Team Deakins

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 93 - DANIEL KALUUYA - ACTOR On this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, we're speaking with actor Daniel Kaluuya (JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH, GET OUT, SICARIO). A former class clown from Camden Town, Daniel describes his early initiation into the London youth theatre and arts scene up until being scouted to write and act on the popular British show SKINS. We had the pleasure of working with him on SICARIO, and he reveals how much the production changed his perception of acting and empowered him to try "doing nothing" in a scene. We learn about the discipline he applies during prep to inhabit his characters, and we discuss the particular challenges and responsibilities of playing Fred Hampton in JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH. Later, Daniel discusses his preparation for GET OUT and reflects on his experience being the face of a film that blew up far beyond his initial expectations. Daniel also reveals what he learned about himself following a year-and-a-half-long sabbatical from acting after shooting SICARIO. Throughout the episode, Daniel shares his love for working with directors who have something to say and know what they need to shoot to say it. - Recommended Viewing: GET OUT, SICARIO - This episode is sponsored by Aputure

Cinematographer Don Burgess discusses working on iconic films like Forrest Gump and Aquaman. He shares insights on collaborating with director Robert Zemeckis, shooting night scenes on Cast Away, and developing local crews worldwide. The episode also highlights his experience surviving the challenging production of Sorcerer and remotely DPing a shot across the Pacific Ocean.

1st AC Liza Bambenek discusses the camera department roles and responsibilities, mentorship, female representation, and the evolution of the Santa Fe film market on the Team Deakins Podcast.

Visual effects supervisor Dennis Muren discusses his journey in VFX, from stop motion to CGI in iconic films like Jurassic Park and Star Wars. He shares insights on blending CGI with live-action shots, technological challenges, and advice for aspiring VFX professionals.

Costume designer Ellen Mirojnick discusses her work on films like OPPENHEIMER and FATAL ATTRACTION. She shares insights into collaborating with directors like Christopher Nolan, designing costumes for different eras, and creating costumes that seamlessly reflect changes in time. Ellen also talks about the importance of crafting costumes that are not only accurate for the period but also suitable for the actors who wear them.

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 88 - JOHN KNOLL - VFX SUPERVISOR On this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, VFX supervisor John Knoll (THE BATMAN, ROGUE ONE, PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN) joins us to talk about his career and his craft. Despite growing up among an academic family of engineers, scientists, and medical professionals, John fell in love with the fantastic imagery of cinema and television, and he saw miniature work as his way into filmmaking. From cold-calling Industrial Light & Magic at 15 to later working for them, John reflects on his life as one who turns hobbies into professions, and we learn how John fuses technology with art in his work. John reveals, with great clarity, how slit-scans are actually composed and shares how he used the effect to generate the illusion of the Starship Enterprise entering and exiting warp speed. We later discuss the leadership responsibilities of being a supervisor, including giving negative feedback in such a way that elevates a collaborator's work. Towards the end, we also discuss the enduring appeal of miniatures for audiences and filmmakers alike. In addition to his work in VFX, John (alongside his brother Thomas) invented Photoshop, the popular photo-editing software used around the world. - This episode is sponsored by Godox

Production designer Stefan Dechant discusses his career journey from storyboards to production design, innovative technologies in filmmaking, collaboration with directors like Joel Coen, and creating expressionistic sets for THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH.

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 86 - DIANNA FREAS - SET DECORATOR On this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, we're joined by set decorator Dianna Freas (FOR ALL MANKIND, LONE STAR, THUNDERHEART). Studying illustration and fine arts at Syracuse and Parsons, she later attended NYU and found her skills well suited to set design. After an early career period working as a co-production designer alongside husband and production designer Dan Bishop, Dianna transitioned to set decoration full time. Throughout the episode, Dianna defines some of the myriad of roles within the art and set decoration departments. What are lead men? How does she work with a buyer? What does the set decoration coordinator typically oversee? Who keeps the books? Who's responsible for that lamp? The demarcations are many, the responsibilities are numerous, and Dianna maps it all out for us with clarity. We later extoll the virtue of flexibility, and Dianna gives advice to anyone looking to break into the art department. - This episode is sponsored by Godox & the Dallas Film Commission

Renowned composer Hans Zimmer discusses his early career, purpose of film scores, procrastination habits, working with Denis Villeneuve, personal connection to The Lion King, Hollywood sound, and the joy of conducting an orchestra. Topics include creating environment for director's story, value of originality, and working with DPs for emotional storytelling through music. Zimmer's deep emotional journeys in music composition, AI's impact on music creation, and embracing filmmaking as a gift are also explored.

Writer and director Wim Wenders shares his journey from film student to creating iconic movies like PARIS, TEXAS. He discusses his early struggles, inspirations, and the making of his films, including insights into his creative process and future of filmmaking. Wim reveals personal anecdotes and reflections on his unique approach to storytelling.