EPISODE 39 - HOYTE VAN HOYTEMA - Cinematographer Team Deakins has a fascinating conversation with celebrated cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema (DUNKIRK, LET THE RIGHT ONE IN, TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY, HER, INTERSTELLAR). He shares his experience of working with directors, Christopher Nolan and David O Russell. He talks about the value of shooting as much as possible in camera and how he approaches lenses, often creating a set specifically for a movie. We learn about how working with Christopher Nolan the second time on Dunkirk was different and he goes into detail on shooting in IMAX, talking about the pros and cons. He also shares his opinions on working with a large budget and a small budget. And there’s plenty more. You don’t want to miss this! RECOMMENDED EPISODE VIEWING: Dunkirk, Ad Astra, Interstellar

EPISODE 38 - JEB BRODY - Pres of Production, Amblin Studios Team Deakins sits down with Jeb Brody, the president of production at Amblin Studios and learn a lot about the studio side of production. Jeb walks us through so much - the difference between a studio exec and a producer, the relationship between the filmmakers and the studios, the differences between the studios and the movies they make. We discuss what kind of films are getting made these days, look at the difference of negative pickup and acquisition, and why the bad behaviors of filmmakers in the ’70s no longer works. We worked with Jeb on 1917 and get into that as well. And we learn from the studio’s point of view what the growth of streaming means for moviemaking. We even got into the “dark arts of filmmaking” (you’ll have to listen to learn about this!). We’ve never had the opportunity to sit with the studio and ask them all our questions so we had a great time! Don’t miss it if you want to learn everything on the studio side!

EPISODE 37 - LAURA METCALFE - DI Producer/Finishing Producer Team Deakins looks into the final step of making a movie or the DI, with DI Producer/ Finishing Producer, Laura Metcalfe (1917, WONDER WOMAN, TOMB RAIDER). While previously called the “DI Producer” since when it started it was all about the DI (“Digital Intermediate”), because the process has become so complex, you’ll hear the role referred to as “Finishing Producer”. We speak with Laura Metcalfe of Company 3 in London who worked with us on “1917”. We talk about when this role actually starts on a movie (much earlier than you might think!) and talk at length about setting up workflows that continue until the film finishes. We also go into detail with Laura about the very bespoke workflow on “1917” and the challenges it presented. We also walk through some of the deliverables of a film (the different formats that are made), how the dailies timing differs from the DI timing and the steps to setting up a DI. And, of course, much more! A very detailed look at post!

EPISODE 36 - LINUS SANDGREN - Cinematographer Team Deakins sits down for a conversation with cinematographer, Linus Sandgren (NO TIME TO DIE, FIRST MAN, LA LA LAND, JOY). “I love the creation of the image.” We cover a lot of ground in our talk and touch on, among other things, Swedish films and sensibilities, working minimally, how important it is to find the right approach for each movie. He also goes into detail about how he develops the look with the director. He tells us about working with David O Russell and does a deep dive on the making of FIRST MAN which you don’t want to miss! And finally, of course, we talk a bit about shooting a Bond movie. A fascinating conversation with a talented image-maker! RECOMMENDED EPISODE VIEWING: First Man, 6 Souls

EPISODE 35 - JOE WALKER - Editor Team Deakins speaks with friend and two time collaborator, editor Joe Walker (ARRIVAL, SICARIO, BLADE RUNNER 2049, 12 YEARS A SLAVE). We get an interesting look into the changes in the techniques of cutting between now and when Joe started. We talk about where the cutting style of the movie comes from, when a sound editor comes in and what they, test screenings - pros and cons. We also touch on the editing in Sicario, 12 Years a Slave and Shame. We do get into what crossing the line is and what you can get away with continuity-wise. And we even share our personal work-related nightmares! It’s an episode packed with information that you won’t want to miss!

EPISODE 34 - JOHN LINDLEY - Cinematographer Team Deakins speaks with John Lindley, cinematographer and president of camera local 600. John shot the films FATHER FIGURES, PLEASANTVILLE, FIELD OF DREAMS, and BEWITCHED. We talk about documentaries and what working on them gives you - both personally (it “enlarges your life”) and skill-wise. We also talk about handling the pressure on the set tin the role of dp and how to oversee the people you’re working with and getting the best out of them. The difference between working in TV and on features is also looked at. We also learn about unions and the camera union.

Joel Coen, a renowned director, discusses his experiences in filmmaking, from starting as a teenager to working on independent movies. They talk about financing their first movie and maintaining creative control. The collaborative nature of filmmaking and the importance of collaboration are emphasized. They also discuss the control and mastery of a director, challenging filming conditions, working with actors, and retaining passion for work.

EPISODE 32 - DICK POPE - Cinematographer Team Deakins has an entertaining conversation with cinematographer and long time friend, Dick Pope (Mr. TURNER, SECRETS & LIES, ANOTHER YEAR, THE ILLUSIONIST). We talk about his start in film, his work in documentaries and his long term collaboration with director Mike Leigh. Along the way, we also touch on the importance of trust between DP & Director, working with keys that you don’t know and in particular how he works with gaffers. We touch a bit on operating and even end up with a bit on film vs digital, although we weren’t planning on going there! It’s a fascinating episode and we promise you will laugh during parts! RECOMMENDED EPISODE VIEWING: Any Mike Leigh film

EPISODE 31 - PETE FRANCIOSA - Agent Team Deakins talk with Pete Franciosa, head of production at UTA talent agency. We talk about what an agent does, how to get an agent, what “packaging” is, how he choses people to represent, the differences between the agencies and lots more! It’s an interesting look inside the talent agency.

EPISODE 30 - Alex Webb - Stills Photographer Team Deakins does something different with this episode. We took the opportunity to talk to an extraordinary visual talent who is NOT a part of movie production. He is a well known still photographer and someone we are great admirers of. It was great to talk with him about his work, what he thinks is important in photographer, how he approaches his work, the importance of color in his work, what pictures can mean and the role of serendipity in great photographs. It’s an immersive dive into creating visuals.