Team Deakins

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

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.