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Team Deakins

PETER JAMES - Cinematographer

Sep 18, 2024
Peter James, a seasoned cinematographer known for his work on 'Mao's Last Dancer' and 'Driving Miss Daisy,' shares his inspiring journey from battling dyslexia to mastering the art of cinematography. He offers a fascinating lighting trick and reflects on the intense challenges faced while filming 'Black Robe' in the Canadian wilderness. James also discusses the emotional connections cinematographers have with scripts and the evolving role of technology in filmmaking, emphasizing the art of blending traditional techniques with modern advancements.
01:11:38

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Peter James emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience in cinematography, which shaped his foundational understanding of filmmaking techniques.
  • He highlights the critical role of meticulous preparation and collaboration with directors to ensure a unified vision for the film’s aesthetics.

Deep dives

The Journey to Cinematography

Peter James shares his early experiences that led him to cinematography, revealing a mix of luck and passion. Struggling with dyslexia, he discovered his love for photography through a school teacher involved in TV shows. Encouraged by a family member, he secured an interview at a local studio where he immersed himself for five years. This hands-on experience in various roles provided a strong foundation, igniting a lifelong quest to excel in cinematography, including aspirations of winning an Oscar.

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