Team Deakins

Embeth Davidtz, acclaimed actor from Schindler's List and director of Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight, shares captivating insights about her creative journey. She discusses adapting Alexandra Fuller's memoir, drawing parallels between her youth in South Africa and the film's themes. Hear her behind-the-scenes stories, from casting child actors to handling a monkey break-in on set. Embeth also reflects on how budget constraints can drive creativity and reveals her plans for future projects, blending her passions for acting and directing.

César Charlone is a talented Uruguayan-born cinematographer and director known for his critically acclaimed work on films like City of God and The Constant Gardener. In this engaging conversation, he reveals how he transitioned from veterinary studies to filmmaking through a journey across Brazil. He shares insights on his collaboration with director Fernando Meirelles, emphasizing their deep understanding and the documentary-style approach in their work. Charlone also discusses the balance between political documentaries and commercial films, and how new technologies are shaping modern filmmaking.

Kate Winslet, the acclaimed actor and director known for her iconic roles in Titanic and Mare of Easttown, shares fascinating insights from her career. She discusses her humble beginnings and the journey to directing Goodbye June, inspired by her son's script. Winslet reflects on the nuances of portraying real people and the importance of creating a safe space for actors. She also touches on the collaborative process of filmmaking, confronting gender biases in directing, and the power of film to foster empathy. A captivating look at artistry and ambition!

Kleber Mendonça Filho, a Brazilian writer and director famed for films like Bacurau and Neighboring Sounds, dives into the rich tapestry of Brazilian history and politics in this discussion. He reflects on his creative process, revealing how Spike Lee's Do the Right Thing inspired his storytelling style. His latest film, The Secret Agent, explores Brazil's military dictatorship while showcasing his unique blend of social critique and genre elements. Kleber also shares insights on funding films in Brazil and the significance of setting his stories in Recife.

In this engaging conversation, Jeffrey Lee, Ph.D., Chief Product Officer at Fiilex and expert in LED technology, shares his fascinating journey from physics to film lighting. He explains how color is created in LED fixtures using semiconductor materials and phosphors, and the challenges of spectral spikes in color output. The discussion covers the evolution of LED technology, practical on-set implications of aging lights, and the engineering hurdles of making compact, powerful LEDs. Jeffrey even teases future innovations, like larger tiled LED sources and potential laser technologies.

Cristian Mungiu, a renowned Romanian film director, shares insights into his impactful storytelling and filming techniques. He discusses how growing up under Ceaușescu influenced his creative journey and filmmaking choices. Mungiu highlights the balance between artistic control and working in Romania versus Hollywood. He elaborates on the importance of realism in his works, the process of casting, and his approach to long takes and sound editing. He also previews his upcoming film, Fjord, exploring themes of identity and societal issues.

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!