Team Deakins

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.

In this insightful discussion, film editor Joe Walker, celebrated for his collaborations with Denis Villeneuve, explores the depths of Richard Brooks’ 'In Cold Blood' and Jean-Pierre Melville’s 'Army of Shadows.' He analyzes the film’s unique rhythm, contrasting its deliberate pacing with sudden violence. Joe shares the emotional resonance of minimalist storytelling and the art of editing. He also reflects on character dynamics amidst war and how watching slower films can refresh creative thinking, drawing unexpected parallels between filmmaking and fishing.

In this engaging discussion, film editor Joe Walker, renowned for his work on titles like Dune and Blade Runner 2049, delves into the filmmaking brilliance of 'In Cold Blood' and 'Army of Shadows.' He unpacks how 'In Cold Blood' subverts expectations with its innovative editing and striking cinematography while analyzing Quincy Jones’ memorable score. Walker also introduces his theory on the 30-year cycle of film evolution and draws intriguing parallels between early cinematic techniques and modern digital analytics, enhancing our understanding of storytelling's progression.

In this conversation with Paula McGann, a film producer known for her impressive work on films like 1917 and Darkest Hour, she shares the complexities of bringing a film together. She discusses navigating a turbulent industry, the essential role of mentorship, and the challenges of managing budgets and schedules. Paula recounts a story of resilience when a project was pulled from her, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and determination in filmmaking. Listeners get a deep dive into the realities of independent filmmaking, networking, and maintaining creative vision amidst investor demands.

David Mullen, acclaimed cinematographer known for his work on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and States of Tara, dives deep into the artistry behind 'True Grit'. He discusses the challenges of filming a river scene using innovative techniques and the unique visual storytelling of westerns. Mullen shares insights on lighting, particularly when working with child actors, and reflects on the impact of aspect ratios in the genre. The conversation is filled with anecdotes and thoughts on creative flexibility, film stocks, and the memorable dialogue that brought the script to life.

Matthew Specktor, an author celebrated for his memoir, THE GOLDEN HOUR, dives deep into the world of Hollywood, shaped by his father, a legendary talent agent. He shares candid reflections on the cinematic shifts from creative storytelling to profit-driven blockbusters. Matthew explores the allure and grit of the film industry, revealing personal anecdotes that uncover the struggles behind the glamour. He also contrasts the evolving narrative forms in film and television, highlighting the impact of streaming on storytelling.

Cinematographer Steve Yedlin, renowned for his work on films like Looper and Knives Out, dives into the intricacies of deliverables and preserving authorial intent in post-production. He highlights the challenges filmmakers face in maintaining their artistic vision amidst evolving technologies and color spaces. Steve also sheds light on the differences between SDR and HDR imaging, emphasizing the importance of calibration for optimal visual experiences. Plus, he shares insights on the economic realities of film restoration and offers valuable advice for filmmakers navigating the technical jargon.