#WFH Diaries: Colin Davis of Nexus Studios
As lockdowns linger, Muse is checking in with creative pros to see how they're faring. Below, we catch up with Colin Davis, executive producer at Nexus Studios.
Give us a one-line bio of yourself.
Producer-but-trained-as-neurobiologist-and-does-photography-on-the-side.
Where are you living right now, and who's with you?
South London with my partner Dan, and Digby the cat.
What's your work situation like at the moment?
Lucky to be able to work from home; brain occasionally numb from video calls.
Describe your socializing strategy.
I've actually started playing D&D since before the lockdown but have turned it online. So what was dice, paper and imagination is video chats and imagination.
What are you reading?
The Overstory, Secret Barrister.
What are you watching?
The latest episodes of Rick and Morty are perfect, RuPaul's Drag Race. Sad that The Good Place and Schitt's Creek ended. Queued up to watch Midnight Gospel. Oh, and binge watch/listening to Critical Role (voice actors playing D&D)—it sounds boring, but it's shockingly addictive. It's kind of a nerd soap opera?
What are you listening to?
Josef Salvat, Christian Löffler, Say Hi, Rone.
How are you staying fit?
Oh boy—I have definitely put on the "Corona 5" (is that a thing? If not, can we make it one?). I have found an online gym that does Zoom workouts that have been a game changer for me. I know what I should be doing, but unless someone is there to actually motivate me, I do a poor job of it. The irony of me being a producer and this personality trait is not lost on me.
Have you taken up a hobby?
I've gone full nerd, getting into D&D (the escapist theme is a bit on the nose, but what can I say ;-). Oh, and definitely cooking and baking. I've made a few sourdough loaves that weren't half bad.
Any tips for getting necessities?
Ah, this is where being a producer has helped—I was able to prepare a bit in advance. I think checking out local "zero packaging" shops is a good place to look for basics. The one near me takes orders by email and you can pick up food.
An awkward moment since all this started.
Hmm. I'm awkward most of the time, but probably when my partner was behind me, outside in the garden, and my client stopped the call to say "Uh, do you know there is a strange man in your back garden?"
Best work email you got since all this started.
A client sending an email "firmly committing" to a project. The uncertainty and fear is tough to shake, so it's nice when you get a bit of positive good news.
An aha! moment since all this started.
Probably not an epiphany, but it's been a test of my stoic philosophy: Focus on yourself and what you can control, letting go of the things you can't.
What's your theory on how this is going to play out?
Phased lockdown recovery. I think large groups are going to be the last to come back, but really looking forward to walking down the street and not swerving into traffic to keep the 2m (2 meters apart).
