Team Deakins

Latest Episodes:

DAVID VALDES - Producer Nov 30, 2022

Show notes

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 13 - DAVID VALDES - PRODUCER

For this week's episode, Team Deakins sits down for a great conversation with the fabulous producer David Valdes (UNFORGIVEN, THE GREEN MILE, AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER). David tells us how he got his career started by sneaking onto a film shoot as a teenager. Eventually he found himself working on the Universal lot as a fireman, a position that doesn't even exist anymore and has little to do with putting out actual fires. Before long, our discussion turned to David's decades long relation with Clint Eastwood, who he made 18 films with. Listen in to hear our wide ranging conversation with one of the great producers in the business!

MONAYA ABEL - Camera Trainee Nov 23, 2022

Show notes

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 12 - MONAYA ABEL - CAMERA TRAINEE

This week were are so excited to be joined by camera trainee Monaya Abel (EMPIRE OF LIGHT, THIS IS GOING TO HURT, CITADEL) on the Team Deakins Podcast. This is a great discussion since it's a category not often heard from. As a newcomer to film production, she provides a different perspective and her enthusiasm for the world of filmmaking is infectious. We discuss how she works to keep morale up on set for herself, and her whole team. We also get to hear first-hand what it's like to be the new kid on the block, and what surprised her when she came onto the set of a major production for the very first time. She also got us thinking about some of our early days in the business and how things have changed. With people like Monaya entering the world of production, movie making is in very good hands for the future. Listen in!

STUART WILSON - Sound Mixer Nov 16, 2022

Show notes

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 11 - STUART WILSON - SOUND MIXER

Team Deakins is thrilled to welcome the magnificent sound mixer Stuart Wilson (THE BATMAN, THE RISE OF SKYWALKER, SPECTRE, WORLD WAR Z) to this week's episode of the podcast. We have a great conversation centered around the duties of the sound mixer, and his experiences on some wonderful films. Stuart explains to us how he's developed an instinct for catching great moments in a scene, and all of the nuances involved in capturing an exceptional recording of the human voice. We also drill down on some fun tricks of the trade. Just where do you hide a bulky mic, transmitter, and battery pack on Catwoman's skin-tight catsuit, and how could it possibly involve the NFL? Listen in to find out the answer to that question, and so many more!

MATTHEW HEINEMAN - Director Nov 09, 2022

Show notes

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 10 - MATTHEW HEINEMAN - DIRECTOR

For this week's Team Deakins podcast, we sit down with filmmaker Matthew Heineman (CARTEL LAND, THE FIRST WAVE, A PRIVATE WAR) for a fascinating and enthralling conversation. Matthew tells us how he captured footage, and survived, in two situations where his life was literally on the line. First, among the drug cartel border skirmishes in Cartel Land, and then imbedded in a New York City emergency room for months during the outbreak and initial spread of COVID-19 for The First Wave. We also talk about one of the major aspects of making documentaries that most people never think about: casting. Matthew also discusses everything involved in making the leap from directing documentaries over to directing narrative films. Don't miss it!

ALEX PRITZ - Documentarian Nov 02, 2022

Show notes

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 9 - ALEX PRITZ - DOCUMENTARIAN

This week, Team Deakins is so happy to invite documentary filmmaker Alex Pritz (THE TERRITORY, MY DEAR KYRGYSTAN) to join us for a wide ranging conversation. Alex explains to us how his background in science spurred him into filmmaking, and still drives the larger questions his films attempt to ask. We also discuss the moral issues raised by documenting real life events - and perhaps more importantly, real people. And then we get into the importance of being 100 percent honest in grappling with those issues. Eventually, the conversation turns to a field we know almost too much about: how to maintain a healthy work/life balance when your spouse is also in the business!

MARK TILDESLEY - Production Designer Oct 26, 2022

Show notes

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 8 - MARK TILDESLEY - PRODUCTION DESIGNER

Team Deakins is so pleased to welcome the fabulous production designer Mark Tildesley (NO TIME TO DIE, PHANTOM THREAD, SUNSHINE) to the podcast for a delightful conversation. Mark unpacks the role of the production designer, and delves into how he works with hyper visual directors like Danny Boyle, and more contemplative, internal directors like Michael Winterbottom. He also sheds some light on how the role of the production designer differs on a small, personal movie compared to a mega blockbuster franchise like James Bond. This is a delightful conversation that drills down on the real world nuts and bolts of filmmaking. Don't miss it!

MICHEAL WARD - Actor Oct 19, 2022

Show notes

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 7 - MICHAEL WARD - ACTOR

Team Deakins engage in a wonderful conversation with actor Micheal Ward (BEAUTY, TOP BOY, EMPIRE OF LIGHT). We cover a lot of ground including discussing his experiences on TOP BOY, working in television vs features and his viewpoint as an actor on a set. Micheal speaks of the importance of authenticity and the responsibility he feels as a black actor to provide opportunities behind the camera for others to learn the craft. He also shares some funny tales of auditioning and animal phobia. You won't want to miss this episode!

RICHARD SHEAN - Video Playback Operator Oct 12, 2022

Show notes

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 6 - RICHARD SHEAN - VIDEO PLAYBACK OPERATOR

Video Playback Operator Team Deakins gets into the world of the Video Playback Operator with Richard Shean (HARRY POTTER, WAR HORSE, 28 DAYS LATER, SUNSHINE). He explains that the job differs because of the requirements of the specific film as well as the working method of different directors. Richard is also very candid about his long journey to find what he wanted to do and we were impressed by his tenacity in face of drawbacks. He talks about working with Steven Spielberg and Danny Boyle as well. And we learn how the technology has changed the job. We covered a lot in this episode and were thoroughly entertained in the process!

KAMLAN MAN - Set Decorator Oct 05, 2022

Show notes

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 5 - KAMLAN MAN - SET DECORATOR

Team Deakins has the pleasure in this episode of speaking with a set decorator, Kamlan Man (NO TIME TO DIE, PHANTOM THREAD, SKYFALL).We explore the role of set decorator in depth and learn all kinds of things. We learn how small items can tell the story of a character, the steps for properly dressing a location and compare dressing built sets vs locations. We also discuss the set decorator's relationship with the props department and definitely dive into the conversation of using practical lights and her relationship with the cinematographer. A full look at the job of a set decorator!

MAT BERGEL - Props Sep 28, 2022

Show notes

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!

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected