Shows
Team DeakinsMATTHEW SPECKTOR - AuthorSEASON 2 - EPISODE 146 - Matthew Specktor - Author Author Matthew Specktor joins us in this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast. In his recently released memoir, THE GOLDEN HOUR, Matthew, the son of legendary talent agent Fred Specktor, uses his parents’ divergent professional and personal lives to reflect on the film industry as it was, and he writes about his own life and career in and around the movies to reflect on what it has become. After reading it (and Matthew’s other novels), we felt we had to speak with him. What follows in this episode is a...2025-06-181h 06Team DeakinsQUYEN TRAN - CinematographerSEASON 2 - EPISODE 124 - Quyen Tran - Cinematographer On this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, we speak with cinematographer Quyen Tran (AHSOKA, MAID, PALM SPRINGS). We start the episode with Quyen’s harrowing recollection of her experience in New York City on 9/11, and she reflects on how the event steered her life towards filmmaking. While studying film at UCLA, Quyen fell into documentary filmmaking, and she shares how she’s since branched into directing television and miniseries. She reveals who gave her the initial push to even try directing, and she reveals what she enjoys about it c...2025-01-151h 03Team DeakinsJESSE JAMES Live Q&ASEASON 2 - EPISODE 111 - JESSE JAMES Live Q&A - with Wendy Roderweiss This special episode of the Team Deakins Podcast features a recording of what was a live conversation between Team Deakins and filmmaker and DePaul University professor Wendy Roderweiss following a screening of THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES BY THE COWARD ROBERT FORD at the Music Box Theatre in Chicago. During the conversation, we discuss our experiences shooting the movie and working together as creative and life partners, and James reveals how her involvement allowed Roger to simultaneously shoot JESSE JAMES while colour timing JARHEAD...2024-10-1642 minTeam DeakinsTIM BLAKE NELSON - Actor / Writer / DirectorSEASON 2 - EPISODE 108 - TIM BLAKE NELSON - ACTOR / WRITER / DIRECTOR On this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, we speak with actor, writer, and director Tim Blake Nelson (LEAVES OF GRASS, THE BALLAD OF BUSTER SCRUGGS, LINCOLN) about a wide range of topics. We had the pleasure of working with him on O BROTHER WHERE ART THOU?, and we had a wonderful time catching up with him. We learn all about his journey from Oklahoma to his first breaks as an actor, and we discuss the artistic and academic foundation that informs his choices as a...2024-09-251h 19Team DeakinsPETER JAMES - CinematographerSEASON 2 - EPISODE 107 - PETER JAMES - CINEMATOGRAPHER On this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, cinematographer Peter James (MAO’S LAST DANCER, BLACK ROBE, DRIVING MISS DAISY) joins us to talk about his career. Growing up in Sydney, Australia, Peter spent five years in his youth working at a small studio working on commercials and local television programs before finding his to working on features. Peter shares his process for overcoming his dyslexia to break down scripts, and at one point in the conversation, he even teaches us a new lighting trick. Peter later discusses how he...2024-09-181h 11Team DeakinsTURNING THE TABLES - "Our Partnership"SEASON 2 - EPISODE 105 - Turning the Tables: “Our Partnership” - with Rick Carter Production designer Rick Carter (Season 2, Episode 95) returns to the Team Deakins Podcast for a special episode in which Rick turns the tables, and his questions, towards us. The focus of his questioning? Our partnership as Team Deakins. Rick mines the origins of our relationship and helps illuminate why Team Deakins works as well as it does, and we discuss how, as storytellers, we collaborate with one another and our fellow crew members to help visualize a film. James shares how she leverages her addiction to s...2024-09-041h 03Team DeakinsETHAN HAWKE - Actor / DirectorSEASON 2 - EPISODE 98 - ETHAN HAWKE - ACTOR / DIRECTOR On this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, we’re joined by actor and director Ethan Hawke (WILDCAT, BLAZE, BOYHOOD). James once worked with Ethan on WHITE FANG in Alaska, but before that, Ethan started acting in his youth in the theatre before landing his life-changing role on DEAD POETS SOCIETY. Throughout our discussion, Ethan reflects on his evolving relationship to film, art, and acting and shares a number of his thoughts on the nature of filmmaking. Ethan shares how he adjusts to the working style of different di...2024-07-171h 16Team DeakinsPAUL SCHNEIDER - ActorSEASON 2 - EPISODE 83 - PAUL SCHNEIDER - ACTOR On this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, we speak with actor Paul Schneider (BRIGHT STAR, THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES, GEORGE WASHINGTON). Growing up in a small town in North Carolina, Paul shares how working in film and television never crossed his mind until a pivotal viewing of Jane Campion’s THE PIANO. Attending film school following the encouragement and support of a high school teacher, Paul studied editing but found himself frequently cast in his friends’ short films, culminating in a performance in GEORGE WASHINGTON, shot entirely by h...2024-04-031h 19Team DeakinsJAMES CHINLUND - Production DesignerSEASON 2 - EPISODE 68 - JAMES CHINLUND - PRODUCTION DESIGNER Production designer James Chinlund (THE BATMAN, THE AVENGERS, REQUIEM FOR A DREAM) joins us on this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast. Reflecting on his childhood, James recalls to us noting the relationship between crowds of worshipers and the inner sanctum of the Cathedral of St. John in New York while squirreled up above in its attic. While discussing James’ earlier work, we consider the balance a set or location needs between stripping it to its bare essence for the scene while avoiding an overly minimal design more ap...2023-12-201h 13Team DeakinsGREIG FRASER - Cinematographer - THE BATMAN - Part 2SEASON 2 - EPISODE 51 - GREIG FRASER - CINEMATOGRAPHER - THE BATMAN - PART 2 On this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, we’re sharing the rest of our previously live-streamed conversation between Team Deakins and cinematographer Greig Fraser diving into his work on THE BATMAN. We start by talking all things lighting, and Greig shares how he and his team used non-film light fixtures to achieve a natural look in the film. We later discuss the importance of on-set chemistry and how a great attitude can outweigh experience when crewing. Greig shares how his team worked to ma...2023-08-231h 08Team DeakinsGREIG FRASER - Cinematographer - THE BATMAN - Part 1SEASON 2 - EPISODE 50 - GREIG FRASER - CINEMATOGRAPHER - THE BATMAN - PART 1 On this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, we’re sharing the first half of our live-streamed conversation between Team Deakins and cinematographer Greig Fraser focusing on his work on THE BATMAN. Greig describes to us what drew him to work on the project in the first place and how, even with COVID delays, he and director Matt Reeves still needed more time to prep. Greig reveals the early conversations he had with Matt about the potential applications of the Volume lighting system and ho...2023-08-161h 07Team DeakinsSARAH POLLEY - Writer / Director / ActorSEASON 2 - EPISODE 46 - SARAH POLLEY - WRITER / DIRECTOR / ACTOR Team Deakins sits down with writer, director, and actor Sarah Polley (WOMEN TALKING, STORIES WE TELL, AWAY FROM HER) on this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast. In the beginning, Sarah discusses her early career in acting and how she stepped away to focus on political activism. We later ask Sarah about the challenges transitioning from acting to directing, and she describes realizing that even if she didn’t consider herself an expert in the role, she recognized that she was the expert in the stories she wa...2023-07-191h 17Team DeakinsRUSSELL CARPENTER - CinematographerSEASON 2 - EPISODE 35 - RUSSELL CARPENTER - CINEMATOGRAPHER Team Deakins speaks with cinematographer Russell Carpenter (TITANIC, TRUE LIES, AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER) on this episode of the podcast. We dive headfirst into Russell’s professional relationship with director James Cameron, beginning with a chance encounter at a local TV station that led to Russell working on some of the biggest movies in history. Russell also shares his appreciation for the technical challenges of working on Cameron’s films and describes the sink-or-swim nature of filming TITANIC. We later discuss being submerged in anxiety when starting out and...2023-05-031h 16Team DeakinsCHAYSE IRVIN - CinematographerSEASON 2 - EPISODE 30 - CHAYSE IRVIN - CINEMATOGRAPHER Team Deakins chats with the creative cinematographer Chayse Irvin (BLONDE, BLACKKKLANSMEN, HANNAH) about filmmaking and his career. We discuss the benefits of preparing for a scene and then finding it on the day, and Chayse describes how he brings an audience into his work through his compositions. Chayse speaks on his ongoing collaboration with artist and director Khalil Joseph and the unique and artistically productive environment he creates. Roger and James also dive into Chayse’s work on Andrew Dominik’s BLONDE and the similarly unique challenges he faced when...2023-03-291h 16Team DeakinsZAYNE AKYOL - DirectorSEASON 2 - EPISODE 27 - ZAYNE AKYOL - DIRECTOR Team Deakins shares our conversation with director Zayne Akyol (ROJEK; GULISTAN, LAND OF ROSES). Having shot two feature-length documentaries in dangerous environments, Zayne reflects with Roger & James on the therapeutic limits of filmmaking and the unique life experiences presented to documentary filmmakers. She speaks on her collaboration with her cinematographers and knowing when and what to shoot, even while soldiers shoot at their drone on its maiden flight over a land on fire. We hope you enjoy the episode! - Recommended Episode Viewing: ROJEK; GULISTAN...2023-03-081h 04Team DeakinsBVK - The German Society of CinematographersSEASON 2 - EPISODE 26 - BVK - THE GERMAN SOCIETY OF CINEMATOGRAPHERS Whether you’re listening for the first time or reliving the livestream, you’ll hear something new from this conversation between Team Deakins and members of the BVK (The German Society of Cinematographers). The origin of the Team Deakins Podcast is revealed, the balance between the creative and logistical demands of a shoot are discussed, and the pursuit of simplicity in one’s work is considered by both James, Roger, and members of the BVK. Roger further talks about the design of 1917’s shots, the definition of dark...2023-03-011h 30Team DeakinsEDWARD BERGER AND JAMES FRIEND - Director and Cinematographer TeamSEASON 2 - EPISODE 22 - EDWARD BERGER & JAMES FRIEND - DIRECTOR & CINEMATOGRAPHER On this episode of The Team Deakins Podcast, we connect with a talented filmmaking duo for a fabulous conversation. Director Edward Berger and cinematographer James Friend (YOUR HONOR, ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT) tell us how they like to make their films using only a single camera. They explain how using one camera allows them a level of precision that isn’t possible on a multiple camera shoot. We also discuss the importance of understanding the perspective of the film that’s being made. For them...2023-02-011h 06Team DeakinsCASEY AFFLECK - ActorSEASON 2 - EPISODE 21 - CASEY AFFLECK - ACTOR For this episode of The Team Deakins Podcast, we have a delightful conversation with the brilliant actor, Casey Affleck (MANCHESTER BY THE SEA, AIN’T THEM BODIES SAINTS, GONE BABY GONE). Our conversation with Casey really shines a light on his dedication as an actor. We talk about the value of rehearsals, and the romantic notion of foregoing rehearsal in order to find it on the day. Casey is vert thoughtful when discussing the importance of connecting with a project emotionally, and making sure you are taking a role fo...2023-01-2559 minTeam DeakinsMARK TILDESLEY - Production DesignerSEASON 2 - EPISODE 8 - MARK TILDESLEY - PRODUCTION DESIGNER Team Deakins is so pleased to welcome the fabulous production designer Mark Tildesley (NO TIME TO DIE, PHANTOM THREAD, SUNSHINE) to the podcast for a delightful conversation. Mark unpacks the role of the production designer, and delves into how he works with hyper visual directors like Danny Boyle, and more contemplative, internal directors like Michael Winterbottom. He also sheds some light on how the role of the production designer differs on a small, personal movie compared to a mega blockbuster franchise like James Bond. This is a delightful...2022-10-261h 18Team DeakinsMátyás Erdély - CinematographerEPISODE 150 - MÁTYÁS ERDÉLY - Cinematographer Team Deakins speaks with Hungarian cinematographer, Mátyás Erdély (SON OF SAUL, SUNSET, THE NEST) in this episode. Matyas has shot in the US, UK and Hungary and says he doesn’t feel there is much difference in his work wherever he works. He shares that he feels it is soul crushing to take a project just for the money if it is something you don’t connect with. He also goes into detail about his collaboration with Lazlo Nemes (SON OF SAUL, SUNSET) (Episode 113 of Team Deaki...2021-09-151h 11Team DeakinsRichard Hoover - Production DesignerEPISODE 142 - RICHARD HOOVER - Production Designer Teams Deakins has a conversation with production designer, Richard Hoover (42, GIRL, INTERRUPTED, BOB ROBERTS). Richard talks about different methods of working with different directors and how he discovers what the director wants. He also illustrates his points with examples from Twin Peaks, Bob Roberts, Dead Man Walking. 42 and The Assassination of Jesse James and the approaches he took. He shares the use of a “look book” for the design and the particular challenges of working on period pieces. He tells us that the content of the scene definitely affects the desi...2021-08-181h 13Team DeakinsPhedon Papamichael - CinematographerEPISODE 128 - PHEDON PAPAMICHAEL - Cinematographer Team Deakins speaks with cinematographer, Phedon Papamichael (TRIAL OF THE CHICAGO 7, FORD VS FERRARI, NEBRASKA). In this episode, Phedon shares his experiences working with James Mangold and Alexander Payne and we discuss what makes those relationships so successful. We learn that Phedon took up photography at a very early age and together we talk about his transition from stills to the moving image and shooting his first short film with one of John Cassavetes’ cameras! Phedon tells us about his time shooting for Roger Corman’s company and how free he was...2021-06-301h 10Team DeakinsDavid Gropman - Production DesignerEPISODE 126 - DAVID GROPMAN - Production Designer Team Deakins speaks with production designer, David Gropman (FENCES, LIFE OF PI, THE SHIPPING NEWS). He tells us why he loves shooting on location vs sets, his reaction to specific colors, his relationship to the producer, and the challenge of working within the budget. He talks about his experiences with directors Lasse Hallström, James Ivory, and Ang Lee. Since he worked with Ang Lee on the movies Taking Woodstock and Life of Pi (two very different movies!), he talks about his approaches to the films and talks about designing f...2021-06-231h 06Team DeakinsJoshua James Richards - CinematographerEPISODE 121 - JOSHUA JAMES RICHARDS - Cinematographer Team Deakins has a lot of laughs in their conversation with cinematographer, Josh Richards (NOMADLAND, GOD’S OWN COUNTRY, THE RIDER). He shares with us his struggles in film school and what it gave to him ultimately. We also learn about how he started with director Chloé Zhao and how their working relationship developed and how they work together now. We talk about the shooting of Nomadland and God’s Own Country. He frankly tells us of his journey in finding cinematography and his path. A fascinating, open conversation with a tal...2021-06-061h 37Team DeakinsTurning the Tables - FARGOEPISODE 91 - TURNING THE TABLES - FARGO Team Deakins gets the tables turned on them in this episode. Cinematographer Joshua James Richards (Nomadland, The Rider, God's Own Country) turns the spotlight on us and asks questions about the movie Fargo. We speak about specific shots and how they were done. We also talk about covering wider subjects, how a camera move can add to the strength of the scene, working with different directors, and the importance of cinematographer supporting the performances using natural light, and what limitations can give to a movie. We cover a lot of...2021-02-211h 28Team DeakinsGuy Hendrix Dyas - Production DesignerEPISODE 89 - GUY HENDRIX DYAS - Production Designer Team Deakins sits down with production designer, Guy Hendrix Dyas (INCEPTION, GEMINI MAN, ELIZABETH: THE GOLDEN AGE). We cover many subjects, including the importance of drawing and illustrating for Production Designers, the need for learning the director’s visual language, forming a relationship with a new director, and the sadness he feels at the end of each project. Guy shares his experiences of working with Terry Gilliam, Shekhar Kapur, and Chris Nolan. He breaks down the set in Inception that was in the snow and the challenges that it bro...2021-02-141h 09Team DeakinsSeamus McGarvey - CinematographerEPISODE 88 - SEAMUS MCGARVEY - Cinematographer Team Deakins has a fun conversation with cinematographer Seamus McGarvey (ATONEMENT, ANNA KARENINA, NOCTURNAL ANIMALS, WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN). He shares what he loves about filmmaking - the collaboration, the democracy of ideas that grow stronger as you define, and how the medium of film is a great medium for social exchange and political change. He talks about the differences of working with varying directors - such as Les Blair, Michael Winterbottom, Sam Taylor Johnson, Tom Ford, Oliver Stone, and Joe Wright. He likes the terror of not working w...2021-02-101h 09Team DeakinsGregor Wilson - Production ManagerEPISODE 87 - GREGOR WILSON - Production Manager Team Deakins speaks with Gregor Wilson, (JUSTICE LEAGUE, PRISONERS, MAN OF STEAL), and looks closely at the role of production manager. Gregor tells us that one of the first important things he does is hiring the right crew and working to lock in the budget. We learn about Bond companies and the function they fulfill. Gregor shares his experience on Prisoners - his witnessing the relationship between Denis and Roger, his surprise at the cable costs of the camera crew, and the role the weather played in the shooting of t...2021-02-071h 09Team DeakinsCaleb Deschanel - CinematographerEPISODE 86 - CALEB DESCHANEL - Cinematographer Team Deakins sits down with cinematographer Caleb Deschanel for a great conversation. We learn about his experiences on the BLACK STALLION, BEING THERE, THE RIGHT STUFF, AND THE NATURAL. We talk about the key to being really good in the craft (recognizing a better idea), watching the actor do the performance for the first time, working with operators, the importance of crew choice for a DP, and the difference of operating a camera with the wheels. We also explore the critical relationship between DP and Director and how greatness is not a...2021-02-031h 18Team DeakinsMichael Lerman - Assistant DirectorEPISODE 85 - MICHAEL LERMAN - Assistant Director Team Deakins has a great conversation with assistant director, Michael Lerman (1917, DOCTOR STRANGE, SKYFALL). Michael breaks down the job in detail starting from the beginning in prep through the shoot. He tells us it starts with the schedule which is a challenge that never ends during the production. He shares the importance of location scouting for the director, cinematographer and production designer, as well as his role of protecting the director’s time so they can spend the time they need with the many departments. He talks about the need of...2021-01-311h 18Team DeakinsMatthew Libatique - CinematographerEPISODE 84 - MATTHEW LIBATIQUE - Cinematographer Team Deakins speaks with cinematographer Matty Libatique (A STAR IS BORN, BLACK SWAN, MOTHER!). In our conversation, he shares his experiences of working with director Darren Aronofsky as well as working with director Spike Lee. He touches on the importance of proper exposure in your footage and learning from each film that you make. We also learn about his experiences in the DI process and working on the film A Star is Born. We talk about lighting the frame or framing the light, shooting super 16mm on Black Swan, lenses, and...2021-01-271h 07Team DeakinsDavid Mullen - CinematographerEPISODE 83 - DAVID MULLEN - Cinematographer Team Deakins has the opportunity to talk with cinematographer David Mullen(THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL, NORTHFORK, TWIN FALLS IDAHO). We learn lots of specifics about the shooting and lighting of the film Northfork. He really breaks it all down for us. We also speak in detail about the different ways of flashing film and why you would do it, as well as the ways of taking color out of the visuals on a film. He also shares the difficulty of storyboards that were created without the input of the cinematographer. We...2021-01-241h 15Team DeakinsJeff Nichols & Adam Stone - Director & Cinematographer TeamEPISODE 82 - JEFF NICHOLS, ADAM STONE - Director/Cinematographer Team Team Deakins has a great conversation with the collaborative team of director Jeff Nichols and cinematographer Adam Stone (MUD, LOVING, TAKE SHELTER). We learn about how they found each other, how they work together, and how that collaboration has grown over the years. They share their preference for shot lists over storyboards and their specificity when choosing locations (and how they drive the location department crazy!). Jeff, who also writes his projects, speaks of not adding camera direction in his scripts. We also talk about the difference i...2021-01-201h 27Team DeakinsLarry Sher - CinematographerEPISODE 81 - LARRY SHER - Cinematographer Team Deakins speaks with cinematographer Larry Sher (JOKER, GARDEN STATE, THE HANGOVER). We learn a lot about his many experiences with Todd Philips, including the movies The Hangover and The Joker. We talk about how color is an integral part of his work and how he loves location shooting with the mixtures of light, and how important it is, early on, to settle on what evening, dusk, and sunset mean light-wise. He shares his thoughts on operating, shooting with two cameras, working on big movies, and the differences in shooting film o...2021-01-171h 14Team DeakinsMary Zophres - Costume DesignerEPISODE 80 - MARY ZOPHRES - Costume Designer Team Deakins sits down with Costume Designer, Mary Zophres (FIRST MAN, LA LA LAND, TRUE GRIT). She shares how she works with actors, large amounts of extras, the production designer, and the DP. She describes the thrill of seeing the actor become the character in the fitting room. Camera tests are important since “your eye tells you different things than the lens does” and she tells some of the things she has discovered through camera tests. She also describes dressing Jeff Bridges on The Big Lebowski, researching First Man and her e...2021-01-131h 14Team DeakinsHarry Gruyaert - Still PhotographerEPISODE 79 - HARRY GRUYAERT - Still Photographer Team Deakins speaks with the acclaimed stills photographer Harry Gruyaert. What a great conversation! We learn that when he started, he directed and shot for Flemish TV and he explains why he changed his path and became a stills photographer. He shares the importance of intuition in his work and finding your own way of seeing and style. We love what he does with color so we speak a lot about color and how he uses it, and he speaks of when he would use B&W over color. He...2021-01-101h 06Team DeakinsChris Miller & Phil Lord - Directors, Writers, ProducersEPISODE 78 - CHRIS MILLER & PHIL LORD - Directors, Writers, Producers Team Deakins speaks with another long term collaborative team - Phil Lord and Chris Miller (CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS, THE LEGO MOVIE, SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE). We cover a lot of topics, including the difference between directing live-action and animation, how they work together, the biggest disagreement they’ve had, and the challenges of directing comedies. We learn about the making of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, The Last Man on Earth TV series, and the process on Spiderman - Into the Spider-Verse. We also...2021-01-061h 07Team DeakinsEd Lachman - CinematographerEPISODE 77 - ED LACHMAN - Cinematographer Team Deakins has a great conversation with Cinematographer, Ed Lachman (CAROL, FAR FROM HEAVEN, DARK WATERS). We talk about many things, including his working with Robby Mueller and what he learned from him, his feeling on operating the camera, and finding your language with the director. He also shares his working process with director Todd Haynes, with whom he has collaborated many times. We go into depth on the movie “Far from Heaven” (one of his collaborations with Todd) from finding the look, the inspiration from Douglas Sirk films, and the use of...2021-01-031h 16Team DeakinsMike Leigh & Dick Pope - Director & CinematographerEPISODE 76 - MIKE LEIGH & DICK POPE - Director & Cinematographer Team Deakins has the pleasure of sitting down with the long time collaborative team of Mike Leigh and Dick Pope (MR. TURNER, NAKED, SECRETS & LIES). What a great conversation! Mike shares with us his method of working and delineates the difference between his work and that of the directors John Cassavetes and Ken Loach. We learn the importance of having the right location and being able to return to the location during the course of the shoot. As the film is an “ongoing investigation” of what it will be acc...2020-12-301h 16Team DeakinsJohn Wells - Director, Producer, ShowrunnerEPISODE 75 - JOHN WELLS - Director, Producer, Showrunner Team Deakins has a great conversation with John Wells, a director, producer and showrunner of such television as ER, WEST WING, THIRD WATCH, SOUTHLAND, and SHAMELESS. John spells out the responsibilities of the position of showrunner on television, and we get to ask all the questions for which we’ve always wanted to know the answer! We learned a lot about the process in television series - how far in advance the scripts are done, the actors' ownership of their role, the importance of cinematographers in episodic TV. We als...2020-12-271h 03Team DeakinsAdam Arkapaw - CinematographerEPISODE 74 - ADAM ARKAPAW - Cinematographer Team Deakins catches up with cinematographer Adam Arkapaw (ANIMAL KINGDOM, ASSASSIN’S CREED, TRUE DETECTIVE). We learn a lot about the Australian film Animal Kingdom and how it was shot. Adam also tells us what he does during prep, how he works with a production designer and how he likes to give space to the actors. He also talked about something Andrew Lesnie once said to him and how it affected him. We also speak about how he chooses his projects, and his experiences on Macbeth, The King and True Detective. He...2020-12-231h 10Team DeakinsRob Hardy - CinematographerEPISODE 73 - ROB HARDY - Cinematographer Team Deakins sits down with English cinematographer, Rob Hardy for a great, in-depth conversation. We cover many subjects, including his work on BOY A with John Crowley, the experience of the movie, RED RIDING with Michael Winterbottom, and his frequent collaboration with Alex Garland on the films EX MACHINA andANNIHILATION. He also talks about working with a Steadicam, operating the camera, mixing light sources and his choice of lenses per project. We even get into his experience on MISSION IMPOSSIBLE. And we don’t forget to talk about the series DEVs. It’...2020-12-201h 39Team Deakins"Biggles" John Higgins - GafferEPISODE 72 - “BIGGLES” (JOHN HIGGINS) - Gaffer Team Deakins sits down with Biggles (John Higgins, if you want to be formal) an accomplished gaffer that Roger has a long past with. Biggles talks about working with Ozzie Morris and different lighting styles. We get into a discussion about brute arcs, what they are and the difference in the light they produce. Roger and Biggles reminisce on their experiences together on 1984, MOUNTAINS OF THE MOON, WHITE MISCHIEF and 1917. Biggles also shares some experiences with Chivo (GRAVITY and Sven Nykvist and Richard Attenborough (CHAPLIN) and talks about how he works...2020-12-161h 10Team DeakinsDede Gardner - Co-President Plan B EntertainmentEPISODE 71 - DEDE GARDNER - Co-President Plan B Entertainment Teams Deakins speaks with Plan B co-president, Dede Gardner (IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK, 12 YEARS A SLAVE, MOONLIGHT). We talk about the careful selection by Plan B of the projects they choose and how the company’s goal is to protect the original intention of a film throughout the process. Dede tells us her process in choosing projects to back and that she chose to become a producer because it allowed her to spend the longest time on a project. We talk about the strange world we create wh...2020-12-1358 minTeam DeakinsBarry Ackroyd - Cinematographer EPISODE 70 - BARRY ACKROYD - Cinematographer Team Deakins sits down with esteemed cinematographer, Barry Ackroyd (BOMBSHELL, CAPTAIN PHILLIPS, THE HURT LOCKER). We covered many topics, including his work with the director Ken Loach and Ken’s approach to moviemaking. We also learn about his work with Paul Greengrass and he tells us about how certain scenes were shot on United 93. Barry talks about lighting a space and how he enjoys limitations. We also talk about handheld operating and how he achieves what he does with a handheld camera and he shares his feelings about operating in gen...2020-12-091h 10Team DeakinsTurning the Tables - No Country for Old MenEPISODE 69 - TURNING THE TABLES - No Country for Old Men Team Deakins has the tables turned on them! Cinematographer Greig Fraser and actor Josh Brolin ask the questions in this episode. We covered a lot about the movie and looked in detail at seven scenes in the movie. The conversation also went in some unplanned areas - we learned, among other things, how Greig hates the script slug line “evening”, what it was like working with Kelly McDonald, how important trust is when working on a film, and what the experience of shooting No Country for Old...2020-12-062h 01Team DeakinsAnthony Dod Mantle - CinematographerEpisode 68 - ANTHONY DOD MANTLE - Cinematographer Team Deakins talks to talented cinematographer, Anthony Dod Mantle (SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE, DOGVILLE, T2 TRAINSPOTTING). We cover many subjects, including his work in documentaries and political films, his experiences in India, how he started with still photography and why he moved to motion picture, and his early experiences of focus pulling. He tells us at length his involvement with dogma films and what that means and how he likes to start from a new place for each film. He breaks down a lot of the shooting in the movie “The Command” and gi...2020-12-021h 21Team DeakinsDave Diliberto - Post SupervisorEPISODE 67 - DAVE DILIBERTO - Post Supervisor Team Deakins sits down with long time friend and post supervisor, Dave Diliberto (O BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU, THE MAN WHO WASN’T THERE). We talk about a lot of subjects, including his start with the Coen Brothers, the difference of working with the Coens and with other directors, and we go in to challenging post of the film “O Brother, Where Art Thou?”. We also speak of what super 35mm means in a film post and the difficulty involved in re-mastering titles. Dave leads us through mixing, the different deliver...2020-11-291h 15Team DeakinsAndrey Zvyagintsev & Mikhail Krichman (Pt 2) - Director & CinematographerEPISODE 66 - ANDREY ZVYAGINTSEV & MIKHAIL KRICHMAN - Director & Cinematographer Team - Part 2 Team Deakins continues their epic conversation with Andrey Zvyagintsev and Mikhail Krichman, celebrated Russian collaborative team of director and cinematographer. This is the second part of a two part episode. We learn a lot about the shooting of the movie, Leviathan and the weather challenges they faced. Andrey shares that he doesn’t re-watch his films and also entertained us with the story of his very first experience shooting a 16mm film when he was young. He’s come a long way since then, let’s just...2020-11-251h 00Team DeakinsAndrey Zvyagintsev & Mikhail Krichman (Pt 1) - Director and Cinematographer TeamEPISODE 65 - ANDREY ZVYAGINTSEV & MIKHAIL KRICHMAN - Director & Cinematographer Team - Part 1 Team Deakins have an amazing conversation with the Russian collaborative team of Andrey Zvyagintsev and Mikhail Krichman (LOVELESS, LEVIATHAN, THE BANISHMENT). We have been avid fans of their films for years and so this was very special to us. Their films are: The Return, The Banishment, Elena, Leviathan and Loveless. We speak about so many things that we had to make two episodes from the result! In this episode we learn about their unique collaborative process of 20 years, their experiences on The Return, The Banishment a...2020-11-221h 25Team DeakinsJon Kilik - Getting the project off the groundEPISODE 64 - JON KILIK - Getting the project off the ground Team Deakins is happy to welcome producer Jon Kilik back again with a specific subject - how to get film projects off the ground. Because films are different, we look at the different ways you can move forward. Jon tells us about the need to be flexible without compromising the vision, how often compromises can be opportunities, and if you can’t bring the film’s operating price down, you might have to wait and do a smaller project first. He also walks us through the proc...2020-11-181h 11Team DeakinsTurning the Tables - The Assassination of Jesse JamesEPISODE 63 - TURNING THE TABLES - The Assassination of Jesse James The tables get turned on Team Deakins in this episode with Greig Fraser asking us the questions, focusing on the film “The Assassination of Jesse James”. Greig asks questions on 7 clips of the film. There is a companion pdf with this episode (see the link below) that lists the approximate time these clips appear in the movie with images of the first and last frames. We get into specific breakdowns of these shots as well as talking about the experience of working with the director, the lyri...2020-11-151h 20Team DeakinsDodd Vickers - Location Scout/ManagerEPISODE 62 - DODD VICKERS - Location Scout/Location Manager Team Deakins again looks into the complexities of locations in the scheme of production with location scout and manager, Dodd Vickers (THE GLORIAS, SHARP OBJECTS, SUPERFLY). We talk with Dodd who shares with us how to find locations, things that have to be considered for locations and working with the budget. He also talks about how he needs to get into the director’s head, how the location department are the ambassadors of the film and the importance of getting to know the location neighborhood and the people liv...2020-11-111h 09Team DeakinsJason Hall - Writer, DirectorEPISODE 61 - JASON HALL - Writer, Director Team Deakins has a great conversation in this episode with writer and director, Jason Hall (THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, AMERICAN SNIPER). He takes us through the experience of writing the script for American Sniper. He literally had to wrestle for it! He talks about finding the story and dealing with the changes in the script during the course of find its way to the screen. He also walks us through the making of Thank You for Your Service, a movie that is a favorite of ours. We talked about h...2020-11-081h 16Team DeakinsBilly O'Leary - GafferEPISODE 60 - BILLY O’LEARY - Gaffer Team Deakins sits down with frequent collaborator and friend, gaffer Billy O’Leary (THE IRISHMAN, BLADE RUNNER 2049, INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS). It’s a wonderful walk down memory lane and we learned a lot too! He defines the role of gaffer and walks through what he does in prep and how he works with different DPs. He also talks about his love of NOT relying on big lights and working up lighting gags. He likes restrictions and having to think outside of the box. He talks about some specifics on Shawshank Redempt...2020-11-041h 07Team DeakinsJoel Edgerton - Actor, DirectorEPISODE 58 - JOEL EDGERTON - Actor, Director Team Deakins has a great conversation with Joel Edgerton, (THE KING, BOY ERASED, LOVING), about his craft as an actor, director and writer. We learn why heroes should have a bit of villain in them, finding fun in every character and what he considers when choosing projects. We talk about his work with his brother, Nash Edgerton, what an intricate puzzle fundraising for a project is in Australia, the creative solutions in moviemaking in response to restrictions, and what he likes in both big-budget movies and smaller budget movies. He...2020-10-281h 12Team DeakinsThomas Newman - ComposerEPISODE 56 - THOMAS NEWMAN - Composer Team Deakins sits with Tom Newman, (1917, SKYFALL, WALL-E, AMERICAN BEAUTY), and learns lots about the world of the composer. He tells us about learning to be a collaborator, his experience with directors like Robert Altman and Sam Mendes, how he deals with last minute editorial changes after the music has been composed and the difference between composing for Live Action and Animation. He also speaks of working in television, how binge watching changed theme music on TV shows, the musical challenge on the film, 1917 and his feeling that creativity is chaotic. A...2020-10-211h 15Team DeakinsRachel Morrison - CinematographerEPISODE 55 - RACHEL MORRISON - Cinematographer Team Deakins converses with cinematographer Rachel Morrison in this episode. She speaks on many subjects - telling us about working with director Ryan Coogler, how the way she works with the gaffer differs on features and TV, her like of imperfection. She also shares that she strives to share as much information as possible when working, including sharing the look book with her crew. We learn about the shooting of MUDBOUND and the challenges on that film. And a lot more! A great episode! RECOMMENDED EPISODE VIEWING: Mudbound2020-10-181h 12Team DeakinsEd Solomon - WriterEPISODE 54 - ED SOLOMON - Writer Team Deakins talks with writer Ed Solomon, (MEN IN BLACK, BILL & TED’s EXCELLENT ADVENTURE, NOW YOU SEE ME 2), in this episode. We learned a lot about the craft of writing! Ed talks about the differences in writing for TV and features, writing on spec versus adapting material, writers block, and how his script of the original Bill and Ted changed his career. He also shares the experiences of working with Gary Shandling, making writing “actable”, loving the blank page and writing for Steven Soderbergh. He speaks openly on all aspects of writ...2020-10-141h 28Team DeakinsJoe Reidy, Assistant DirectorEPISODE 53 - JOE REIDY - Assistant Director Team Deakins speaks with an amazing AD, Joe Reidy (THE TRIAL OF THE CHICAGO 7, THE DEPARTED, BORN ON THE FOURTH OF JULY, CASINO). He leads us through the many aspects of the role of Assistant Director - from Scheduling, his prep, AD breakdown, dealing with extras and his relationship with the line producer and creative producer. He speaks of working with specific directors, such as Marty Scorcese, Sidney Lumet and Oliver Stone. He delineates the various positions in the AD department and feels that “running the set is setting the ton...2020-10-111h 24Team DeakinsPatrice Vermette - Production DesignerEPISODE 52 - PATRICE VERMETTE - Production Designer Teams Deakins enjoys a great conversation with Production Designer, Patrice Vermette (DUNE, VICE, ARRIVAL, PRISONERS). He goes through his working process and talks about his relationship with the Director and DP. He shares his opinion on building sets or using locations, color palettes, and the traits he likes in a director and DP. He gets specific about his work on the movies: Enemy and Sicario. He also speaks of what he wants from his team and the filmmaking community in Montreal. We had hoped to finally get an explanation of t...2020-10-071h 11Team DeakinsAndrew Patterson - DirectorEPISODE 51 -ANDREW PATTERSON - Director Team Deakins was excited to talk with emerging director, Andrew Patterson. After seeing his debut film, VAST OF NIGHT, we knew we wanted to talk with him. He leads us through the long path of getting his movie made, talks about his casting and the very interesting cadence of the dialogue of the film. He also speaks about wanting to make a movie that doesn’t start to looked aged but the look stays contemporary and what he did to achieve that. He also shares how he maximized his resources, what his fi...2020-10-041h 15Team DeakinsJosh Brolin - ActorEPISODE 50 - JOSH BROLIN - Actor Team Deakins sits down with long time friend, actor Josh Brolin (TRUE GRIT, AVENGERS: ENDGAME, ONLY THE BRAVE, MILK). We learned so much from him - how going into law is similar to being an actor (who knew?) and how acting is like golf (learned something new!). He also tells us how his interest in human behavior drew him to acting and he shares the very funny story of his audition for NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN. He speaks of his experiences working with the Coen Brothers, he tells us what w...2020-09-301h 22Team DeakinsNicoletta Mani - Script SupervisorEPISODE 49 - NICOLETTA MANI - Script Supervisor Team Deakins has the pleasure of talking with script supervisor, Nicoletta Mani (1917, MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE- FALL OUT, THE QUIET ONES). We get the chance to discover the wide range of this role in production from the breakdown of the script, day breakdown, script timing, editor notes, continuity and much more. We learn how the script supervisor acts as a conduit to the Editor and their relationship to the director and the other departments. We also talked about handling a shoot with multiple units and multiple cameras. We delved into continuity and w...2020-09-271h 04Team DeakinsRob Legato - VFX SupervisorEPISODE 48 - ROB LEGATO - VFX Supervisor Team Deakins speaks with VFX Supervisor, Rob Legato (THE LION KING, THE JUNGLE BOOK, HUGO, TITANIC). He walks us through some of the changes in VFX over the years and is quite vocal on his feelings on the different approaches - CG effects or model work. We learned a lot about his work on Jungle Book, The Lion King, Titanic and Apollo 13. We even talked about shooting 3D versus converting afterwards. Rob also told us his thoughts of the future of CG. A lot of information in this episode!2020-09-231h 22Team DeakinsTim Robbins - Actor, DirectorEPISODE 47 - TIM ROBBINS - Actor, Director Team Deakins has a great conversation with actor, director (and punk rocker, as you learn in the episode!), Tim Robbins (MYSTIC RIVER, THE PLAYER, THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION, DEAD MAN WALKING). Tim shares a lot of his thoughts on acting, the importance of “generous actors” and how fame can lead you astray. We learn about overcoming the temptation to take a job for the wrong reasons and the importance of patience when choosing your work. He tells us about his experience of working with Bob Altman, Clint Eastwood and Ron Shelton. We ta...2020-09-201h 03Team DeakinsEd Zwick- DirectorEPISODE 46 - ED ZWICK - Director Team Deakins has the opportunity in this episode to sit down with director, writer, producer Ed Zwick and discuss a wide range of subjects. Ed’s list of credits is long and includes THE SIEGE, COURAGE UNDER FIRE, and DEFIANCE). Ed tells us what is important to him as a director and why he thinks scale is important in a movie. He also speaks of the value of finding the action on the set rather than trying to set it beforehand either with pre-vis or storyboards. We talk about casting and he...2020-09-161h 05Team DeakinsJake Gyllenhaal - ActorEPISODE 45 - JAKE GYLLENHAAL - Actor Team Deakins had the opportunity to sit and talk with long time friend, actor Jake Gyllenhaal (BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN, PRISONERS, NIGHTCRAWLER). Jake speaks about his relationship with directors and with cinematographers. We speak about his work in Donnie Darko and Prisoners, as well as Jarhead and Wildlife. He speaks about how, as an actor, the final result is always in other people’s hands. He also shares how important the collaboration between actor and cinematographer is and the importance of creating a “safe place” for the actor in front of the camera. Althou...2020-09-131h 29Team DeakinsFranz Kraus - Pt 1 - ArriflexEPISODE 43 - FRANZ KRAUS Part 1 - Arriflex Team Deakins sits down with Franz Kraus of Arriflex who has overseen most of the company’s digital visual advancements. We learn the history and progression into digital technology. He also walks us through the greater importance of dynamic range vs resolution. We learn how the sensor size affects the relationship between lens and subject. We speak about the Arri 65 camera as well as the LF camera. And much more! Franz was so generous with his knowledge that we have to split our session into two episodes!! It’s a grea...2020-09-0657 minTeam DeakinsKK Barrett - Production DesignerEPISODE 42 - KK BARRETT - Production Designer Team Deakins sits down with production designer KK Barnett (HER, BEING JOHN MALKOVICH, MARIE ANTOINETTE). It’s a great opportunity to delve into the job of the production designer and all it entails. We go into depth about how he works with the DP and the Director. He illustrates his process by talking specifically about scenes in Being John Malkovich, Where the Wild Things Are, and Adaptation. We talk about the difference in designing from an original script or a script based on a book. He shares his process of br...2020-09-021h 11Team DeakinsPaul Dano & Zoe Kazan - Actors, Writers, DirectorEPISODE 41 - PAUL DANO & ZOE KAZAN -Actors, writers & director Team Deakins has the pleasure of speaking with another couple in the film business. Both are actors and writers and Paul has also directed. We talk a lot about the experience of being an actor and they articulately discuss the difference between acting for the stage and for film. We talk about the experience of being a couple in the same business and working together. Zoe shares how her writing allows her acting to be more personal and how hard it is to write a project and then...2020-08-301h 14Team DeakinsSona Pak & Guillaume Rocheron - VFX Producer & SupervisorEPISODE 40 - SONA PAK & GUILLAUME ROCHERON - VFX Producer & Supervisor Team Deakins dives into the world of VFX. We speak with a VFX Producer, Sona Pak (1917, THE TWO POPES, ALIEN: COVENANT) and a VFX Supervisor, Guillaume Rocheron (1917, AD ASTRA, LIFE OF PI). So the first question we get to settle is who does what. We also look into things like, the advantages and disadvantages of working with multiple vendors, how to keep a continuity of look when so many people are working on a shot, face replacement in shots, how what is a VFX shot and what...2020-08-261h 16Team DeakinsHoyte van Hoytema - CinematographerEPISODE 39 - HOYTE VAN HOYTEMA - Cinematographer Team Deakins has a fascinating conversation with celebrated cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema (DUNKIRK, LET THE RIGHT ONE IN, TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY, HER, INTERSTELLAR). He shares his experience of working with directors, Christopher Nolan and David O Russell. He talks about the value of shooting as much as possible in camera and how he approaches lenses, often creating a set specifically for a movie. We learn about how working with Christopher Nolan the second time on Dunkirk was different and he goes into detail on shooting in IMAX, talking about...2020-08-231h 29Team DeakinsJeb Brody - President of Productions, Amblin StudiosEPISODE 38 - JEB BRODY - Pres of Production, Amblin Studios Team Deakins sits down with Jeb Brody, the president of production at Amblin Studios and learn a lot about the studio side of production. Jeb walks us through so much - the difference between a studio exec and a producer, the relationship between the filmmakers and the studios, the differences between the studios and the movies they make. We discuss what kind of films are getting made these days, look at the difference of negative pickup and acquisition, and why the bad behaviors of filmmakers in the ’70s...2020-08-191h 28Team DeakinsLaura Metcalfe - DI ProducerEPISODE 37 - LAURA METCALFE - DI Producer/Finishing Producer Team Deakins looks into the final step of making a movie or the DI, with DI Producer/ Finishing Producer, Laura Metcalfe (1917, WONDER WOMAN, TOMB RAIDER). While previously called the “DI Producer” since when it started it was all about the DI (“Digital Intermediate”), because the process has become so complex, you’ll hear the role referred to as “Finishing Producer”. We speak with Laura Metcalfe of Company 3 in London who worked with us on “1917”. We talk about when this role actually starts on a movie (much earlier than you might think...2020-08-161h 06Team DeakinsLinus Sandgren - CinematographerEPISODE 36 - LINUS SANDGREN - Cinematographer Team Deakins sits down for a conversation with cinematographer, Linus Sandgren (NO TIME TO DIE, FIRST MAN, LA LA LAND, JOY). “I love the creation of the image.” We cover a lot of ground in our talk and touch on, among other things, Swedish films and sensibilities, working minimally, how important it is to find the right approach for each movie. He also goes into detail about how he develops the look with the director. He tells us about working with David O Russell and does a deep dive on the maki...2020-08-121h 29Team DeakinsJoe Walker - EditorEPISODE 35 - JOE WALKER - Editor Team Deakins speaks with friend and two time collaborator, editor Joe Walker (ARRIVAL, SICARIO, BLADE RUNNER 2049, 12 YEARS A SLAVE). We get an interesting look into the changes in the techniques of cutting between now and when Joe started. We talk about where the cutting style of the movie comes from, when a sound editor comes in and what they, test screenings - pros and cons. We also touch on the editing in Sicario, 12 Years a Slave and Shame. We do get into what crossing the line is and what you can...2020-08-091h 17Team DeakinsJohn Lindley - CinematographerEPISODE 34 - JOHN LINDLEY - Cinematographer Team Deakins speaks with John Lindley, cinematographer and president of camera local 600. John shot the films FATHER FIGURES, PLEASANTVILLE, FIELD OF DREAMS, and BEWITCHED. We talk about documentaries and what working on them gives you - both personally (it “enlarges your life”) and skill-wise. We also talk about handling the pressure on the set tin the role of dp and how to oversee the people you’re working with and getting the best out of them. The difference between working in TV and on features is also looked at. We also learn a...2020-08-0552 minTeam DeakinsJoel Coen - DirectorEPISODE 33 - JOEL COEN - Director Here’s the episode you’ve all been waiting for! Team Deakins sits down with long time collaborator, director Joel Coen (TRUE GRIT, NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN, FARGO, INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS). A great conversation that covers aspects of their experiences together as well as the importance of collaboration and letting go of defensiveness. Of course we talk about storyboards and their place in the process as well as the power of editing. We talk about the importance of casting and the way he works with actors. As well as the fact...2020-08-021h 22Team DeakinsDick Pope - CinematographerEPISODE 32 - DICK POPE - Cinematographer Team Deakins has an entertaining conversation with cinematographer and long time friend, Dick Pope (Mr. TURNER, SECRETS & LIES, ANOTHER YEAR, THE ILLUSIONIST). We talk about his start in film, his work in documentaries and his long term collaboration with director Mike Leigh. Along the way, we also touch on the importance of trust between DP & Director, working with keys that you don’t know and in particular how he works with gaffers. We touch a bit on operating and even end up with a bit on film vs digital, although we we...2020-07-291h 17Team DeakinsPete Franciosa - AgentEPISODE 31 - PETE FRANCIOSA - Agent Team Deakins talk with Pete Franciosa, head of production at UTA talent agency. We talk about what an agent does, how to get an agent, what “packaging” is, how he choses people to represent, the differences between the agencies and lots more! It’s an interesting look inside the talent agency.2020-07-261h 06Team DeakinsAlex Webb - Still PhotographerEPISODE 30 - Alex Webb - Stills Photographer Team Deakins does something different with this episode. We took the opportunity to talk to an extraordinary visual talent who is NOT a part of movie production. He is a well known still photographer and someone we are great admirers of. It was great to talk with him about his work, what he thinks is important in photographer, how he approaches his work, the importance of color in his work, what pictures can mean and the role of serendipity in great photographs. It’s an immersive dive into creating visuals.2020-07-221h 05Team DeakinsGreig Fraser - CinematographerEPISODE 29 - GREIG FRASER - Cinematographer Team Deakins sits down with friend and fellow DP, Greig Fraser (DUNE, THE MANDALORIAN (TV), ZERO DARK THIRTY). We cover a lot ground in this episode starting with Volume lighting - how it works, how it effects the way that you work, the advantages and disadvantages. He tells us what attributes he feels are key in a director and how he feels about operating. We learn his secret desire to shoot a musical and we dive into the undiscussed subject of why wrap parties are hard and often avoided. And there’s m...2020-07-191h 38Team DeakinsGary Hymns - Key Grip (UK)EPISODE 28 - GARY HYMNS - Key Grip This is part 2 of a two part episode series where Team Deakins talks key grips. This episode features a very renown British key grip Gary Hymns, (THE BATMAN, 1917, SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY), who walks us through the British system of gripping. This episode features a very renown British key grip who walks us through the British system of gripping. Because he worked with us on 1917, we delve into the details of how certain shots were accomplished in that film as well as learning details from some of his other...2020-07-161h 01Team DeakinsMitch Lillian - Key Grip (US)EPISODE 27 - MITCH LILLIAN - Key Grip This is part 1 of a two part episode series where Team Deakins talks to key grips - one American, one British. Team Deakins discusses with these talented technicians how the very different systems work for grips in the states and the UK and how there responsibilities change between the countries and even between the states in the US! Mitch Lillian, (THE GOLDFINCH, BLADE RUNNER 2049 BIRDMAN), shares with us the challenges of gripping and how he figures out how to do what he is so good at doing! If you’ve ev...2020-07-151h 07Team DeakinsBill PopeEPISODE 26 - BILL POPE - Cinematographer Team Deakins has the pleasure of talking with talented cinematographer, Bill Pope. He’s shot so many wonderful films, including THE MATRIX series, THE JUNGLE BOOK, CLUELESS, CLUELESS and many more. A fun discussion on the many aspects of filmmaking, and how certain films were made. We learn how some of the fantastic visuals of The Matrix came to be and some of the techniques used in making the Jungle Book. The conversation also looks into the relationship of the DP with the VFX team, the importance of preparation and what the...2020-07-121h 28Team DeakinsDenis Villeneuve - DirectorEPISODE 25 - DENIS VILLENEUVE - Director. Team Deakins spends some time talking with their friend and frequent collaborator, the brilliant director Denis Villeneuve (BLADE RUNNER 2049, ARRIVAL, PRISONERS). We covered many topics including Denis’ start in the business, his early films, what filmmaking means to him and the special collaboration we share. We also examine why certain shots seem to work and what the steps were to get there. A great conversation with a talented artist! RECOMMENDED VIEWING: Incendies, Sicario2020-07-081h 23Team DeakinsWilson Webb - Still PhotographerEPISODE 24 - WILSON WEBB- Still & Set Photographer. Team Deakins welcomes the great still and set photographer, Wilson Webb to the Podcast this week. Wilson has worked with us on numerous films and really is one of the best at what he does. Some of his credits include MARRIAGE STORY, BABY DRIVER, THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY, PRISONERS, TRUE GRIT and many more! We discuss the role of a set photographer, how to shoot posters for a film and we even get his opinion on the new wave of digital cameras. An episode for anyone interested in p...2020-07-051h 02Team DeakinsClayton Townsend - ProducerEPISODE 23 - CLAYTON TOWNSEND - Producer Team Deakins shares an enlightening conversation with esteemed producer, Clayton Townsend (UNBROKEN, NATURAL BORN KILLERS, BORN ON THE FOURTH OF JULY, BRIDESMAIDS). His openness in sharing the details of the wide reaching job of a producer makes for a very interesting episode. Listen to learn the many responsibilities of a producer, the difference between various producer roles and the balance between his responsibilities to the studio and the director. A very important role in filmmaking and Clayton walks us through it!2020-07-011h 13Team DeakinsCarlos Zaragoza - Production DesignerEPISODE 22 - CARLOS ZARAGOZA - PRODUCTION DESIGNER Team Deakins welcomes Carlos Zaragoza, a unique guest who has the experience of working in the Art Department on both live action and animated films. Having worked on films like PAN’S LABYRINTH, MADAGASCAR 3, TROLLS, and the upcoming animated film VIVO, we discuss how he combined his love of painting and art with a background in theatre to discover the world of art department and production design. We also explore the role of a production designer on set, how it differs on animated films and why his role on an an...2020-06-2849 minTeam DeakinsJohn Crowley - DirectorEPISODE 21- JOHN CROWLEY - Director Team Deakins sits down with friend and collaborator, John Crowley, director of such films as BOY A, BROOKLYN, and THE GOLDFINCH. We do a deep dive into the craft of storytelling and directing. John eloquently shares with us his thoughts on directing and the challenges he faces on set. We look at how you tell a story in film, the power of the human face in the closeup, what differences the budget makes, working with actors and the pleasure of the entire filmmaking process. We also talk about Boy A, an...2020-06-241h 17Team DeakinsCharlie Rizek- Trinity & Steadicam OperatorEPISODE 20 - CHARLIE RIZEK - Trinity & Steadicam Operator Team Deakins is joined by 1917 collaborator, Charlie Rizek, the trinity and steadicam operating magician who lent his skills to help make possible the idea of a “one shot” movie. We talk about how he got into the business, why he was attracted to the movement of the camera, how the trinity worked on 1917 and why movement isn’t always necessary in a shot. A very talented individual with a bright future ahead!2020-06-2156 minTeam DeakinsJoachim ("JZ") Zell - Color ScientistEPISODE 19 - JOACHIM ("JZ") ZELL - Color Scientist Team Deakins sit down with JZ and dig deeply into the color science of it all. His credits include MULAN, 1917, AD ASTRA, FIRST MAN, and BLADE RUNNER 2049. We talk LUTs, resolution, color space, pixels, work flow and lots more. He really knows his stuff!’2020-06-171h 06Team DeakinsSam Mendes - DirectorEPISODE 18 - SAM MENDES - Director Team Deakins has a fun, free flowing conversation with frequent collaborator, friend, and the Oscar and Tony Award winning Director: Sam Mendes. Spending 15 years as a Theatre Director, Sam made his foray into filmmaking with his award winning debut of American Beauty. He went on to direct a total of nine films in the ensuing years, including; ROAD TO PERDITION, JARHEAD, SKYFALL, SPECTRE and 1917. Sam discusses his journey from theatre to film, the differences between the two roles and what he sees as the most important aspects of being a director. W...2020-06-141h 38Team DeakinsLee Kline- Restoration of FilmsEPISODE 17 - LEE KLINE - Film Restoration Team Deakins is joined by Criterion’s Technical Director of Restoration; Lee Kline. Lee has overseen the restoration of hundreds of films during his tenure at Criterion and undoubtedly left an impact on history of Cinema, allowing both audiences and future filmmakers alike the ability to enjoy classic titles for years to come. The group discusses the immense work that goes into restoring a film, the detective work of finding rare works and how they work with filmmakers to ensure the quality of the restorations. 2020-06-101h 08Team DeakinsDonald Mowat - Makeup ArtistEPISODE 16 - DONALD MOWAT - Makeup Team Deakins has the pleasure of learning the ins and outs of the makeup department in films. Who better to cover these subjects than the extremely talented Donald Mowat? Donald's credits include BLADE RUNNER 2049, STRONGER, SICARIO, NIGHTCRAWLER, PRISONERS, THE FIGHTER and 8 MILE. We learn what this department brings to the film, how strong the collaboration is, different types of approaches and how to get started in the field. 2020-06-071h 00Team DeakinsPeter Ramsey - Spider-Man: Into the Spider-VerseEPISODE 15 - PETER RAMSEY - Director Team Deakins is joined by Academy Award Winning Director Peter Ramsey (RISE OF THE GUARDIANS, SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE, MONSTERS VS. ALIENS: MUTANT PUMPKINS FROM OUTER SPACE). The conversation begins with how Peter came up in the industry, his love of storyboarding and reading, and how his voracious appetite for knowledge lead him to opportunities in Hollywood. Having started out in live-action and transitioning to Animation, we discuss the differences in the two, and why someday soon he could be back on live sets. We also dive into his Oscar-winning efforts...2020-06-0357 minTeam DeakinsFiona Weir - Casting DirectorEpisode 14 - FIONA WEIR - Casting Director Team Deakins speaks with renown Fiona Weir and learns the ins and outs of casting. Her credit list is long and her credits include AMMONITE, JUDY, FANTASTIC BEASTS series, ROOM, and the HARRY POTTER films. Fiona has cast A specialty often hidden from the day to day shooting process and yet so important. Fiona lets us know how it's done! 2020-05-3159 minTeam DeakinsAnimation - Dean DeBloisEpisode 12- DEAN DEBLOIS - Animation Team Deakins is joined by the incredibly talented Dean DeBlois, a writer director with credits like MULAN, LILO & STITCH, and all three HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON movies. He takes us through his journey as a filmmaker, sharing his knowledge about story2020-05-241h 02Team DeakinsAnimation - Part 2Episode 10 - ANIMATION PART 2 - YONG DUK JHUN & ANDY HARKNESS. Team Deakins is joined by two acclaimed filmmakers, Yong Duk Jhun and Andy Harkness. Masters of their craft, they serve as head of Layout and Head of Lighting respectively. They have worked on such films as Kung Fu Panda, Moana, The Croods, Shrek and Zootopia. The conversation ranges from the actual process of getting an Animated film off the ground, to specifics in lighting, composition, and the technology behind it all. A fascinating episode and something filmmakers of all backgrounds will enjoy.2020-05-1759 min