Team Deakins

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 4 - MAT BERGEL - PROPS

Team Deakins is so pleased to welcome props maestro Mat Bergel (ROBIN HOOD, HUGO, TRAINSPOTTING) to the podcast. Mat starts this conversation by detailing how he got into the movie business through managing restaurants, and landed in the props department. He explains why some of the hardest work for the props team involve eating, drinking, and smoking scenes. We talk about the different kinds of acting styles that relate to props, and why some actors latch onto them, while others seem to dismiss them out of hand. Then things get exciting with tales of jostled Faberge eggs, missing Rolex watches, and a stolen Picasso! You won't want to miss this one!

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 3 - TOBY JONES - ACTOR

In this episode, Team Deakins sits down with the talented actor, Toby Jones (TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY, INFAMOUS, THE HUNGER GAMES, ATOMIC BLONDE). We touch on a lot of subjects during the conversation including the all important relationship between an actor and a director. We talk about what an actor needs from a director and the necessity of sharing a common vision with the director. Toby also speaks about the responsibility and the freedom of playing figures from history. And we drill down to some practical points such as how to use the props without relying on them and the different processes of different actors. A very articulate look into the work of an actor that you won't want to miss!

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 2 ROD MCLEAN - ART DIRECTOR

Team Deakins looks into the role of the art director with the talented Rod McLean (BLADERUNNER 2049, ZERO DARK THIRTY, 1917). We have a lot of fun delving into his role and cover such topics of the advantages/disadvantages of shooting a location or set, the difficulties of a far location, working on small movies and the fragility of creativity. Rod is very generous in sharing his knowlege and experience. A lot of information in one episode! Don't miss it!⁠

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 1 - RICHARD CHEAL - SPECIAL EFFECTS

Team Deakins is joined by Special Effects (SFX) Technician RICHARD CHEAL (THE BATMAN, SPECTRE, STAR WARS) and we learn lots about the world of SFX. Richard tells us how the SFX team collaborates with many departments in the aim of making the shot the best it can be. The relationship of SFX and the DP is examined. And we go into detail about many shots in THE BATMAN and learn what they entailed. It was a very thorough look at the many aspects of Special Effects. You won't want to miss this episode.

RECOMMENDED EPISODE VIEWING: The Batman

EPISODE 163 - Byways

Team Deakins discusses Roger's new book BYWAYS as we head into a hiatus from the podcast. In this episode, we discuss what taking stills gives to Roger that film does not, how he enjoys observing things and places, how there is no pressure to shoot anything specific, what he likes to take images of, and why he prefers to shoot in black and white. We talk about his time shooting for the Beaford Archive and developing his eye. He likes dedicating his day to shooting on his stills camera and he only takes iPhone photographs when he's fishing. We discuss our incredible and collaborative experience working with Damiani, the publishers of BYWAYS.

IMAGES WE DISCUSSED: The Joy of Flight (72), Budapest Runners (116), and Lightning Strikes (131)

EPISODE 162- Roberto Schaefer - Cinematographer

Team Deakins is joined by cinematographer Roberto Schaefer (THE KITE RUNNER, QUANTUM OF SOLACE, MONSTER'S BALL) for a great conversation. In this episode, we discuss Roberto's journey into the industry (a serendipitous one). Roberto talks about his experiences working with directors Christopher Guest and Marc Forster, both of whom he has collaborated with many times. We learn what Roberto's approach was to lighting the film Best In Show and how he will not take a job if his initial reaction is clouded with doubt – he believes in following your instincts! We discuss the lighting cameraman, preserving a single vision while shooting multiple cameras, the rise of sky panels, shooting for television, and much more!

EPISODE 161 - Peter Kohn - First Assistant Director

Team Deakins sits down with first assistant director Peter Kohn (LA LA LAND, BIRDMAN, PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN) for a conversation. In this episode, Peter tells us how his father's career in the industry influenced his aspirations and his taste in films– he loves watching and working on musicals. Peter shares stories from working on the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy and Birdman, working with Gordon Willis, and doing smoke on the set of Ridley Scott's The Duellists. Together we talk about what makes a successful assistant director, having a big first day on set, the many factors that dictate the shooting schedule, and even car work. Peter also sneaks in a few questions about 1917!

EPISODE 160 - Sturla Brandth Grøvlen - Cinematographer

Team Deakins enjoys a great conversation with cinematographer Sturla Brandth Grøvlen (ANOTHER ROUND, VICTORIA, HEARTSTONE, RAMS). In this episode, we learn that Sturla attended school until he was 31, but over the course of the interview, we find out it was well worth it! Sturla talks about shooting Songs for Alexis, his first documentary film, and explains what Scandinavian Folk high schools are. He tells us that he didn't show his work to the outside world until his final year at the National Film School of Denmark, which dared him to fail and allowed him to focus on developing his artistic sensibility. Together we discuss Victoria and how they decided to shoot it in real-time without cuts, working with harsh weather conditions while filming Rams, and Sturla's visual inspiration for Heartstone. Sturla also tells about his experience working with Thomas Vinterberg (Episode 101) on his film, Another Round. Tune in!

RECOMMENDED EPISODE VIEWING: Victoria

EPISODE 159- ROBERT EGGERS & JARIN BLASCHKE - Director & Cinematographer

Team Deakins sits down with director and cinematographer Robert Eggers and Jarin Blaschke (THE NORTHMAN, THE LIGHTHOUSE, THE WITCH). Robert and Jarin discuss their shared love of golden age fairy tale illustrations, the funny story behind the start of their collaboration, and the meticulous planning that went into making The Lighthouse. We learn how Robert transitioned from working in the art department on New York independent films to directing The Witch. Robert and Jarin talk about what it was like to work with Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe, how they chose aspect ratio for The Lighthouse, how shooting for historical accuracy removes choices, and how films are about editing down not about creation. A wonderful conversation with excellent filmmakers!

EPISODE 158 - HARIS ZAMBARLOUKOS - Cinematographer

Team Deakins has a great conversation with cinematographer Haris Zambarloukos (MAMMA MIA!, SLEUTH, MR IN-BETWEEN, ARTEMIS FOWL) in this episode. Haris shares his experiences working with director Kenneth Branagh, Paul Sarossy, and Phyllida Lloyd. Haris talks about learning the steps of observation, contemplation, and action during his time in film school at St. Martins and about learning how to contribute to the feeling of a film while studying at AFI. We share many stories about our dear friend Conrad Hall and Haris beaks down how he shot Steven Knight's LOCKE in eight days. We discuss the idea of choosing a DP with whom a director could grow with or someone who could hold his hands and guide him as well as having trust in a director's ability to have an impact and to follow them every step along the way. Don't miss it!

RECOMMENDED EPISODE VIEWING: Locke