Tish Marsh is a VFX line producer at Lux Aeterna (www.lavfx.com), the Bristol, UK-based visual effects studio. She graduated from university with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2021 and has already made a significant impact in the world of VFX. Her career began as a runner for a London-based production studio, and in a matter of a few years, she managed to work her way up to VFX line producer at Lux Aeterna, where she has supported projects that include The Twister: Caught in the Storm and
Solar System.
Here, Tish reflects on her journey into VFX, her day-to-day life at Lux Aeterna, and offers some helpful advice for those looking to start their career in post production.
Tish, can you tell us about your path into the industry and to Lux Aeterna?
“I actually started off as an ice skater, but after some health issues, I took my passion elsewhere. That’s when I signed up for a Bachelor of Arts course in Animation, which is where my love for VFX really took hold.
“But while I was studying, I realized that production fit my interests and skillset more. I picked up a freelance role as a production runner, then scaled up to work as a third assistant director and production coordinator on other projects. After that, Lux Aeterna got in touch.
“The studio’s then-production manager said I seemed like a great fit for the role. After looking into Lux Aeterna, I realized it aligned perfectly with my personal goals. Fast-forward to today: I’m a VFX line producer, having worked on major projects with the BBC, Netflix, National Geographic, and more.”
What does a typical day at work look like?
“My work spans multiple areas of post production, covering the full project timeline – from budget preparation and resource scheduling to expense tracking. All of this helps monitor Lux Aeterna’s performance and ensures our progress aligns with the client’s expectations. Line producers have their fingers in many pies!
“Each day starts with a project review to make sure everything is running smoothly and on schedule. I then check in with the team to confirm their priorities, reassign tasks if needed and ensure our visuals align with the creative brief. The rest of the day is focused on communication, both with the client and the internal team. It’s a very people-focused role and that collaboration directly translates to operational efficiency.”
How has Lux Aeterna helped you grow within the VFX industry?
“Although I only graduated four years ago, working at Lux Aeterna has significantly accelerated my career. I started as a production coordinator - a role I had some prior experience in - and was promoted to VFX line producer in August 2023.
“From the start, I was determined to make a meaningful impact on the studio. I put my heart and soul into the work, and made sure I was constantly learning, something the team has supported every step of the way. Above all, I value the trust placed in me. Empowerment in the workplace is crucial for growth, especially in the creative industries.”
Do you have any advice for those trying to break into the industry?
“Getting my foot in the door early made a big difference after graduating. The roles I held at other companies and the projects I took on at university, even short-term ones, were the reason Lux Aeterna reached out to me. No matter how brief, any experience is valuable on your CV or LinkedIn profile, so don’t be afraid to list absolutely everything.”
What was your favorite project and why?
“Solar System is my current favorite project I’ve worked on at Lux Aeterna, purely based on how smooth the entire process was. Our internal team’s communication was wonderful, and the trust our client had in us to fulfill the brief in the most efficient and cinematic way benefited our relationship with the producers and directors hugely.
“I also really enjoyed working on Tsunami: A Race Against Time. It was a much smaller project than Solar System, but the impact it has on those who watch the documentary is amazing to see. Our graphics really help place the events of the 2004 tsunami in Southeast Asia, and, along with the incredible writing and direction, they tie the whole project together.”
What trends are shaping the future of VFX?
“One of the most important changes I'm noticing in visual effects right now is a slow-growing focus on being more environmentally friendly. The industry is starting to become more aware of how things like high-energy render farms and data storage can affect the environment. Some studios are looking for greener options, such as optimizing render times and using renewable workflows to reduce their carbon footprint.
“There's also a move toward planning productions more carefully, not just to save time and money, but also to lessen their environmental impact. Overall, these trends are a small but very positive step toward making the industry more responsible and sustainable [as a] whole.”