Team Deakins

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 60 - DAVID LOWERY - WRITER / DIRECTOR

Team Deakins speaks with writer and director David Lowery (PETER PAN & WENDY, A GHOST STORY, AIN'T THEM BODIES SAINTS) on this episode of the podcast. David credits his early childhood obsession with STAR WARS (despite having not seeing the films at the time) for his lifelong obsession with filmmaking, and he walks us through his early career working in independent film in Texas. We dive deep into the making of AIN'T THEM BODIES SAINTS and A GHOST STORY, learning how David developed the title for the former and how his collaborators pulled off the Ghost's costume by utilizing the old-fashioned illusions of cinema for the latter. We also consider the danger of being beguiled by "cool shots" and how a good title can complement the tone of its film. We also touch on David's favourite topic: film financing!

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Recommended Viewing: A GHOST STORY, AIN'T THEM BODIES SAINTS

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This episode is sponsored by Fiilex

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 59 - KELLEY DIXON - EDITOR

On this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, editor Kelley Dixon (OBI-WAN KENOBI, THE GOLDFINCH, BREAKING BAD) joins us for a conversation about all things editing. Kelley starts by sharing her experience working in the MGM/UA mailroom and delivering script pages to the editorial department where she quickly found herself helping cut scenes. Kelley later describes learning the potential applications of visual effects if money is no object and how that insight expanded her way of thinking when approaching editorial problems on projects with relatively larger budgets. We discuss how editing can be used to bring the audience into the state-of-mind of a character and how Kelley works with a director to realize their vision in the edit. Throughout the episode, we debate whether or not editing is an invisible art, and we contemplate our favourite note: "Can you just make it better?"

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This episode is sponsored by Fiilex

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 58 - ERNEST DICKERSON - DIRECTOR / CINEMATOGRAPHER

Director and cinematographer Ernest Dickerson (BOSCH, JUICE, MALCOLM X) joins us in conversation on this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast. Having been exposed to photography as a young man by his uncle, Ernest first keyed into cinematography after watching David Lean's OLIVER TWIST and later attended graduate film school at NYU. Ernest reflects on his professional relationship with Spike Lee and reveals how Spike generously delayed pre-production on MALCOM X to allow Ernest enough time to finish post on his directorial debut, JUICE. Finding himself frequently directing his directors, Ernest also shares how he saw his transition into directing as a natural progression of his career. We later discuss the value of doing your homework when brought on to direct television and the different professional expectations that are unique to the medium. At the end, we consider how creation is a patient search and the importance, joys, and benefits of studying film history.

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 57 - FRANKLIN LEONARD - FOUNDER OF THE BLACK LIST

Franklin Leonard, the founder of The Black List, joins us on this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast for a fascinating conversation. Franklin, a Harvard-educated military brat, starts by recounting his many travels across continents and industries before finding his footing as an assistant in the motion picture literary department at CAA. Having transitioned into development, Franklin shares how The Black List was born out of an innate desire to do better in his job as a junior executive at the time. We learn how The Black List has since evolved and how Franklin's experiences influenced those evolutions to address industry access issues. We later consider what makes a good script, the inherent subjectivity of evaluating art, and how a script appearing on the list can vindicate one's interest in "weird" material. Franklin stresses how the ultimate goal should not be to get on The Black List but to get your movie made, and he exposes the psyops he executes to avoid leaking which scripts end up on the list.

The Black List is an annual list of the most-liked scripts circulating within Hollywood in a given year, and it has served as a valuable industry tool for filmmakers since its inception.

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 56 - RYAN WHITE - DIRECTOR

Director Ryan White (GOOD NIGHT OPPY, THE KEEPERS, ASSASSINS) joins us on this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast to discuss his career and the field of documentary filmmaking. Born and raised in Dunwoody, Georgia, Ryan later enrolled in Duke University where he found his calling to direct documentaries after watching Agnès Varda's THE GLEANERS AND I. After welcoming him on the podcast, Ryan starts off strong by revealing how he's used previous episodes to study a particular department to help secure a job. He reflects on the state of the industry in which he came up that forced him to begin directing in his mid-20s and laments how today's industry can delay a young filmmaker from taking their first steps towards starting a career by employing them to assist those already established. We later learn how Ryan prefers to shoot his documentaries as intimately as possible over several years and how he and his producing partner Jessica Hargrave have typically sold their projects to distributors. Throughout our discussion, we reaffirm the value of learning by doing, of believing in your stories and talents when leaving the nest, and of listening to your mother.

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Recommended Viewing: THE KEEPERS, GOOD NIGHT OPPY

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This episode is sponsored by Dallas Film Commission

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 55 - JOHN SAYLES - ACTOR / WRITER / DIRECTOR / NOVELIST

Actor, writer, director, and novelist John Sayles (MATEWAN, BROTHER FROM ANOTHER PLANET, LONE STAR) joins Team Deakins on this episode of the podcast for a discussion covering his long career in filmmaking and in fiction writing. A true multi-hyphenate, John first describes his postgraduate journey from working in an Italian sausage factory to enlisting in the Roger Corman film factory. John reflects on his luck having his first three screenplays produced under the legendary filmmaker and on the lessons he learned shooting his self-funded first feature. Working chiefly in independent American cinema, John considers the times and the market in which he came up that facilitated his filmmaking and offers advice for young filmmakers today. Among the many other topics of discussion, we consider the following: how John decides which medium best serves a story, the benefits of cutting in your head during production, and how comfortable an actor may or may not feel working out of an Econo Lodge in West Virginia.

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This episode is sponsored by Dallas Film Commission

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 54 - BILL HADER - ACTOR / DIRECTOR / SHOWRUNNER

Actor, director, and showrunner Bill Hader (BARRY, INSIDE OUT, THE SKELETON TWINS) joins Team Deakins to discuss his multi-faceted career in one of our funnier conversations. Reared in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Bill describes how he first rode into town despite an early setback being rejected from film school for being "too entertaining." We later drive down memory lane as Bill recounts several exciting but terrifying stories of PA'ing on low-budget films around LA—stops include a seven camera setup (all pointed at a map), watching us wrap early on THE MAN WHO WASN'T THERE (with envy), and learning what a controlled burn is (and maybe isn't). Bill also shares his experience co-showrunning BARRY with Alec Berg, a discussion ranging in topics from "what is a tone meeting?" to which takes actor Henry Winkler consistently nails his performance. At the end, Bill discusses his post-BARRY aspirations and the longevity of classic films that, despite their imperfections, stand tall today on the merits of their craft.

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This episode is sponsored by Dallas Film Commission

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 53 - JENNY BEAVAN - COSTUME DESIGNER

Acclaimed costume designer Jenny Beavan (MAD MAX: FURY ROAD, CURELLA, A ROOM WITH A VIEW) joins us for a conversation about her craft on this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast. Hailing from England, Jenny shares how she fell in with the famed Merchant Ivory troupe, and she describes spending her early formative professional years traveling around the world and working alongside the legendary filmmakers. We later consider how, just as with real people, characters reuse clothing and how some costume pieces take on a life of their own. Jenny also reflects on how she adapts after having the wool pulled over her eyes on a project and how designing costumes is never about the clothes themselves but about the stories they tell. At the end, Jenny is generous enough to offer salient advice to budding costume designers.

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This episode is sponsored by Dallas Film Commission

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 52 - AVA DUVERNAY - WRITER / DIRECTOR

On this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, we sit down with writer and director Ava DuVernay (WHEN THEY SEE US, 13TH, SELMA) for a lively conversation about her career and her craft. Ava credits her early love for cinema to her classic-film-loving, night-shift-working aunt, and she describes the lightbulb moment while on location of Michael Mann's COLLATERAL that catalyzed her transition from running her own boutique publicity agency to filmmaking. Ava later shares David Oyelowo's persuasive pitch to her to direct SELMA, what changes she made to the script to make the film within its relatively modest budget, and how Oprah lent her influence during the shooting of a pivotal scene. After Ava reveals her newfound love for dailies while shooting her latest feature, we consider the viewing ritual's collaborative nature, its widespread decline in use, and Ava's commitment to the process in her future projects. Plus, at the end, Ava tells us which photo of Roger inspires her the most.

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This episode is sponsored by Dallas Film Commission

SEASON 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 match the menace of the Batmobile with the truck in Steven Spielberg's DUEL and how closely he worked with the art department during production. Greig also reveals which light best complimented Zoë Kravitz's makeup, and he pulls into focus the potential applications of an adjustable depth of field in the Volume lighting system.

A link to the images mentioned in the episode can be found here.

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This episode is sponsored by Dallas Film Commission & Falca

SEASON 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 how the interactivity of their intended lighting design precluded the use of bluescreen. We later consider the emotional impact of time of day and, in the face of recent technological advances, the irreplaceability of real actors. We discuss the film's strength as a character piece and how those characters informed Greig's design decisions, and we also pull back the cowl on the practicality of superhero capes.

A link to the images mentioned in the episode can be found here.

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This episode is sponsored by Falca & Dallas Film Commission

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 49 - RUTH DE JONG - PRODUCTION DESIGNER

Team Deakins is joined by talented production designer Ruth De Jong (OPPENHEIMER, NOPE, MANCHESTER BY THE SEA). A creative scion of the accomplished production designer Jack Fisk, Ruth explains how Jack recruited her to assist him on THERE WILL BE BLOOD and the subsequent ten year partnership in which he was her mentor. She later reflects on how she's grown after each project as well as how to stay malleable after the train that is production leaves the station. Ruth also describes the invigorating responsibility she felt to deliver on OPPENHEIMER after director Christopher Nolan cut days from the schedule to balance the film's budget and the timely encouragement he gave her deep in production. She also shares her experiences working on TWIN PEAKS: THE RETURN and how she worked off illustrations and paintings created by David Lynch to build and design the series' many scenes.

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Recommended Viewing: OPPENHEIMER

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This episode is sponsored by TrueCut Motion & Dallas Film Commission & Falca

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 48 - RYAN COOGLER - WRITER / DIRECTOR

On this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, we're sharing our thoughtful conversation with writer and director Ryan Coogler (BLACK PANTHER, CREED, FRUITVALE STATION). An Oakland native, Ryan reveals how film became his family's second language and how his parents fostered his interest in cinema throughout his childhood. Later in our discussion, Ryan shares how he brought an athlete's mentality to film school by always trying to score a touchdown every time he picked up the camera to prove to himself and to those around him that he could build a career in filmmaking. Ryan also reflects on creating CREED with Sylvester Stallone, praising him as "the perfect collaborator" and acknowledging how he couldn't begrudge the creator of the ROCKY franchise for his cautiousness towards handing over writing duties for the first time in the franchise's history. We also discuss how the filmmakers that broke through in the culture Ryan consumed in his youth influenced his professional direction and how, by relying on his crew, Ryan is free to focus on his actors.

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This episode is sponsored by Dallas Film Commission & Falca & TrueCut Motion

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 47 - BENICIO DEL TORO - ACTOR

Team Deakins speaks with actor Benicio del Toro (SICARIO, TRAFFIC, THE FRENCH DISPATCH). Benicio expresses his gratitude to the Stella Adler Studio for serving him as a bastion in which he weathered the storm of rejections he faced early in his career. We discuss the definition of heroes on screen and what it means to play them, and Benicio considers the different demands of acting in superhero films in comparison to more grounded projects. We walk down memory lane remembering working together on SICARIO. Towards the end, we reflect that no production is the same experience and not one was the experience we thought it would be.

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This conversation was recorded on May 2, 2023.

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This episode is sponsored by Falca & TrueCut Motion & Dallas Film Commission

SEASON 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 was deciding to tell. At one point, Sarah credits director Atom Egoyan with setting the template for creating meaningful experiences making meaningful films which she applies to her own projects. Also revealed: which Sidney Lumet film Sarah found the most helpful to study while working on WOMEN TALKING.

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Recommended Viewing: WOMEN TALKING

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This episode is sponsored by TrueCut Motion & Falca

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 45 - SANTIAGO MITRE - WRITER / DIRECTOR

Team Deakins enjoys a conversation with writer and director Santiago Mitre (ARGENTINA, 1985; PAULINA; THE SUMMIT) on this episode of the podcast. Santiago begins by telling us how he found his way to filmmaking at an early age and how his politically active family informed the subjects of his films. Later, we discuss using cinema to think about the problems of one's country, and Santiago expresses his growing interest in exploring Argentinian history on-screen following his experience creating ARGENTINA, 1985. We also touch on the film's global resonance today and its cathartic reception by Argentinean audiences. Towards the end, Santiago shares how he re-cast a major role in the riotous PETITE FLEUR and the lessons he learned from the film's production that he applied to ARGENTINA, 1985.

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Recommended Viewing: ARGENTINA, 1985; PAULINA

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This episode is sponsored by Falca & TrueCut Motion

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 44 - PAUL MESCAL - ACTOR

Team Deakins sits down with actor Paul Mescal (AFTERSUN, NORMAL PEOPLE, GOD'S CREATURES) on this episode of the podcast. During our thoughtful conversation, Paul reveals the advice he received from actor Emily Watson and from his Gaelic football coach that he applies to his craft every day. We also discuss his work on AFTERSUN, and Paul heaps praise on the script and the direction of the film which attracted him to the project. We later discuss the pros and cons of shooting in and out of continuity, and we commiserate over the unproductiveness of scheduling scenes without considering their dramatic functions within the overall piece.

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Recommended Viewing: GOD'S CREATURES

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This episode is sponsored by TrueCut Motion & Falca

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 43 - MATT REEVES - DIRECTOR

Team Deakins sits down with director Matt Reeves (THE BATMAN, CLOVERFIELD, WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES) for a fascinating discussion. Matt indulges our appreciation for the craft behind THE BATMAN and shares how he and his collaborators envisioned Gotham and Batman as a city and as a person that could exist within our own world. We discuss how Matt's use of visual effects has evolved and the importance of references to maintain a level of reality in fully computer-generated shots. Throughout the episode, Matt reflects on how he spent much of his career learning how to have a career and how every new project is like enrolling in film school all over again.

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Recommended Viewing: CLOVERFIELD

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This episode is sponsored by Falca & TrueCut Motion

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 42 - DAVE CHAMEIDES - CAMERA AND STEADICAM OPERATOR

Today, Team Deakins is joined by camera and steadicam operator Dave Chameides (SNOWFALL, THE WEST WING, ER) on the latest episode of the podcast. During our conversation, we discuss the effectiveness of the cinematography in 1917 and Dave's contribution to the creation of the final shot in ST. VINCENT. We also consider the responsibility an operator has towards the actors in front of the lens and the role of camera operation in storytelling. Towards the end, Dave also shares advice for anyone interested in steadicam operation as a possible career path.

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This episode is sponsored by TrueCut Motion & Falca

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 41 - JOHN DE BORMAN - CINEMATOGRAPHER

Team Deakins is happy to share our conversation with cinematographer John de Borman (AN EDUCATION, THE FULL MONTY, THE MIGHTY) on this episode of the podcast. We discuss working with different types of directors and battling the increasingly complex logistics of modern filmmaking and the ballooning number of crew sizes on projects. We also share our experiences working with actors of varying dispositions and the puzzles that arise during production to bring out their best performances. Finally, John offers advice for future cinematographers and highlights a skill he developed that elevated and enriched his work.

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This episode is sponsored by Falca & TrueCut Motion

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 40 - HELEN KEARNS - EDITOR

Team Deakins is happy to host editor Helen Kearns (GOOD NIGHT OPPY, THE KEEPERS, ASSASSINS) on this episode of the podcast. Helen reveals how earlier studio involvement in financing and distribution has affected documentary filmmaking, both in helpful and disruptive terms. We discuss the challenges (and comforts) of editing GOOD NIGHT OPPY during the pandemic and the finding the balance between telling a story and being honest when editing documentaries.

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This episode is sponsored by TrueCut Motion & Falca

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 39 - RUTH E. CARTER - COSTUME DESIGNER

Wake up! Today's Team Deakins Podcast forecast: costume designer Ruth E. Carter (MALCOLM X, BLACK PANTHER, LOVE & BASKETBALL). In an insightful conversation, Ruth shares how she integrated 3D printing into the design and production of costumes for BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER and how she collaborates with the visual effects department to augment her designs. Ruth also reveals how she intuits a director's potential reaction to costume ideas based on how they themselves dress. Finally, we clarify what are and are not a costume designer's responsibilities, and Ruth advocates for the increased participation of the costume designer in pre-production and post-production.

You won't regret listening to this episode, "and that's the double truth, Ruth!"

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This episode is sponsored by TrueCut Motion

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 38 - PATRICK TRESCH - CINEMATOGRAPHER

Team Deakins is happy to have cinematographer Patrick Tresch (MY ENGLISH COUSIN, DIRTY GOLD WAR, MOTHER LODE) on today's new episode of the podcast. We discuss gaining a documentary subject's trust in the early stages of a project and the difficulties of filming someone who intellectually agrees to be filmed but subconsciously resists. Patrick also shares the insight he gained into how people relate with their environment after filming the indigenous peoples of the Amazon, and he reveals what it took to make his mother finally understand what it is exactly he's doing.

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This episode is sponsored by TrueCut Motion

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 37 - PETER SARSGAARD - ACTOR

Team Deakins is happy to host actor Peter Sarsgaard (THE BATMAN, BOYS DON'T CRY, JARHEAD) on today's new episode of the podcast. Peter shares the types of projects he prefers to work on and the different forms of direction he finds effective. We learn how he became involved in THE BATMAN, and he recounts the grueling six-day-long shoot he survived to capture his pivotal scene in the film. We were so happy to speak with Peter, and we hope you enjoy what he has to say!

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This episode is sponsored by TrueCut Motion

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 36 - STUART WILSON - SOUND MIXER - THE BATMAN

Team Deakins is glad to welcome back sound mixer Stuart Wilson (THE BATMAN, THE RISE OF SKYWALKER, SPECTRE) to discuss his wonderful work on THE BATMAN. Stuart shares how his team used the film's costumes to their advantage when miking the actors, and we learn how they utilized Catwoman's wigs to hide mics when the catsuit often offered no other options. We also learn how Stuart juggled a myriad of mixes simultaneously to facilitate communication between the actors and the director between and during takes. We hope you enjoy the episode!

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This episode is sponsored by TrueCut Motion

SEASON 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 mustering the courage and discipline to put yourself out there. We also touch on developing a 'cinematic immunity' during production that instills the supernatural confidence needed to shoot a film. Wading through the years-long process of shooting AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER, Russell describes the unique environment Cameron created to realize the film. Additionally, we compare working on smaller, less effects-heavy projects with the contrary and discuss the joys of knowing what you got on the day and the immediacy of that type of filmmaking.

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This episode is sponsored by TrueCut Motion

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 34 - CAROLINE THOMPSON - WRITER / DIRECTOR

Team Deakins is happy to share our conversation with writer, director, and novelist Caroline Thompson (EDWARD SCISSORHANDS, BLACK BEAUTY, THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS). We talk about the life of a screenwriter and the commitment Caroline demonstrated throughout her career. No other episode has featured this much discussion on animals and filmmaking! We cover working with horses on BLACK BEAUTY, apes on BUDDY, and birds in THE SECRET GARDEN. Caroline offers insight into the creative and logistical challenges of working with animals and of their unpredictable but inimitable benefits when compared to their digital counterparts. Towards the end of our conversation, Caroline also shares some straightforward advice for young screenwriters and filmmakers. Enjoy the episode!

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This episode is sponsored by TrueCut Motion

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 33 - STEVE NICOLAIDES - PRODUCER

Team Deakins is pleased to share our conversation with producer Steve Nicolaides (BOYZ N THE HOOD, WHEN HARRY MET SALLY, A FEW GOOD MEN). We discuss the shell game that is building and balancing the budget for a film before and during production, and Steve shares his thoughts on the role of the producer in post-production. At the end of our conversation, Steve leaves us with some wisdom for budding producers and production managers. We hope you enjoy the episode!

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This episode is sponsored by TrueCut Motion

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 32 - KATE MCCULLOUGH - CINEMATOGRAPHER

Team Deakins is pleased to share our conversation with the talented cinematographer Kate McCullough (THE QUIET GIRL, NORMAL PEOPLE, MONSTER). We talk with Kate about how she applies the skills she developed while shooting documentaries onto her narrative projects. We also dive into what she was looking for in locations and her strategies in framing and composition on THE QUIET GIRL. We had such a nice time speaking with Kate, and we hope you enjoy listening to what she has to say just as much!

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This episode is sponsored by TrueCut Motion

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 31 - KOKAYI AMPAH - LOCATION MANAGER

Location manager Kokayi Ampah (THE COLOR PURPLE, THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION, MILLION DOLLAR BABY) reunites with Team Deakins and shares his wisdom gleaned from his long career. Kokayi answers our many questions and details both the creative and logistical day-to-day work that goes into location management. He also shares how he views the role as a function in the greater filmmaking process. Towards the end of our conversation, Kokayi even asks us a couple of questions! There's a lot to learn from Kokayi, and we hope you enjoy listening to him as much as we did!

SEASON 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 shooting the film. We hope you enjoy the episode!

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Recommended Episode Viewing: BLONDE, HANNAH

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 29 - BENJAMIN CARON - DIRECTOR

Today, we're happy to share our lively and humorous conversation with director Benjamin Caron (SHARPER, ANDOR, THE CROWN). We discuss Ben's early TV movie TOMMY COOPER: NOT LIKE THAT, LIKE THIS and the challenges he overcame to make it, as well as a reflection on Tommy Cooper himself. We also dive into Ben's experience filming SHARPER and finding the right ending for the film. We hope you enjoy the episode!

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Recommended Episode Viewing: TOMMY COOPER: NOT LIKE THAT, LIKE THIS

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 28 - BILLY WILLIAMS - CINEMATOGRAPHER

Cinematographer Billy Williams, BSC (WOMEN IN LOVE, ON GOLDEN POND, GANDHI) has seen it all, and he's sharing a generous amount of that with us on today's episode of the Team Deakins Podcast. Billy reveals what it was like to work with the spirited and thoughtful Katherine Hepburn and Henry Fonda on ON GOLDEN POND as well as his thoughts on Ben Kingsley's transformative performance in GANDHI. The advances in digital cameras and the effect on lighting design are discussed, and Billy recounts the difficulties of grading footage of a baby that, over the course of 12 takes of crying, turned purple. We hope you all enjoy this conversation as much as we did.

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Recommended Episode Viewing: WOMEN IN LOVE, ON GOLDEN POND, GANDHI

SEASON 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!

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Recommended Episode Viewing: ROJEK; GULISTAN, LAND OF ROSES

SEASON 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 in THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES BY THE COWARD ROBERT FORD, and sleeping on the floor of an office while in film school. There's a lot to learn from this episode, and we hope you enjoy listening!

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 25 - JIM PLANNETTE - GAFFER

Team Deakins had a great time speaking with the talented gaffer Jim Plannette (YOUNG FRANKENSTIN, E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL, BRAVEHEART). We talk with him about working on films ranging in size from BRAVEHEART to MAGNOLIA, and he shares numerous stories from his career across a wide variety of films. He also speaks on his productive relationship with director Steven Soderbergh. Jim offers a lot of insight into the work that goes into lighting and how technology has changed the way a scene can be lit. Jim was such a generous guest, and we think you're going to enjoy the episode!

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 24 - DAVID DASTMALCHIAN - ACTOR

Team Deakins had a great time speaking with David Dastmalchian (DUNE, ANTMAN, PRISONERS) and you won't want to miss this episode! We get to learn his prospective as an actor on many subjects. We learn that he considers himself a "technical actor" being aware of being part of a many faceted collaboration, how he finds his characters and the importance of wardrobe, hair and make up in that process. We also touch on how vital it is to live a "normal life" to have experiences to draw from and put on screen. And he remembers a story from the set of Bladerunner 2049! It's a wonderful episode that tells us a lot about acting but, thanks to his generous sharing, we learn about an interesting life journey as well! Don't miss it!

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Recommended Episode Viewing: ANIMALS, ALL CREATURES HERE BELOW

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 23 - DAMIEN CHAZELLE - DIRECTOR

OK, here's the episode you've been waiting for! Team Deakins has an extensive conversation with the talented director Damien Chazelle (LA LA LAND, FIRST MAN, BABYLON). We talk about his approach to movie making and his experiences on his various movie sets. We learn how he likes to work with his collaborators as well as what is important to him in making a movie. It's a great conversation and we're happy to share it with you!

SEASON 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, that perspective dictates where the camera is placed for every shot, and how the sequences are edited. Edward and James were wonderful guests, be sure not to miss it! Available now!

SEASON 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 for the right reasons. We also share some fun memories from working together on THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES! Listen in to hear it all. Available now.

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 20 - MANDY MOORE - CHOREOGRAPHER

The effervescent and talented choreographer Mandy Moore (LA LA LAND, SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK, DANCING WITH THE STARS) joins us in conversation for this episode of The Team Deakins Podcast. Mandy's enthusiasm is infections, and her knowledge of dance is vast. She walks us through the ways she designs a dance for a single camera shoot, and how her methods change on a multiple camera one. We also dig into some of her most iconic work, including the stupendous twilight at Griffith Park sequence she arranged for Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling. We also spend some quality time gushing over the persistent genius of CABARET, and why it's one of the all-time greats! Listen In! Available now!

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 19 - MARTIN MCDONAGH - DIRECTOR

For this episode of The Team Deakins Podcast, we have a delightful conversation with the brilliant writer and director Martin McDonagh. (IN BRUGES, THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING MISSOURI, THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN) Martin tells us how he got his start as a playwright. He goes on to tell us all about the difference between writing plays and writing movies, especially when it comes to having control over the project. He also walks us through some of his experiences making his films, including where the inspiration for each of them came from. Martin is an absolute joy to talk to. Listen in, we know you will agree!

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 18 - CRIS GRAVES - DOCUMENTARIAN

For this episode of The Team Deakins Podcast, we have a delightful conversation with the documentary producer and director, Cris Graves. Cris is a mover and a shaker, and her can-do spirit is infections. As she pivots her attention to launching her own narrative feature film, Cris tells us how she's not willing to compromise her own vision and how her story has already become an inspiration for others. Listen in and let her enthusiasm for filmmaking grab ahold of you! Available now.

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 17 - PEARCE ROEMER - ASSISTANT EDITOR

On this episode of The Team Deakins Podcast we are joined by the fabulous assistant editor Pearce Roemer (1917, TENET, X-MEN: APOCALYPSE). Pearce really understands the nuts and bolts filmmaking that goes on in the editorial department, and he tells us everything we want to know. We learn how Pearce got involved with the X-Men franchise, and has become an indispensable part of that team over the years. We also touch on a wide array of topics, including how Covid completely restructured the editorial workflow, screening the very first day of dailies for 1917, and even how solar radiation can lead to dead pixels in your footage! Don't miss it!

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 16 - CALLUM MCDOUGALL - PRODUCER

This week we are thrilled to be joined by the legendary producer Callum McDougall (1917, SPECTRE, INTO THE WOODS, SKYFALL). Callum tells us how his remarkable career in the film industry can be traced back to an afternoon when he got lost on the London subway system as a schoolboy. We also discuss how he climbed the ranks through the industry as an assistant director, and why that might be his favorite position on a shoot. Callum is a font of knowledge and experience. Listen in and hear him share some of his invaluable know-how! Available Wednesday, December 21st.

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 15 - ANDY HARRIS - 1ST AC

This episode is one you've been asking for. We welcome brilliant 1st AC Andy Harris (THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH, 1917, BLADE RUNNER 2049) to join us for a conversation on the Team Deakins Podcast. We discuss all parts of his role as a 1st AC. He tells us how he reads a room and an actor to determine where to make make marks, and perhaps more importantly, where to not! We also dig into the differences between having your hands right on the camera versus working off of a monitor from far away. Andy is more like family than colleague to us by this point. Listen in to find out why!

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 14 - MARTIN PARR - STILL PHOTOGRAPHER

This episode is a fabulous conversation with the outstanding still photographer, Martin Parr. Our wide-ranging conversation delves into Martin's process in fascinating ways. Listen in to hear why he would rather take photos in a supermarket than a war zone. And when he and Roger get to comparing notes, we learn that when Roger goes out to shoot stills, he's lucky to come home at the end of the day having snapped five pictures. Meanwhile Martin will have snapped over five hundred! Don't miss our great discussion, it's available now!

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 13 - DAVID VALDES - PRODUCER

For this week's episode, Team Deakins sits down for a great conversation with the fabulous producer David Valdes (UNFORGIVEN, THE GREEN MILE, AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER). David tells us how he got his career started by sneaking onto a film shoot as a teenager. Eventually he found himself working on the Universal lot as a fireman, a position that doesn't even exist anymore and has little to do with putting out actual fires. Before long, our discussion turned to David's decades long relation with Clint Eastwood, who he made 18 films with. Listen in to hear our wide ranging conversation with one of the great producers in the business!

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 12 - MONAYA ABEL - CAMERA TRAINEE

This week were are so excited to be joined by camera trainee Monaya Abel (EMPIRE OF LIGHT, THIS IS GOING TO HURT, CITADEL) on the Team Deakins Podcast. This is a great discussion since it's a category not often heard from. As a newcomer to film production, she provides a different perspective and her enthusiasm for the world of filmmaking is infectious. We discuss how she works to keep morale up on set for herself, and her whole team. We also get to hear first-hand what it's like to be the new kid on the block, and what surprised her when she came onto the set of a major production for the very first time. She also got us thinking about some of our early days in the business and how things have changed. With people like Monaya entering the world of production, movie making is in very good hands for the future. Listen in!

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 11 - STUART WILSON - SOUND MIXER

Team Deakins is thrilled to welcome the magnificent sound mixer Stuart Wilson (THE BATMAN, THE RISE OF SKYWALKER, SPECTRE, WORLD WAR Z) to this week's episode of the podcast. We have a great conversation centered around the duties of the sound mixer, and his experiences on some wonderful films. Stuart explains to us how he's developed an instinct for catching great moments in a scene, and all of the nuances involved in capturing an exceptional recording of the human voice. We also drill down on some fun tricks of the trade. Just where do you hide a bulky mic, transmitter, and battery pack on Catwoman's skin-tight catsuit, and how could it possibly involve the NFL? Listen in to find out the answer to that question, and so many more!