Team Deakins

Edgar Wright, a celebrated filmmaker known for blending comedy and action, shares his journey from making Super 8 films in southwest England to directing blockbusters like Shaun of the Dead and Baby Driver. He reveals how Mike Leigh's work influenced Shaun, and discusses the challenges of transitioning to Hollywood while maintaining his creative identity. Wright dives into his meticulous storyboarding process, the innovative filming techniques he employed, and teases his upcoming adaptation of The Running Man, promising a fresh take faithful to Stephen King.

Ted Schilowitz, a futurist and entertainment technologist from 20th Century Fox and Paramount Global, dives deep into the evolution of technology in film. He discusses the groundbreaking RED camera and its impact on democratizing filmmaking. Ted shares insights about the rise of VR, its future, and the delicate balance between storytelling and technology. He predicts that AI will reshape production, making it more cost-effective while emphasizing the importance of human creativity. His perspective offers a fascinating glimpse into the future of cinema.

James Laxton, an award-winning cinematographer known for his work with Barry Jenkins on films like Moonlight, shares fascinating insights into his career. He discusses the evolution of his prep process and the importance of collaboration with directors. Laxton breaks down the iconic restaurant shot in Moonlight and the use of color in Anything to depict character emotions. He reflects on his indie beginnings, how small locations enhance authenticity, and the challenges of transitioning to virtual production while maintaining the essence of live-action filmmaking.

Cinematographer Roberto Schaefer, known for his work on films like Monster's Ball and Finding Neverland, leads a captivating discussion with Roger Deakins about Roger's memoir. They explore the art of lighting, balancing naturalism and storytelling. Roger shares insights from his documentary roots, revealing how that experience shaped his cinematic style. He reflects on creative decisions across iconic films, his preferred methods over technology, and the deep importance of collaboration with a trusted crew. Get a glimpse into Roger's world of cinematography!

Tim S. Kang, a cinematographer and principal engineer at Aputure, dives into the world of LED lighting. He shares his fascinating journey from engineering to cinematography, highlighting the historical evolution of cinema lighting from carbon arcs to modern LEDs. Tim discusses the significance of image-based lighting and how 360 cameras can help achieve consistent daylight. He also emphasizes the need for standardization in lighting technology and explains the importance of matching spectra to ensure accurate color reproduction, especially for skin tones.

In a captivating discussion, Anthony Dod Mantle, the award-winning cinematographer known for his work on Slumdog Millionaire, shares his groundbreaking approach to shooting 28 Years Later using modified iPhones. He details his unique collaboration with director Danny Boyle, emphasizing the aesthetic choices that influenced their decision to use consumer tech. Anthony discusses the challenges of achieving professional-grade visuals with iPhones, including adapting lenses and stabilization methods, and reflects on balancing beauty and violence in the film's storytelling.

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 163 - Iris Prize LGTBQ+ Film Festival - with Lewis Bayley In this special episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, we speak with Lewis Bayley, Industry Coordinator for the Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival. Lewis invited us to speak with him about filmmaking earlier this year, and what you'll hear is that recorded conversation. We had the pleasure of discussing many topics with Lewis, such as the overall importance of film festivals and our longtime efforts giving back to younger generations of filmmakers. Additionally, we share a few work stories from our long careers, Roger gives a preview of what to expect in his upcoming memoir, Reflections, and James reveals the game she played with director Martin Scorsese while we were shooting KUNDUN in the Moroccan desert. The Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival is hosted annually in Cardiff, Wales with talks, panels, and screenings of shorts and features highlighting the myriad of experiences within the global LGBTQ+ community, and we were happy to be a small part of their 19th edition. - This episode is sponsored by Aputure & Sandstorm

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 162 - Dante Spinotti - Cinematographer In this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, we speak with cinematographer Dante Spinotti (ANT-MAN AND THE WASP, HEAT, THE LEGEND OF THE HOLY DRINKER). During our conversation, Dante reflects on his Italian upbringing and on the formative year he spent shooting photographs in Nairobi, Kenya. Dante has also frequently shot films with director Michael Mann, and he shares a number of stories from their years of working together. While best-known for his work in Hollywood, Dante still found time to shoot films in his native country, and we specifically discuss his experiences working with director Ermanno Olmi on THE LEGEND OF THE HOLY DRINKER. Dante has also survived the Marvel movie machine, and he reflects on the changes in technology and filmmakers' approach to filmmaking that he's witnessed over the course of his career. We also discuss his experiences transitioning to using digital cameras, and we reflect on the value of discipline and preparation—no matter your shooting format. - This episode is sponsored by Sandstorm & Aputure

Atom Egoyan, an acclaimed Canadian director known for his evocative storytelling in films like The Sweet Hereafter and Exotica, dives into his unique filmmaking journey. He shares insights on how he transformed The Sweet Hereafter during editing, emphasizing the power of poetry over voiceovers. Topics include his partnership with cinematographer Paul Sarossy, the intention behind the meta-film approach in Ararat, and the delicate balance between planning and spontaneity on set. Egoyan also reflects on his Armenian heritage and its influence on his work.

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