Team Deakins

Joining the conversation is Tristan Oliver, a celebrated cinematographer renowned for his work in stop-motion animation, including hits like 'Isle of Dogs' and 'ParaNorman.' He dives into the intricate processes of shooting 9-inch puppets and balancing lighting for animation without hindering the animators. Tristan shares his experiences collaborating with Wes Anderson, revealing the creative tension over deep focus techniques. The podcast highlights the value of handcrafted artistry over manufactured, and Tristan offers insight into the evolution of animated filmmaking.

Rick Carter, a talented production designer known for his visionary work in film, turns the tables on his hosts, delving into their creative partnership. They share the evolution of their collaboration and the importance of communication on set. James discusses how her problem-solving skills benefit the crew, while Roger reflects on the trust that enhances their synergy. The trio explores the intuitive aspects of filmmaking, the magic of teamwork, and the power of a united creative vision, all while marveling at their virtual connection.

Steve Dunn, an accomplished assistant director known for his work on 'Walk the Line' and 'Dances with Wolves,' shares his cinematic journey from childhood screenings in Venezuela to bustling Hollywood sets. He candidly discusses his transition from indie films to mainstream success, revealing the art of managing diverse personalities on set. Steve also recounts humorous mishaps and close calls that nearly cost him his job, emphasizing teamwork and creativity. Notably, he reflects on his dream of collaborating with film legends like Robert Altman.

Ivan Sen, a director celebrated for films like LIMBO and MYSTERY ROAD, shares insights from his filmmaking journey. He discusses how his upbringing in rural Australia influences his storytelling, capturing raw emotional moments with minimal crew. Ivan highlights the rise of Indigenous cinema and the importance of authenticity in working with young and Indigenous actors. He reflects on the evolution of filmmaking, emphasizing the role of technology and location in crafting narratives. Excited by his latest work, he offers a glimpse into the future of his cinema.

Lukasz Zal is a talented cinematographer from Poland, known for his acclaimed films like THE ZONE OF INTEREST and COLD WAR. In this conversation, he shares how shooting IDA transformed his career and the humorous story behind the camera movement at its end. He reflects on the challenges of working in St. Petersburg while appreciating Russian cinematic traditions. Zal also discusses the practical difficulties and thematic depth of THE ZONE OF INTEREST, revealing how director Jonathan Glazer's vision shaped the film's tone.

Willie Burton is a distinguished production sound mixer known for his acclaimed work on 'Oppenheimer,' 'Love & Basketball,' and 'The Shawshank Redemption.' He shares the story of how a passion for audio sparked in his Alabama youth led him to Hollywood. Willie recounts the challenges of breaking into the sound union and the pivotal moments that shaped his career. He discusses the complexities of sound mixing in films and his efforts to mentor aspiring filmmakers through a workshop in Kansas City, highlighting the importance of education and community.

In this special conversation, makeup artist Donald Mowat and cinematographer Greig Fraser explore the multifaceted world of color in film. Greig reminisces about the rich skin tones of 1970s cinema and the magic of tungsten lights. Donald recalls the notorious 'Magenta Scare' and its impact on makeup artistry. They dive into the challenges of maintaining color accuracy under changing technology, share hilarious anecdotes about terrible films, and reflect on the collaborative essence of filmmaking that bridges art and technical expertise.

Acclaimed writer and director Alfonso Cuarón discusses his journey in filmmaking, from his early days in Mexico to working on Hollywood projects like HARRY POTTER. He shares insights on visual effects, storytelling, and collaborating with cinematographers like Emmanuel Lubezki. The discussion also touches on the evolving landscape of filmmaking and the impact of television on the industry.

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 98 - ETHAN HAWKE - ACTOR / DIRECTOR On this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, we're joined by actor and director Ethan Hawke (WILDCAT, BLAZE, BOYHOOD). James once worked with Ethan on WHITE FANG in Alaska, but before that, Ethan started acting in his youth in the theatre before landing his life-changing role on DEAD POETS SOCIETY. Throughout our discussion, Ethan reflects on his evolving relationship to film, art, and acting and shares a number of his thoughts on the nature of filmmaking. Ethan shares how he adjusts to the working style of different directors and what he's applied to his own discipline of acting after directing a number of projects. We later discuss rehearsals, learning how director Sidney Lumet once adjusted a scene with Ethan because of having run through the scene with him, and Ethan shares why would never ask a director to change their preferred way of working. We also learn how Ethan developed and directed BLAZE and what the guiding principles were behind the direction of WILDCAT. An engaging conversation with a truly talented artist! - This episode is sponsored by Aputure

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 97 - MARK JOHNSON - PRODUCER Producer Mark Johnson (THE HOLDOVERS, BETTER CALL SAUL, GALAXY QUEST) joins us on this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast. After growing up in Spain and a brief stint as an extra on DOCTOR ZHIVAGO, Mark worked in commercials in New York City before finding his way into the Directors Guild of America's Assistant Directing training program. Mark later survived William Friedkin's globe-trotting production of SORCERER, emerging from the dirt and mud having risen to the position of 2nd AD, and eventually broke into producing with director Barry Levinson's DINER. During our discussion, we learn how Mark finds projects to produce and what he looks for in projects brought to him. Mark also reflects on the varying styles of directors and how he personally defines the responsibilities of a producer. We also learn how Mark shepherded GALAXY QUEST (a favourite of ours) into existence, and he shares a number of insights into the journey of its development, production, and release. We later learn how Mark first met writer Vince Gilligan and of their long-term professional relationship that led Mark to producing BREAKING BAD and BETTER CALL SAUL, and he reflects on the differences between working in television versus film. Mark is responsible for introducing us to director Denis Villeneuve before we worked together on PRISONERS, and it was a pleasure to be able to catch up with him in this episode. - This episode is sponsored by Aputure