In our new series “Lectured” Nexus will interview a lecturer, the only rule is we don’t want to ask them a lot of questions about their subject matter. So we started with Professor Gareth Schott, easily the coolest looking lecturer on campus. We asked him about music because we were curious about whether he would be more Cure or Smiths, about gaming, film (which broke the rules a little), and his beloved yet underperforming Toffees… Gareth may also be the actual coolest lecturer but we will find out in 23 issues.

Favourite video game and why?
Despite the evolution of games, I still hold a massive soft spot for Abe’s Oddysee, or the newest one being Oddworld Soulstorm. Its 2.5D very old skool. But I love the character, the world and the humour.

Favourite film and why?
Tough question. I love all George Romero Zombie films, so Dawn of the Dead would have to be up there, but the first film that really blew me away and inspired me was Brazil by Terry Gilliam (Monty Python) for the detail of the world he created.

Favourite musician/band and why?
The Cure. I have seen them live 16 times. Love the darkness and the atmosphere in their music, especially Faith, Pornography, Disintegration and Songs of the Lost World. Robert Smith had a massive influence my guitar playing style. They have made me the Eeyore I am today.

Favourite food and why?
Chinese, even though I am vegetarian. Great experiences eating out in China with our University staff that are based in China.

Favourite author and why?
Annie Proulx. No idea.

Does perception shape reality, or does reality shape perception?
Depends if you take the blue or the red pill.

Is reality a video game, and if so, which?
The thick fog of Silent Hill 2 does remind me of the Tron!

What would u do instead of lecturing?
Easy. Tattoo artist.

What’s the craziest experience of your life?
Not something I would tell Nexus, sorry.

What do you dress like on the weekends?
The same. When you get to my age, you have a uniform that you think works, and you don’t deviate.

If you could live anywhere, where and why?
Venice Beach LA, love the madness & musical heritage.

Choice of drink and why?
I have just given up alcohol, so I would say coffee for morning alertness.

Is uni a scam?
Not at all. For me University is where I first enjoyed education and learned how to learn, developed an appetite and curiosity for knowledge and exposure to new ideas that has enabled me to pivot, adapt and change and (I think) make contributions in a number of different work and professional environments when required.

Thoughts on Elon Musk’s salute?
You did MEDIA100 and therefore should know all about the power of visual symbols, the associations they carry and the connotations they evoke.

In your Media100 lecture, you said moving film is a ‘mosaic of fractured images.’ Is this because your TV screen is cracked?
That sounds pretentious, did I really say that?

Best essay topic you’ve read?
Equine Photography. No explanation given.

Do you have tattoos?
One arm full.

What is the environmental storytelling of campus?
Depends where you are on campus of course, but as I inhabit the more brutalist-esq buildings we have, I think they give off a sense of honesty, functionality and telling it like it is, no?

Does my playing Clash of Clans count as game studies?
Nope, take MEDIA309 and find out why.

When you were a member of the Film and Literature Review Board, were you paid to watch movies and read books?
Technically yes, but I never got to do a film in the 7 or 8 years I was employed. It was all dark web and depression.

Would you rather have never lived but be remembered forever or live but never be remembered?
I spend a lot of time researching examples of post-self, that is the way people are remembered after their death revealing the little control we will have over our legacy and how that is shaped and presented. So live, as how you will be remembered will likely be inaccurate anyway.

Any tips for uni students?
Make the most of your lecturers, they are successful and active researchers contributing to the bodies of knowledge you have come to University to study. Introduce yourself to them, speak to them, ask questions, engage them. Make the most of this connection and time.

Film recommendations?
The Fountain, The Descent (UK release, different ending), Oldboy (original), Plan 9 From Outer Space, La Haine, Mulholland Drive, Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me, Delicatessen, Being John Malkovich.

How does it feel that Everton are two places below Spurs in the table?
Same points mate. Everton are looking up not down. Up the toffees.