Team Deakins

Patrick Tresch, a renowned cinematographer celebrated for his work on impactful documentaries, shares his experiences filming in challenging environments like the Amazon. He discusses the delicate art of gaining trust with documentary subjects and the subconscious hesitations they may exhibit. Patrick reflects on the intimate connections formed during the filming process and how the realities of location shape narratives. He also humorously reveals the moment his mother finally grasped the intricacies of his filmmaking career.

Peter Sarsgaard, renowned for his roles in films like The Batman and Boys Don't Cry, discusses his unique journey into acting, spurred by a serendipitous television influence. He shares gripping tales from the intense six-day shoot for The Batman. Sarsgaard delves into the nuances of balancing structure and spontaneity in filmmaking, emphasizing the collaborative nature of storytelling. Reflecting on audience reception, he prioritizes the creative process over public validation, illustrating the emotional demands of high-stakes performances.

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 36 - STUART WILSON - SOUND MIXER - THE BATMAN Team Deakins is glad to welcome back sound mixer Stuart Wilson (THE BATMAN, THE RISE OF SKYWALKER, SPECTRE) to discuss his wonderful work on THE BATMAN. Stuart shares how his team used the film’s costumes to their advantage when miking the actors, and we learn how they utilized Catwoman’s wigs to hide mics when the catsuit often offered no other options. We also learn how Stuart juggled a myriad of mixes simultaneously to facilitate communication between the actors and the director between and during takes. We hope you enjoy the episode! - This episode is sponsored by TrueCut Motion

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 35 - RUSSELL CARPENTER - CINEMATOGRAPHER Team Deakins speaks with cinematographer Russell Carpenter (TITANIC, TRUE LIES, AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER) on this episode of the podcast. We dive headfirst into Russell’s professional relationship with director James Cameron, beginning with a chance encounter at a local TV station that led to Russell working on some of the biggest movies in history. Russell also shares his appreciation for the technical challenges of working on Cameron’s films and describes the sink-or-swim nature of filming TITANIC. We later discuss being submerged in anxiety when starting out and mustering the courage and discipline to put yourself out there. We also touch on developing a ‘cinematic immunity’ during production that instills the supernatural confidence needed to shoot a film. Wading through the years-long process of shooting AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER, Russell describes the unique environment Cameron created to realize the film. Additionally, we compare working on smaller, less effects-heavy projects with the contrary and discuss the joys of knowing what you got on the day and the immediacy of that type of filmmaking. - This episode is sponsored by TrueCut Motion

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 34 - CAROLINE THOMPSON - WRITER / DIRECTOR Team Deakins is happy to share our conversation with writer, director, and novelist Caroline Thompson (EDWARD SCISSORHANDS, BLACK BEAUTY, THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS). We talk about the life of a screenwriter and the commitment Caroline demonstrated throughout her career. No other episode has featured this much discussion on animals and filmmaking! We cover working with horses on BLACK BEAUTY, apes on BUDDY, and birds in THE SECRET GARDEN. Caroline offers insight into the creative and logistical challenges of working with animals and of their unpredictable but inimitable benefits when compared to their digital counterparts. Towards the end of our conversation, Caroline also shares some straightforward advice for young screenwriters and filmmakers. Enjoy the episode! - This episode is sponsored by TrueCut Motion

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 33 - STEVE NICOLAIDES - PRODUCER Team Deakins is pleased to share our conversation with producer Steve Nicolaides (BOYZ N THE HOOD, WHEN HARRY MET SALLY, A FEW GOOD MEN). We discuss the shell game that is building and balancing the budget for a film before and during production, and Steve shares his thoughts on the role of the producer in post-production. At the end of our conversation, Steve leaves us with some wisdom for budding producers and production managers. We hope you enjoy the episode!  - This episode is sponsored by TrueCut Motion

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 32 - KATE MCCULLOUGH - CINEMATOGRAPHER Team Deakins is pleased to share our conversation with the talented cinematographer Kate McCullough (THE QUIET GIRL, NORMAL PEOPLE, MONSTER). We talk with Kate about how she applies the skills she developed while shooting documentaries onto her narrative projects. We also dive into what she was looking for in locations and her strategies in framing and composition on THE QUIET GIRL. We had such a nice time speaking with Kate, and we hope you enjoy listening to what she has to say just as much! - This episode is sponsored by TrueCut Motion

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 31 - KOKAYI AMPAH - LOCATION MANAGER Location manager Kokayi Ampah (THE COLOR PURPLE, THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION, MILLION DOLLAR BABY) reunites with Team Deakins and shares his wisdom gleaned from his long career. Kokayi answers our many questions and details both the creative and logistical day-to-day work that goes into location management. He also shares how he views the role as a function in the greater filmmaking process. Towards the end of our conversation, Kokayi even asks us a couple of questions! There’s a lot to learn from Kokayi, and we hope you enjoy listening to him as much as we did!

Chayse Irvin, a talented cinematographer known for his work on *Blonde*, *BlackKkKlansman*, and *Hannah*, joins the hosts to discuss the intricacies of filmmaking. He shares insights on the balance between preparation and spontaneity in shooting scenes. His collaboration with director Khalil Joseph is highlighted, showcasing the dynamic creative environment they foster. Chayse also delves into the unique challenges he faced while filmmaking, emphasizing the importance of visual storytelling and adaptability in the industry.

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 29 - BENJAMIN CARON - DIRECTOR Today, we’re happy to share our lively and humorous conversation with director Benjamin Caron (SHARPER, ANDOR, THE CROWN). We discuss Ben’s early TV movie TOMMY COOPER: NOT LIKE THAT, LIKE THIS and the challenges he overcame to make it, as well as a reflection on Tommy Cooper himself. We also dive into Ben’s experience filming SHARPER and finding the right ending for the film. We hope you enjoy the episode!  - Recommended Episode Viewing: TOMMY COOPER: NOT LIKE THAT, LIKE THIS