Team Deakins

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 160 - Mark Friedberg - Production Designer In this extended (and funny) episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, we speak with production designer Mark Friedberg (CAUGHT STEALING, JOKER, THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD). A native New Yorker, it wasn’t until returning to the city after Jack Kerouac-ing around the country that Mark (and his dog) first found work in the film industry as a driver for the Woody Allen production team. Mark was eventually let out of the van, and, throughout our conversation, he reveals how he thought through many of the challenges in his long and impressive career as a designer. Mark is also a staple in Barry Jenkins’ (Season 2, Episode 156) stable of collaborators, and we learn how Mark’s daughter convinced her father to break his own rules to initially meet with the director. We also discuss technology’s place in Mark’s design process, and he shares why he rehired the millennial gamers who built MUFASA’s Africa to digitally visualize the sets of JOKER: FOLIE À DEUX before physically constructing them.  - Recommended Viewing: THE ICE STORM - This episode is sponsored by Sandstorm & Aputure

In this conversation, Michael McDonough, acclaimed cinematographer known for his work on 'Bosch' and 'Winter's Bone,' shares his artistic journey that began with a printmaking scholarship in Rome. He discusses his professional growth, collaboration with director Debra Granik, and the unique challenges of shooting for television. Michael reflects on the influence of LA's noir aesthetic on 'Bosch,' shares lighting techniques inspired by Vilmos Zsigmond, and offers heartfelt advice he would give to his younger self.

Debra Granik, an acclaimed director known for her films like 'Leave No Trace' and 'Winter's Bone,' dives into the world of social realism in cinema. She shares her journey through academia and the influence of a Latvian mentor on her unique storytelling style. Granik discusses her extensive use of non-actors, bringing authenticity to her films, and reflects on the impact of rural culture and the complexities of adapting narratives. The conversation also touches on the balance between harsh societal themes and the resilience of individuals, especially those facing trauma.

Garret Dillahunt, known for his captivating roles in "No Country for Old Men" and "Deadwood," shares his journey from rural Washington to a prestigious acting career. He recounts humorous anecdotes from working with the Coen brothers, including a memorable moment with Tommy Lee Jones involving a bowl of candies. Garret discusses the intense experience of shooting "Deadwood" and reveals how the show was crafted on the fly. He also dives into navigating imposter syndrome and the unique challenges faced by supporting actors in the industry.

In this engaging discussion, director Barry Jenkins, known for his acclaimed films like Moonlight and The Underground Railroad, shares his inspiring journey from South Florida to Hollywood. He reflects on his personal growth during a hiatus from filmmaking, the unique challenges of creating emotionally resonant visual stories, and the importance of introducing new voices in cinema through his production company, PASTEL. Barry also teases his unrealized time-travel script featuring Stevie Wonder, adding a touch of whimsy to the conversation.

Fred Specktor, a Hollywood talent agent with over four decades at CAA, shares captivating stories from his storied career. He recounts his early days as a mailboy, networking in unique situations, and even attending acting classes with Jack Nicholson. Fred delves into the financial pressures of modern filmmaking, contrasting it with older practices, and discusses the industry's hesitance to embrace creative risks. He also reflects on the importance of passion in the craft and predicts the future of moviegoing in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

Tracy Letts, an acclaimed actor and playwright known for works like August: Osage County, shares his journey from Oklahoma to the vibrant Chicago theater scene. He discusses the importance of cinema in bridging stories to rural communities and candidly reflects on the challenges he faced when adapting his plays for film. Tracy also highlights the nuances of performing alongside talents like Claire Danes, and shares amusing anecdotes, including a critical review that ironically boosted ticket sales for Killer Joe.

Steven Soderbergh, the acclaimed director of films like Traffic and Ocean's Eleven, shares his journey from a young filmmaker in Louisiana to Hollywood success. He reflects on the long road to his breakout film, Sex, Lies, and Videotape, and discusses his unique approach to directing, often shooting films himself under the pseudonym Peter Andrews. Soderbergh emphasizes the importance of character, learning from early mistakes, and adapting cinematic techniques to storytelling. He also shares insights on collaboration and navigating the challenges of independent filmmaking.

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 152 - Lucy Prebble - Playwright / Writer Playwright and writer Lucy Prebble (SUCCESSION, I HATE SUZIE, ENRON) joins us in this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast. Lucy’s plays frequently incorporate the physical space of the stage in the telling of the story and involve the audience in engaging and creative ways, and we were excited to talk to her about storytelling both on stage and on screen. We learn how, after a bookish childhood, she eventually found the courage to have her own plays put on, and she reflects on her experiences running her own television show and working on others’. Lucy also wrote for the amply-budgeted video game DESTINY, and she shares (as much as she’s allowed to) how the writing process works for something with that many resources. Lucy also reveals the real-world events that inspired her plays ENRON and THE SUGAR SYNDROME, and we learn how she identifies the real human relationships at the heart these stories. We also discuss the value of empathy and deadlines for a writer, and Lucy makes a prediction for the future of the theatre in the digital age. Plus, we observe that many of history’s greatest writers were really just frustrated actors. - This episode is sponsored by Barco & Aputure

Dave Freeth, the ingenious inventor behind the Stabileye, shares his fascinating journey from watchmaking to revolutionizing camera stabilization. He discusses the intricate mechanics of gyroscopes and the evolution of stabilization technology in filmmaking. Listeners will be intrigued by the Stabileye’s development and its impact on cinematic techniques, particularly in creating seamless, longer takes. Additionally, Freeth reveals exciting potential advancements in AI and sensor technology that promise to shape the future of filmmaking.