
Team Deakins
The Team Deakins podcast is an ongoing conversation between acclaimed cinematographer Roger Deakins and James Deakins, his collaborator, about cinematography, the film business and whatever other questions are submitted. We start with a specific question and end....who knows where! We are joined by guests periodically. Followup questions can be posted in the forums at www.rogerdeakins.com.
Latest episodes

Mar 15, 2023 • 1h 55min
BILLY WILLIAMS - Cinematographer
SEASON 2 - EPISODE 28 - BILLY WILLIAMS - CINEMATOGRAPHER Cinematographer Billy Williams, BSC (WOMEN IN LOVE, ON GOLDEN POND, GANDHI) has seen it all, and he’s sharing a generous amount of that with us on today’s episode of the Team Deakins Podcast. Billy reveals what it was like to work with the spirited and thoughtful Katherine Hepburn and Henry Fonda on ON GOLDEN POND as well as his thoughts on Ben Kingsley’s transformative performance in GANDHI. The advances in digital cameras and the effect on lighting design are discussed, and Billy recounts the difficulties of grading footage of a baby that, over the course of 12 takes of crying, turned purple. We hope you all enjoy this conversation as much as we did. - Recommended Episode Viewing: WOMEN IN LOVE, ON GOLDEN POND, GANDHI

Mar 8, 2023 • 1h 5min
ZAYNE AKYOL - Director
SEASON 2 - EPISODE 27 - ZAYNE AKYOL - DIRECTOR Team Deakins shares our conversation with director Zayne Akyol (ROJEK; GULISTAN, LAND OF ROSES). Having shot two feature-length documentaries in dangerous environments, Zayne reflects with Roger & James on the therapeutic limits of filmmaking and the unique life experiences presented to documentary filmmakers. She speaks on her collaboration with her cinematographers and knowing when and what to shoot, even while soldiers shoot at their drone on its maiden flight over a land on fire. We hope you enjoy the episode! - Recommended Episode Viewing: ROJEK; GULISTAN, LAND OF ROSES

Mar 1, 2023 • 1h 31min
BVK - The German Society of Cinematographers
SEASON 2 - EPISODE 26 - BVK - THE GERMAN SOCIETY OF CINEMATOGRAPHERS Whether you’re listening for the first time or reliving the livestream, you’ll hear something new from this conversation between Team Deakins and members of the BVK (The German Society of Cinematographers). The origin of the Team Deakins Podcast is revealed, the balance between the creative and logistical demands of a shoot are discussed, and the pursuit of simplicity in one’s work is considered by both James, Roger, and members of the BVK. Roger further talks about the design of 1917’s shots, the definition of dark in THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES BY THE COWARD ROBERT FORD, and sleeping on the floor of an office while in film school. There’s a lot to learn from this episode, and we hope you enjoy listening!

Feb 22, 2023 • 1h 8min
JIM PLANNETTE - Gaffer
SEASON 2 - EPISODE 25 - JIM PLANNETTE - GAFFER Team Deakins had a great time speaking with the talented gaffer Jim Plannette (YOUNG FRANKENSTIN, E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL, BRAVEHEART). We talk with him about working on films ranging in size from BRAVEHEART to MAGNOLIA, and he shares numerous stories from his career across a wide variety of films. He also speaks on his productive relationship with director Steven Soderbergh. Jim offers a lot of insight into the work that goes into lighting and how technology has changed the way a scene can be lit. Jim was such a generous guest, and we think you’re going to enjoy the episode!

Feb 15, 2023 • 1h 16min
DAVID DASTMALCHIAN - Actor
SEASON 2 - EPISODE 24 - DAVID DASTMALCHIAN - ACTOR Team Deakins had a great time speaking with David Dastmalchian (DUNE, ANTMAN, PRISONERS) and you won’t want to miss this episode! We get to learn his prospective as an actor on many subjects. We learn that he considers himself a “technical actor” being aware of being part of a many faceted collaboration, how he finds his characters and the importance of wardrobe, hair and make up in that process. We also touch on how vital it is to live a “normal life” to have experiences to draw from and put on screen. And he remembers a story from the set of Bladerunner 2049! It’s a wonderful episode that tells us a lot about acting but, thanks to his generous sharing, we learn about an interesting life journey as well! Don’t miss it! - Recommended Episode Viewing: ANIMALS, ALL CREATURES HERE BELOW

15 snips
Feb 8, 2023 • 1h 24min
DAMIEN CHAZELLE - Director
SEASON 2 - EPISODE 23 - DAMIEN CHAZELLE - DIRECTOR OK, here’s the episode you’ve been waiting for! Team Deakins has an extensive conversation with the talented director Damien Chazelle (LA LA LAND, FIRST MAN, BABYLON). We talk about his approach to movie making and his experiences on his various movie sets. We learn how he likes to work with his collaborators as well as what is important to him in making a movie. It’s a great conversation and we’re happy to share it with you!

Feb 1, 2023 • 1h 7min
EDWARD BERGER AND JAMES FRIEND - Director and Cinematographer Team
SEASON 2 - EPISODE 22 - EDWARD BERGER & JAMES FRIEND - DIRECTOR & CINEMATOGRAPHER On this episode of The Team Deakins Podcast, we connect with a talented filmmaking duo for a fabulous conversation. Director Edward Berger and cinematographer James Friend (YOUR HONOR, ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT) tell us how they like to make their films using only a single camera. They explain how using one camera allows them a level of precision that isn’t possible on a multiple camera shoot. We also discuss the importance of understanding the perspective of the film that’s being made. For them, that perspective dictates where the camera is placed for every shot, and how the sequences are edited. Edward and James were wonderful guests, be sure not to miss it! Available now!

Jan 25, 2023 • 60min
CASEY AFFLECK - Actor
SEASON 2 - EPISODE 21 - CASEY AFFLECK - ACTOR For this episode of The Team Deakins Podcast, we have a delightful conversation with the brilliant actor, Casey Affleck (MANCHESTER BY THE SEA, AIN’T THEM BODIES SAINTS, GONE BABY GONE). Our conversation with Casey really shines a light on his dedication as an actor. We talk about the value of rehearsals, and the romantic notion of foregoing rehearsal in order to find it on the day. Casey is vert thoughtful when discussing the importance of connecting with a project emotionally, and making sure you are taking a role for the right reasons. We also share some fun memories from working together on THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES! Listen in to hear it all. Available now.

Jan 18, 2023 • 1h 7min
MANDY MOORE - Choreographer
SEASON 2 - EPISODE 20 - MANDY MOORE - CHOREOGRAPHER The effervescent and talented choreographer Mandy Moore (LA LA LAND, SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK, DANCING WITH THE STARS) joins us in conversation for this episode of The Team Deakins Podcast. Mandy’s enthusiasm is infections, and her knowledge of dance is vast. She walks us through the ways she designs a dance for a single camera shoot, and how her methods change on a multiple camera one. We also dig into some of her most iconic work, including the stupendous twilight at Griffith Park sequence she arranged for Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling. We also spend some quality time gushing over the persistent genius of CABARET, and why it’s one of the all-time greats! Listen In! Available now!

5 snips
Jan 11, 2023 • 1h 5min
MARTIN MCDONAGH - Director
SEASON 2 - EPISODE 19 - MARTIN MCDONAGH - DIRECTOR For this episode of The Team Deakins Podcast, we have a delightful conversation with the brilliant writer and director Martin McDonagh. (IN BRUGES, THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING MISSOURI, THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN) Martin tells us how he got his start as a playwright. He goes on to tell us all about the difference between writing plays and writing movies, especially when it comes to having control over the project. He also walks us through some of his experiences making his films, including where the inspiration for each of them came from. Martin is an absolute joy to talk to. Listen in, we know you will agree!