressured, live performance situations. Sometimes they work with specialist engineers or advisers (like me!) behind the scenes. The patter and banter are all worked in afterwards.

I hope that none of our Australian counterparts or crew carry any long term ill effects as a result of this incident. I also hope that TV producers and early career presenters can reflect on and learn from near misses like this.

If you have ANY doubt over a demo that you or someone else is doing, please please please contact an experienced professional for help and advice. We may joke on stage, but we are extremely serious about our work.

Matthew on tour with LabLive17

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Matthew has taken to the road with LabLive17 across the North of England.

Kicking off the tour at the Lancaster Grand Theatre, Matthew launched a brand new stage show about fireworks, which looked at how STEM skills are used in creating live spectacles in the sky and on stage. Featuring awe-inspiring pyro demos with seamless transitions between video and the live stage, the new show also involves members of the audience on stage.

Yes, that right – young people, flames and explosives on stage together, all thanks to Matthew’s meticulous show planning and attention to safety.

“True showmanship”

Sharron Pearson, Education Manager at Cheltenham Festivals described Matthew’s on stage presences as “True showmanship”, with the “flexibility and confidence to respond to particular audience needs.”

Matthew provided full Health and Safety management support for the two week tour. He presented shows in the first week and switched to H&S support for the tour in the south of England.

He has earned huge respect from science communication colleagues due to his proactive and can-do approach to Health and Safety. Matthew added: “Managing Health and Safety enables us to do exciting things and entertain audiences safely.”

Matthew appeared at venues in Lancaster, Hartlepool, Hull and Gainsborough. The tour was supported by EDF Energy.

Craig Dohring, station director at Hartlepool power station said: “This was a fantastic event and one which really showed the pupils how science is used in everyday life as well at workplaces such as ours.”

LabLive is a spectacular show for Y8&9 which brings all the fun of Cheltenham Science Festival to school audiences around the UK. It aims to engage inquisitive young minds through an interactive show where they will learn more about the benefits of studying science, technology, engineering and maths at GCSE.