Team Deakins

Writer, director, and actor Sarah Polley discusses her early career in acting, transitioning to directing, and the inspiration she drew from director Atom Egoyan. She also reveals the Sidney Lumet film that helped her while working on WOMEN TALKING. Sarah shares insights on collaboration, preparation, and the challenges of adapting a conversation-based story. She addresses the challenges faced by women in the film industry and highlights the power of collaboration and trust in filmmaking.

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 45 - SANTIAGO MITRE - WRITER / DIRECTOR Team Deakins enjoys a conversation with writer and director Santiago Mitre (ARGENTINA, 1985; PAULINA; THE SUMMIT) on this episode of the podcast. Santiago begins by telling us how he found his way to filmmaking at an early age and how his politically active family informed the subjects of his films. Later, we discuss using cinema to think about the problems of one's country, and Santiago expresses his growing interest in exploring Argentinian history on-screen following his experience creating ARGENTINA, 1985. We also touch on the film's global resonance today and its cathartic reception by Argentinean audiences. Towards the end, Santiago shares how he re-cast a major role in the riotous PETITE FLEUR and the lessons he learned from the film's production that he applied to ARGENTINA, 1985. - Recommended Viewing: ARGENTINA, 1985; PAULINA - This episode is sponsored by Falca & TrueCut Motion

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 44 - PAUL MESCAL - ACTOR Team Deakins sits down with actor Paul Mescal (AFTERSUN, NORMAL PEOPLE, GOD'S CREATURES) on this episode of the podcast. During our thoughtful conversation, Paul reveals the advice he received from actor Emily Watson and from his Gaelic football coach that he applies to his craft every day. We also discuss his work on AFTERSUN, and Paul heaps praise on the script and the direction of the film which attracted him to the project. We later discuss the pros and cons of shooting in and out of continuity, and we commiserate over the unproductiveness of scheduling scenes without considering their dramatic functions within the overall piece. - Recommended Viewing: GOD'S CREATURES - This episode is sponsored by TrueCut Motion & Falca

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 43 - MATT REEVES - DIRECTOR Team Deakins sits down with director Matt Reeves (THE BATMAN, CLOVERFIELD, WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES) for a fascinating discussion. Matt indulges our appreciation for the craft behind THE BATMAN and shares how he and his collaborators envisioned Gotham and Batman as a city and as a person that could exist within our own world. We discuss how Matt's use of visual effects has evolved and the importance of references to maintain a level of reality in fully computer-generated shots. Throughout the episode, Matt reflects on how he spent much of his career learning how to have a career and how every new project is like enrolling in film school all over again. - Recommended Viewing: CLOVERFIELD - This episode is sponsored by Falca & TrueCut Motion

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 42 - DAVE CHAMEIDES - CAMERA AND STEADICAM OPERATOR Today, Team Deakins is joined by camera and steadicam operator Dave Chameides (SNOWFALL, THE WEST WING, ER) on the latest episode of the podcast. During our conversation, we discuss the effectiveness of the cinematography in 1917 and Dave's contribution to the creation of the final shot in ST. VINCENT. We also consider the responsibility an operator has towards the actors in front of the lens and the role of camera operation in storytelling. Towards the end, Dave also shares advice for anyone interested in steadicam operation as a possible career path. - This episode is sponsored by TrueCut Motion & Falca

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 41 - JOHN DE BORMAN - CINEMATOGRAPHER Team Deakins is happy to share our conversation with cinematographer John de Borman (AN EDUCATION, THE FULL MONTY, THE MIGHTY) on this episode of the podcast. We discuss working with different types of directors and battling the increasingly complex logistics of modern filmmaking and the ballooning number of crew sizes on projects. We also share our experiences working with actors of varying dispositions and the puzzles that arise during production to bring out their best performances. Finally, John offers advice for future cinematographers and highlights a skill he developed that elevated and enriched his work. - This episode is sponsored by Falca & TrueCut Motion

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 40 - HELEN KEARNS - EDITOR Team Deakins is happy to host editor Helen Kearns (GOOD NIGHT OPPY, THE KEEPERS, ASSASSINS) on this episode of the podcast. Helen reveals how earlier studio involvement in financing and distribution has affected documentary filmmaking, both in helpful and disruptive terms. We discuss the challenges (and comforts) of editing GOOD NIGHT OPPY during the pandemic and the finding the balance between telling a story and being honest when editing documentaries. - This episode is sponsored by TrueCut Motion & Falca

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 39 - RUTH E. CARTER - COSTUME DESIGNER Wake up! Today's Team Deakins Podcast forecast: costume designer Ruth E. Carter (MALCOLM X, BLACK PANTHER, LOVE & BASKETBALL). In an insightful conversation, Ruth shares how she integrated 3D printing into the design and production of costumes for BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER and how she collaborates with the visual effects department to augment her designs. Ruth also reveals how she intuits a director's potential reaction to costume ideas based on how they themselves dress. Finally, we clarify what are and are not a costume designer's responsibilities, and Ruth advocates for the increased participation of the costume designer in pre-production and post-production. You won't regret listening to this episode, "and that's the double truth, Ruth!" - This episode is sponsored by TrueCut Motion

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.