Team Deakins

EPISODE 106 - CARTER BURWELL - Composer Team Deakins speaks with composer Carter Burwell in this episode. Carter is known for his work on NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN, CAROL, and WONDERSTRUCK. We talk in-depth about the experience of working with the Coen Brothers which is where he started his career in composing for film. Working with the Coens is a good challenge because they don't repeat themselves so it's new territory every time. He also shares about working with Sidney Lumet on Before the Devil Knows You're Dead which was a unique experience. We learn how the composer can be asked to help save a scene that isn't working with the score and how you can do that. We learn a lot about the craft of composing in this episode!

EPISODE 105 - CHRIS MENGES - Cinematographer Teams Deakins speaks with the talented cinematographer, Chris Menges (MICHAEL COLLINS, THE KILLING FIELDS, KES). We talk at length about his start in documentaries and what you learn from shooting documentaries - learning to force the image, working in impossible situations, looking and noticing light and making sure you get the shot. He also shares his experiences of working with director Ken Loach and the rules that they set as well as working on The Empire Strikes Back, The Killing Fields, and Waiting for the Barbarians. Chris talks about directing "A World Apart", the difficult transition back to DP work after directing and covers the subject of adapting books to screen and why it doesn't always work. A fascinating conversation with a visual master!

EPISODE 104 - TONY JANNELLI - Head of Graduate Cinematography Studies at NYU Team Deakins speaks with cinematographer Tony Jannelli who is the head of the graduate cinematography department at NYU. He walks us through the structure of NYU film school and how the filmmaking is taught. He speaks of how important it is for a young filmmaker to find their own taste and intuition and how NYU works to develop this in their students. After speaking with him, it was clear why so many great filmmakers come out of NYU!

EPISODE 103 - SANDY POWELL - Costume Designer Team Deakins talks with the celebrated costume designer, Sandy Powell (THE FAVOURITE, VELVET GOLDMINE, SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE). We delve into many things, such as how a costume designer helps the actor find his/her character, being mindful of the silhouette and shape of a design, and working with a director multiple times. She shares how she chooses her projects, how she works with color and approaches designing instinctively. She tells us about her different experiences with the director Todd Haynes and what the projects entailed. We also cover finding clothes versus making them, working with actors, doing a period project and how strict you are, and how to get past a block. And much more!

EPISODE 102 - DYLAN GOSS - Aerial Cameraman Team Deakins talks with aerial cameraman, Dylan Goss (DUNE, BLADE RUNNER 2049, SICARIO). We have the opportunity to look closely at this very specialized area. We look at the technical aspects and how they have changed. And we talk about when he is brought in, how he figures out what is needed, and the importance of his understanding of the script. We discuss the work he did with us on the films Sicario and Blade Runner 2049, including the array rig we had to develop to meet the needs of VFX in Blade Runner 2049. He also shares his experiences on the TV show Devs and we talk about the differences between drone work and helicopter work. It's a great look at the complex world of aerial photography!

EPISODE 101 - THOMAS VINTERBERG - Director, Screenwriter Team Deakins has a great conversation with director and screenwriter Thomas Vinterberg (THE HUNT, ANOTHER ROUND, THE CELEBRATION). As one of the co-founders of Dogma 95, he explains the thought behind the movement and tells us what it was like shooting under the rules as well as why he moved on from it. We also learn who they asked to be in the movement and who declined. He shares with us his experiences shooting his movie "The Celebration" and how tough Dogma was on the actors. "Limitations are the greatest source of inspiration", according to Thomas. He also shares his experiences on many of his movies and why he likes to choose very different subjects to tackle. It's a really fun conversation with a very articulate and humorous individual. Don't miss this! RECOMMENDED EPISODE VIEWING: Another Round, The Celebration

EPISODE 100 - ALEXEY RODIONOV - Cinematographer For our 100th episode (we can't believe we've reached this!), Team Deakins has a special conversation with Alexey Rodionov, the cinematographer of one of our favorite films, COME AND SEE. We have the opportunity to go behind the scenes on this movie and ask everything we've always wanted to know. The more we learn, the more our admiration for the film grows. He shares they had many limitations in terms of money and equipment, but they did have the luxury of time. VFX was not an option so they had to figure out how to do everything in-camera. Some of the stories from the making of the film are quite amazing - like the use of real bullets in the scenes. We also delve into his other movies such as ORLANDO and THE PARTY and his approach. It's a great conversation with a great talent!

EPISODE 99 - FRANCES MCDORMAND - Actress, Producer Team Deakins gets the chance to catch up with a long-time friend, actress, and producer Frances McDormand (NOMADLAND, THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING MISSOURI, FARGO). It's a great conversation that hits lots of topics! Fran shares with us the difference for her between acting in theater and in film, what her approach is to acting, and how she learned and added to her craft over the years. She has lots of stories of her experience on the film Blood Simple which was an early experience with a lot of learning and where she met Joel Coen, her long-time partner. We also talk about working with less structure, improv, and playing a femme fatale. Fran shares her experiences on Nomadland, Olive Kitteridge, Mississippi Burning, and The Man Who Wasn't there. We touch on how she chooses her roles and how she likes to mix things up with "palette cleansers", playing a supporting role as well as how she feels she is a partner with the camera operator. And more and more! A great discussion with the always interesting and fun Fran! Don't miss it!

EPISODE 98 - KEITH WALTERS - Prop Master Team Deakins sits down with property master Keith Walters and goes into depth about the role of props. Keith's credits include NEWS OF THE WORLD, SICARIO, TRUE GRIT and NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN. He gives us insight into the role of the prop master, what it entails and how he approaches it. He shares how he researches for period pieces, the danger of aging down props too far, and how he finds material for period movies. We get details on the props in No Country For Old Men and how the iconic air gun weapon of Chigurh was conceived. He also gives up some insights into working on both Sicario movies and the unique challenges of the movie, Lincoln. We learn lots about the role and job of props in film during this episode!

EPISODE 97 - BENOÎT DELHOMME - Cinematographer Team Deakins has a memorable conversation with cinematographer Benoit Delhomme (AT ETERNITY'S GATE, THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING, THE SCENT OF THE GREEN PAPAYA, THE PROPOSITION). We talk about many things, including working with Julian Schnabel on At Eternity's Gate. We learn about their working relationship, his dance with Willem Dafoe, and hiding the crew to keep them out of shot. Because Benoit does amazing things with color, we talked a lot about his approach, how he sees colors when he reads a script, and discussing color with Julian. He also tells us about shooting the film The Proposition - the difficulties of working in the Australian Outback, the difficulty of the heat, and the movies that influenced the shoot. We discuss the importance of the DP finding the first shot of the day. Benoit's wonderful humorous outlook kept us laughing as we covered a lot of ground! RECOMMENDED EPISODE VIEWING: At Eternity's Gate, The Proposition

EPISODE 96 - BEN COOKE - Stunt Coordinator, 2nd Unit Director Team Deakins looks into the world of movie stunts with Stunt Coordinator and 2nd Unit Director, Ben Cooke (MULAN, 1917, SKYFALL, CASINO ROYALE). We learn about the different areas of stunt work and the different experiences of being a stunt double or a stunt coordinator on a film. He talks about his experience of stunt doubling Daniel Craig in the Bond movies and tells us all about the huge stunt in Quantum of Solace and how learned he was doing it just the day before. We also talk about the stunts in Snow White and the Huntsman. Other areas we covered were working with locals in a large stunt sequence, the most undervalued aspects of a stunt job, dealing with an actor who wants to do all his own stunts, and creating stunts that fit into the tone of the movie. As he was the stunt coordinator on the film 1917, we dived into that experience in detail. We learned a lot about this area of filmmaking in this episode - don't miss it!

EPISODE 95 - EMMA PILL - Location Manager Team Deakins sits down with Location Manager extraordinaire Emma Pill (1917, SPECTRE, INCEPTION, THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM). In this episode, we learn lots about the function of the location department and the importance of their role. She tells us she sees her job as walking a tight rope between the production world and the real world and how she learned early how important it is to be honest with the owners of locations who often don't know what the reality of having a film crew in their home or building will be like. We learn about the importance of coming up with solutions to locations with logistical problems, how she became an expert on Moroccan locations, how she deals with schedule changes, and the importance of having a signed contract for the location. She also goes into the details of being the location manager on Bourne Ultimatum, Blade Runner 2049, and 1917. A great deep dive into the role of Location Manager!

EPISODE 94 - SHAUN CONWAY - Gaffer Team Deakins has a great conversation with Australian gaffer Shaun Conway(MAD MAX: FURY ROAD, MULAN, ALIEN:COVENANT). He shares not only the basics of the job of a gaffer, but he also goes into detail about working with different cinematographers and how important it is to quickly learn their working style and preferences. He tells us about his experiences of working with DP Mandy Walker and the various movies they've collaborated on. He also shares the challenges of filming Mad Max: Fury Road and Alien Covenant. In the latter movie, he worked closely with the production designer so lighting could be placed in the set as part of the design. We talk about the different styles of lighting and what they require. A detailed look at lighting through the eyes of a gaffer!

EPISODE 93 - SKIP LIEVSAY - Sound Designer/Editor/Mixer Team Deakins has the chance to catch up with the guru of sound, Skip Lievsay (GRAVITY, ROMA, NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN). We use the opportunity to learn the different roles and responsibilities in the sound department, from onset mixer to re-recording mixer, sound editor, and sound designer. He shares with us some experiences on the films, True Grit, Inside Llewyn Davis, No Country for Old Men, and O Brother, Where Art Thou. We learn how the sound was conceived and executed for the movie Gravity. He also talks about working with Robert Altman and his love of sound. He even gets into the different sound formats and why one format might suit a movie better than another as well as choices of mics on the shoot. A great look into the world of movie sound!

EPISODE 92 - BOB YEOMAN - Cinematographer Team Deakins has a great conversation with cinematographer Bob Yeoman (THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL, MOONRISE KINGDOM, SPY). He's a frequent collaborator with Wes Anderson and he walks us through how they work together. We learn their way of prep and how they collaborate on the set. It becomes clear why their work together is so special. We should warn you that after listening to this episode you will want to be part of their collaboration! He shares with us how Wes works with actors, how he negotiates his lighting with Wes and breaks down specific scenes on the film Darjeeling Limited. He also touches on his experience with Paul Feig, the problems of working with multiple cameras and operating the camera. You won't want to miss his story about the film shot on the 27mm lens! A fun, informative episode! RECOMMEND EPISODE VIEWING: Darjeeling Limited

EPISODE 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 ground, including finding inspiration, the Coen Brothers' unique talents, as well as the importance of the DP understanding editing. So we go into detail about the movie Fargo as well as many broader topics. Josh was thorough! PDF Clip List can be found here. RECOMMENDED EPISODE VIEWING - Fargo

EPISODE 90 - BRADFORD YOUNG - Cinematographer Team Deakins sits down with cinematographer Bradford Young, (ARRIVAL, SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY, SELMA), for a great conversation. We talk about many things - among the topics are his belief that the cinematography must always serve the story, how he chooses his projects, what his process is on starting a film, his lens choices, and his desire to shoot it the way you want rather than fixing it in post. He shares his experiences on Arrival and that it was his first experience working with storyboards and also speaks about his work on Star Wars. We learn his unique way of lighting where he blacks everything and then adds light, "subtracting is adding". And much, much more. You won't want to miss this conversation with a true artist.

EPISODE 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 brought and talks about the Japanese influence on the design of Inception. We also get into the design of the films Agora and Elizabeth: The Golden Years. A very interesting looking into the world of the Production Designer!

EPISODE 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 with a locked-in storyboard or shot list! We even get into the experience of shooting television and learn what he likes and what he doesn't like. We cover a lot of ground in this episode and, since it's Seamus, we shared a lot of laughs along the way!

EPISODE 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 the film. He also talks about mistakes that can be made in his role, the importance of stress management, and dealing with the long hours of production. We also delve into keeping up with new technology and dealing with rebates. A deep dive into the wide-ranging role of the production manager!

EPISODE 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 always obvious in the making of something. A wide-reaching conversation that you don't want to miss!

EPISODE 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 being both a "director's AD" as well as a "producer's AD". We also discuss the importance of marrying 2nd unit and main unit and how this applied to the opening sequence of Skyfall. We cover a lot of ground in the episode so don't miss it!!

EPISODE 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 much, much more! You won't want to miss this episode!

EPISODE 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 cover shooting anamorphic - why and the differences between spherical shooting, his experience of negotiating for a DI finish in the early days of the DI, and how he oversees the look when shooting the packed schedule of television. We learned a lot when talking with David! RECOMMENDED EPISODE VIEWING: Northfork, Akeelah and the Bee

EPISODE 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 in shooting for television and features and the different opportunities found in long-form storytelling. A great look at a close collaboration!

EPISODE 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 or digital. A lot gets covered! RECOMMENDED EPISODE VIEWING: The Hangover

EPISODE 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 experience on La La Land. We learn a lot about how the costumes can add so much to the storytelling.

EPISODE 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 also goes into detail about his early work in Morocco and how he relates to the subjects of his photographs. He shares what he was thinking when shooting specific shots and tells a wonderful story about his photo with the Magritte painting. He's an artist that works for his own pleasure without concerning himself about how people will react and we certainly love the results he achieves!

EPISODE 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 learn their take on the possibilities in animation. A really interesting look at a very successful collaborative team! RECOMMENDED VIEWING: Last Man on Earth (TV), Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

EPISODE 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 colors. We also touch on the differences in using gels with film & with digital, his choice of lens, getting the look he wanted in "Dark Waters" and working with Paul Schrader. And much, much more! RECOMMENDED EPISODE VIEWING: Far From Heaven

EPISODE 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 according to Mike, Dick shares how amazing the experience is when he sees the blocked scene play out on location for the first time. Mike speaks on his way of working with actors. We also learn why on the film Peterloo, which involved a lot of scenes with a lot of extras and battles, they chose not to do storyboards. Both Mike and Dick talk about the specifics of their collaboration and how it has strengthened over years. A fascinating look into a very special relationship between a director and cinematographer. RECOMMENDED EPISODE VIEWING: Secrets and Lies

EPISODE 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 also learned how much of the story is known at the start of the season and how the scripts change during the season. John also gives a thoughtful opinion on the effect of streaming on future moviemaking. We talk about writing a villain successfully, ensemble movies, and much, much more! Don't miss this episode!

EPISODE 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 shares his experiences in television and compared it to his film work. A fun episode with lots in it!

EPISODE 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's a special inside look at how he works and thinks. You don't want to miss it! RECOMMENDED EPISODE VIEWING: Boy A, Devs, Ex Machina

EPISODE 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 with DPs and the importance of trust. Of course, we talk about the big lighting rig on 1917 as well as the scenes lit only by the character's torches (flashlights). We got into the subject of new technology in lighting and the importance of being realistic when choosing the lights to use for a project - if there are hostile conditions, far better to go with something dependable. A wide-reaching episode you won't want to miss!

EPISODE 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 when we shoot a movie and how each movie is a situation that doesn't repeat. She speaks at length on her working relationship with Jeremy Kleiner, Plan B's other co-president. We also covered the importance of recognizing when you are working on the wrong incarnation of a movie and the need to step back and start again. We also covered the movie Selma, working in television, balancing work and family, how important conviction and passion are and much more! So much information in one episode!!

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 general. He tells us how he chooses his projects, his thoughts on operating, his experience of working on Captain Phillips and his feelings about electronic viewfinders. A great conversation! RECOMMENDED EPISODE VIEWING: United 93

EPISODE 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 Men was like for Josh. Happy accidents, our favorite scene in the film, and the relationship between actor and DP were also talked about. And much, much more! There is a companion PDF for this episode that lists the clips we discussed and when they appear in the film. Don't miss this special episode - there's a lot in it. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD PDF. REQUIRED EPISODE VIEWING: No Country for Old Men

Episode 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 gives us the tip of how where you put the focus helps greatly in marrying different formats. A fascinating discussion with a great cinematographer! RECOMMENDED EPISODE VIEWING: The Command

EPISODE 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 deliverables on a project and his reaction to the phrase "We can fix that in Post". A great look at what happens after the film is shot.

EPISODE 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 say! We also speak about independent film financing in Russia vs state funded and their feelings on film vs digital. And Mikhail tells how Roger unknowingly participated on The Return! A great conversation with talented filmmakers!! RECOMMENDED EPISODE VIEWING: The Return, The Banishment, Elena, Leviathan, Loveless

EPISODE 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 and Elena. We speak about VFX, how Andrey works with his actors and how they battle unpredictable elements, like children and weather. A great conversation with true masters of filmmaking! RECOMMENDED EPISODE VIEWING: The Return, The Banishment, Elena, Leviathan, Loveless

EPISODE 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 process of finding distribution for a film. We talk about how to deal with a project that is financed from many sources and how to structure this. He also touches on the weight a name actor adds to a project, how the process of filmmaking is making the project better everyday and dealing with stress. We're so glad that Jon came back and delved into this subject with us!

EPISODE 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 lyric nature of the book and how that influenced the film as well as the incredible music track from composer Nick Cave. Greig had done his homework and had plenty of questions for us! He led us through a great discussion of this film. Click here to download the companion pdf. RECOMMEND EPISODE VIEWING: The Assassination of Jesse James

EPISODE 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 living there. We also touch on reusing locations, remembering logistics when looking for locations and the difference in locations for film and TV. And much more!!

EPISODE 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 how he approached it as a first time director and how he prepped for the movie. We learn about the casting of the movie and that he worked to surround the actors with things that resonate the truth. And the very important piece of advice that Taylor Hackford gave him during the editing period. He also talks about working with Spielberg, balancing commercial appeal with a meaningful story and the idea of directing a script he hasn't written. We covered a lot of ground! RECOMMENDED EPISODE VIEWING: Thank you for your Service

EPISODE 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 Redemption, Blade Runner 2049, Hudsucker Proxy, Barton Fink and Fargo. When asked what his gaffer's nightmare is, he not only told us but let us know it was a waking nightmare - he did experience it! A fun and informative conversation that we think you'll like!

EPISODE 59 - JON KILIK - Producer We had the opportunity of sitting down with a producer we've had the pleasure of working with, Jon Kilik (FOXCATCHER, THE HUNGER GAMES, BABEL, DO THE RIGHT THING). He clued us in on a few subjects - whey there are so many producers on projects, how the producer credit has been devalued, and the difference in the producer roles in movies and TV. We learned that there's always a way to figure out how to get a movie made and how he chooses projects. He also shared his experiences of working with Spike Lee with whom he has been a frequent collaborator. And that's just a few of the subjects we got into! A great episode you won't want to miss!

EPISODE 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 shared that he likes characters who make a mistake and have to opportunity to right and either do or don't. We also talk about his role as a director and how it differs from being an actor on set. We talked about so much more - you'll just have to listen to the episode! RECOMMENDED EPISODE VIEWING: The Gift

EPISODE 57 - TURNING THE TABLES - Shawshank Redemption In this episode, we get the tables turned upon us! Greig Fraser leads the conversation and asks US the questions. He starts by diving into our collaboration process and then moves onto the movie SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION. In addition, he chose 5 clips from the movie to discuss. We list and describe the clip in an accompanying PDF file for this episode that can be accessed by the link below. We also strayed from the movie discussion to talk about choosing the format of a movie, why one shoots anamorphic, choosing the camera for 1917, the pressure on the DP when trying to wait for the right light and the joy of seeing the performance as you are shooting. It's a fun episode which Greig skillfully leads. Don't miss it. Use this link to download the PDF file. REQUIRED EPISODE VIEWING: Shawshank Redemption