Team Deakins
The Team Deakins podcast is an ongoing conversation between acclaimed cinematographer Roger Deakins and James Deakins, his collaborator, about cinematography, the film business and whatever other questions are submitted. We start with a specific question and end....who knows where! We are joined by guests periodically. Followup questions can be posted in the forums at www.rogerdeakins.com.
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DENISE DI NOVI - Producer
10/21/2026
DENISE DI NOVI - Producer
SEASON 2 - EPISODE 216 Denise Di Novi - Producer In this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, we speak with producer Denise Di Novi (PRACTICAL MAGIC 2, LITTLE WOMEN, EDWARD SCISSORHANDS). Denise has been producing for nearly 40 years, and throughout the episode we discuss her career and what she’s learned from the many films she's helped create. Denise shares how she first encountered the script for HEATHERS, and we learn how the film was developed and produced, and we discuss whether the film could even get made today. Following HEATHERS, Denise teamed with director Tim Burton as his producing partner, and she reflects on the transition from producing primarily independent films to producing movies alongside major Hollywood studios. Denise has also produced two LITTLE WOMEN adaptations—in 1994, written by Robin Swicord (Season 2, Episode 209) and in 2019 with Greta Gerwig’s version—and she reflects on her experiences being involved in both and reveals what finally gave Greta’s screenplay the greenlight. We also learn how she finds and develops projects with filmmakers, and she reflects on her strategy for putting any given film together and what she looks for in a director when taking meetings. - This episode is sponsored by BenQ
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TURNING THE TABLES - SKYFALL
10/14/2026
TURNING THE TABLES - SKYFALL
SEASON 2 - EPISODE 215 SKYFALL - with Adam Bricker “Turning the Tables” returns in this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast. The film in focus: SKYFALL. Cinematographer Adam Bricker (Season 2, Episode 213) hosts us this time, and he walks us through the film’s major sequences and moments and asks us about the logistical challenges we overcame, the creative intentions behind the vision for the film, and how we and the rest of the cast and crew filmed a globe-trotting adventure almost entirely in the UK. We also reflect on prioritizing practical filmmaking over visual effects, and we discuss the franchise’s place in English culture and in cinema. We also reveal the aspect of James Bond’s journey in the film that appealed to us enough to accept director Sam Mendes’ (Season 1, Episode 18) offer to shoot the film, and we share how the production kept everything moving forward despite numerous last minute changes. Plus, we discuss the importance of a cinematographer needing to know what a shot will look like before rolling the equipment off the truck. - Recommended Viewing: SKYFALL - This episode is sponsored by BenQ & Aputure
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MARYANN BRANDON - Editor
10/07/2026
MARYANN BRANDON - Editor
SEASON 2 - EPISODE 214 Maryann Brandon - Editor In this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, we speak with editor Maryann Brandon (THE RISE OF SKYWALKER, THE FORCE AWAKENS, ALIAS). Maryann was recruited by NYU to enter its film program, and after graduating alongside classmates such as Spike Lee, Ang Lee, and Ernest Dickerson (Season 2, Episode 58), she found work on Bob Rafelson’s BLACK WIDOW. Throughout the episode, we discuss Maryann’s approach to editing, how she manages the workload on large Hollywood franchise films such as STAR WARS and STAR TREK, and her longtime working relationship with director J.J. Abrams. We learn how they first met and how she balanced editing the series ALIAS while occasionally directing the 2nd unit, and she reveals why she decided to commit to editing full time. Maryann edited the first HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON film, which we also consulted on, and we compare how different working in animation is to live action. Maryann later reflects on the reception to PASSENGERS, and we discuss her opinion on focus groups and test screenings. Plus, Maryann shares her advice for younger editors. - This episode is sponsored by Aputure & BenQ
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ADAM BRICKER - Cinematographer
09/30/2026
ADAM BRICKER - Cinematographer
SEASON 2 - EPISODE 213 Adam Bricker - Cinematographer In this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, we speak with cinematographer Adam Bricker (HACKS, CHEF’S TABLE, AMERICAN VANDAL). After being hosted by Adam at several Q&A’s around Los Angeles, we turn the tables on him, and we ask him about his own career, learning about his journey from Chicago to Los Angeles and the many hours he put in cold-calling filmmakers on Craigslist to pitch himself as a cinematographer. We also discuss the value of having an agent as a DP, and Adam reflects on the privilege of having been able to work in Los Angeles during an extended city-wide downturn in production shoot days. Adam was also the sole cinematographer across five seasons and nearly 50 episodes on HACKS, a comedy series on HBO MAX, and he reveals how he and the other filmmakers approached shooting the show, from location scouting and prepping to grabbing the footage on the day. Adam also reflects on nailing the final shot of the series, and he shares how he endeavored to imbue a single-camera sensibility into the multi-cam show. Plus, we discuss Adam’s relationship with light meters. - Recommended Viewing: HACKS - This episode is sponsored by BenQ & Aputure
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MOTHER MARY - with David Lowery
09/23/2026
MOTHER MARY - with David Lowery
SEASON 2 - EPISODE 212 MOTHER MARY - with David Lowery In this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, director David Lowery (Season 2, Episode 60) returns to discuss his latest film, MOTHER MARY, now available to stream at home. Throughout the episode, we discuss the making of the movie, and topics include: the origin of the two lead characters, shooting the dialogue-heavy script, the evolution of the concert footage, and filming the bulk of the movie in 2023 and the remainder in 2024. We learn how the “ghost” was visualized and captured practically, where the supernatural elements of the movie came from, how actress Anne Hathaway prepared for her character’s elaborate dance choreography, and why the film was shot in Germany even though it’s set in England. David also shares how the process of developing MOTHER MARY differed and mirrored the development of his other films. In addition to learning how David filmed the movie, we also discuss how much work was done in post, and David reveals the level of invisible VFX work in the final cut. Plus, David shares some information about his next project. - Recommended Viewing: MOTHER MARY - This episode is sponsored by Aputure
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EDDIE MARSAN - Actor
09/16/2026
EDDIE MARSAN - Actor
SEASON 2 - EPISODE 211 Eddie Marsan - Actor In this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, we speak with actor Eddie Marsan (NO ORDINARY HEIST, BACK TO BLACK, RAY DONOVAN). During our conversation, we discuss Eddie’s youth in East London, being discovered by casting in a club at 18, his disciplined approach to his craft, working with a range of directors including Mike Leigh (Season 1, Episode 76), Edgar Wright (Season 2, Episode 169), and Steven Spielberg, playing a countless number of supporting roles, and the shortcomings of filmmakers who fail to give working and lower class characters volition, autonomy, and humanity. Eddie also reflects on acting as “evil” characters, and we discuss the qualities of several of them from throughout his career. Towards the end of the episode, we ask Eddie how younger generations of actors are different compared to the ones who came before, and he encourages young actors to not wait for the system to change and create space for the roles they want to play. Plus, Eddie reveals the type of character he’d love to play but has yet to. - This episode is sponsored by Aputure
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RON HOWARD - Director
09/09/2026
RON HOWARD - Director
SEASON 2 - EPISODE 210 Ron Howard - Director In this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, we speak with director Ron Howard (AVEDON, APOLLO 13, A BEAUTIFUL MIND). Ron has worked professionally in film and television since the age of 4, and he reflects on his life and career throughout the episode, from chewing fake glass with Yul Brenner as a child actor to directing a wide variety of features and documentaries for almost 50 years. A graduate of the Roger Corman movie factory, Ron reveals what he learned about leadership and collaboration while directing GRAND THEFT AUTO, his directorial debut, under Roger’s guidance, and we discuss whether any modern equivalent exists for filmmakers today as a proving ground. Ron also shares how he pushed himself early on to always be creating, and we discuss the creation of several of his films and what he aims for in every movie he makes. We later ask what draws him to a potential project, and we discuss his foray into directing documentaries and how it differs from shooting fiction. We worked with Ron on A BEAUTIFUL MIND, and we had a wonderful time catching up with him. - This episode is sponsored by Aputure
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ROBIN SWICORD - Writer / Director
09/02/2026
ROBIN SWICORD - Writer / Director
SEASON 2 - EPISODE 209 Robin Swicord - Writer / Director In this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, we speak with writer and director Robin Swicord (WAKEFIELD, WHEN THEY SEE US, PRACTICAL MAGIC). Throughout the episode, Robin is frank about her experience working in the film industry as a woman, and we discuss how she’s seen the culture and behaviour within the industry change over the years. Robin wrote the script for the 1994 adaptation of LITTLE WOMEN, and she shares what it took for the studio to finally greenlight the film after 12 years of development. She also reflects on the long development process of BENJAMIN BUTTON, and she reveals what her initial vision for the story was. After years as a writer, Robin was able to direct her first feature, THE JANE AUSTEN BOOK CLUB, and she shares how she cast the film on short notice and how she prepped for it as a first-time director. We later discuss how she shot her second film as a director, WAKEFIELD, in just 18 days, and she reflects on what she brought from her experiences on her first film to the second one. - This episode is sponsored by Aputure
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JOHN LEE HANCOCK - Writer / Director
08/26/2026
JOHN LEE HANCOCK - Writer / Director
SEASON 2 - EPISODE 208 John Lee Hancock - Writer / Director In this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, we speak with writer and director John Lee Hancock (THE HIGHWAYMEN, THE ROOKIE, A PERFECT WORLD). John was born and raised in Texas and we learn how he made the transition from practicing law to screenwriting and what he stayed busy with to survive in Los Angeles after moving there. John later reflects on learning filmmaking from Clint Eastwood and Kevin Costner during the production of A PERFECT WORLD (which John wrote), and he reveals how he came up with the idea of the film. We also learn how producer Mark Johnson (Season 2, Episode 97) accidentally set him up to direct his first film, and John reveals some of the benefits of being a writer while also working as a director. John also reflects on the grand-scaled production of THE ALAMO, and we discuss the historical and cultural backdrop of Texas at the time of the events of the movie. Towards the end, John shares some information with us about his next film, and we discuss the economic difficulties of filming within the United States that lead to productions shooting abroad. - Recommended Viewing: A PERFECT WORLD
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JOHN CARROLL LYNCH - Actor / Director
08/19/2026
JOHN CARROLL LYNCH - Actor / Director
SEASON 2 - EPISODE 207 John Carroll Lynch - Actor / Director In this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, we speak with actor and director John Carroll Lynch (BALLARD, LUCKY, FARGO). During our conversation, John tells us what originally drew him into acting, and we discuss an actor’s function and place in film, television, and the theatre. As an actor, John has been directed by filmmakers ranging from Clint Eastwood to David Fincher to Ethan and Joel Coen (Season 1, Episode 33), and we discuss how he adapts to different methods of working. We later spend much of the episode discussing John’s directorial debut, LUCKY, and we learn how he came to direct the film, how he worked with actor Harry Dean Stanton to develop a script based on his own life, and what it was about the film that attracted him to join in the first place. John also reflects on his experience directing the late David Lynch in the film, and we ask him what to expect in his next movie as a director. We worked with John on FARGO, and it was great catching up with him. - Recommended Viewing: LUCKY
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DAVID FORTUNE - Writer / Director
08/12/2026
DAVID FORTUNE - Writer / Director
SEASON 2 - EPISODE 206 David Fortune - Writer / Director In this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, we speak with writer and director David Fortune, whose feature debut, COLOR BOOK, is now available to stream on Netflix. David grew up in East Atlanta, watching GOODFELLAS on repeat with his siblings, but it wasn’t until a screening of BICYCLE THIEVES while studying at Moorehouse that he decided to become a filmmaker. Throughout the episode, we discuss David’s winding path from film school to the making of his first feature, and we learn about the different types of fellowships and incubator programs that supported his development as a filmmaker. We also discuss the making of COLOR BOOK, and we learn how David prepared for the film, cast its leads, and built out the crew using mostly local talent from Atlanta. David also shares how much the film changed from the script to the final edit, and he reveals what inspired him to shoot the film in black and white. Plus, at the end, we learn a little about what he plans to explore in his next movie. - Recommended Viewing: COLOR BOOK
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CHARLEY GILLERAN - Rigging Key Grip
08/05/2026
CHARLEY GILLERAN - Rigging Key Grip
SEASON 2 - EPISODE 205 Charley Gilleran - Rigging Key Grip In this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, we speak with rigging key grip Charley Gilleran (A STAR IS BORN, BLADE RUNNER 2049, NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN). Charley shares why he got into rigging, what the job entails, and throughout the the episode he shares how he overcame several lighting challenges, ranging from Wallace’s office in BLADE RUNNER 2049 to the Pacific Coast Highway in INTOLERABLE CRUELTY. Charley also recalls his first meeting with key grip Mitch Lillian (Season 1, Episode 27) on the streets of New York, and we learn why Charley moved to Los Angeles to continue and grow his career. Charley later reflects on the scheduling benefits of being the rigging grip on a job, and he shares how he preps for and adapts during a production to help the cinematographer execute his or her plan. We also discuss how much rigging has changed with advances in technology, and Charley offers his thoughts on the future of the film business in Los Angeles. We’ve worked with Charley on numerous films, and we were excited to have him on the podcast. - Recommended Viewing: HAIL, CAESAR!
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JANICE BLACKIE-GOODINE - Set Decorator
07/29/2026
JANICE BLACKIE-GOODINE - Set Decorator
SEASON 2 - EPISODE 204 Janice Blackie-Goodine - Set Decorator In this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, we speak with set decorator Janice Blackie-Goodine (THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES, LONESOME DOVE, UNFORGIVEN). Growing up on farmland in Calgary, Janice’s experiences with hard, physical labour and a supportive art teacher led to her specialize in set decoration. During our conversation, we learn how Janice navigated the male-dominated department, and she helps us understand what a set decorator does and how she approaches every job. Later, we reflect on surviving the production of JESSE JAMES together. Janice shares how she, production designer Richard Hoover (Season 1, Episode 142), and producer David Valdes (Season 1, Episode 13) pivoted when they discovered they were prepping the wrong version of the film, and we learn why it’s the film she’s the most proud of. Janice also shares how she develops relationships with vendors when securing pieces for a set and how she builds the budget, and she reveals why she finally retired from the business. We worked with Janice on JESSE JAMES, and we loved catching up with her. - If you enjoyed listening to Janice, then we would recommend listening to Dean Goodine (Season 2, Episode 201)—a prop master and Janice’s husband.
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JOHN SCHWARTZMAN - Cinematographer
07/22/2026
JOHN SCHWARTZMAN - Cinematographer
SEASON 2 - EPISODE 203 John Schwartzman - Cinematographer In this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, we speak with cinematographer John Schwartzman (THE HOUSEMAID, THE HIGHWAYMEN, THE ROCK). John has worked on numerous high-budget, highly commercial films throughout his career, and we spend much of the episode discussing his approach to his work on those movies and his process overall. John’s father, an entertainment lawyer for the likes of Stanley Kubrick and Hal Ashby, married into the Coppola filmmaking family while John was just a teenager, and we learn how John leveraged this connection and his skills at board games to win letters of recommendation from his uncle Francis Ford Coppola and friend-of-the-family George Lucas. We also discuss how John draws on his upbringing to help actors feel comfortable during a shoot, and he reflects on how he satisfies his creative needs in modern Hollywood. John also shares the pivotal pieces of advice he received from cinematographers such as Conrad Hall and Caleb Deschanel (Season 1, Episode 86) that instilled confidence in him, and we learn how and why he failed out of USC.
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CHRISTINA ALEXANDRA VOROS - Director / Cinematographer
07/15/2026
CHRISTINA ALEXANDRA VOROS - Director / Cinematographer
SEASON 2 - EPISODE 202 Christina Alexandra Voros - Director / Cinematographer In this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, we speak with director and cinematographer Christina Alexandra Voros (DUTTON RANCH, THE MADISON, YELLOWSTONE). A graduate of the NYU film program (Season 1, Episode 104), Christina discovered cinematography and directing while at school, and she walks us through her formative years there. After working her way through documentaries and features, Christina found steady work directing and shooting shows within the Taylor Sheridan universe, and we discuss the unique working conditions of those series and how she approaches doing two jobs at once. She reflects on what she brings to narrative films and series from her time in documentaries, and we discuss the flexibility one has when you’re both the director and the cinematographer. We later learn up to five cameras can be rolling at once on a show like THE MADISON and DUTTON RANCH, and Christina helps us understand how you can direct a scene with so much simultaneous coverage.
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DEAN GOODINE - Prop Master
07/08/2026
DEAN GOODINE - Prop Master
SEASON 2 - EPISODE 201 Dean Goodine - Prop Master In this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, we speak with prop master Dean Goodine (THE ORDER, THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES, UNFORGIVEN). From a small lumber town in Canada, Dean almost committed his life to the oil fields of Alberta before turning to film. Throughout the episode, Dean helps us understand what a prop master does for a movie, and, drawing on his extensive experience with firearms safety, we also discuss how he keeps sets safe. While learning what Dean’s responsibilities are as a prop master, he shares how he collaborates with the costume department, and we also discuss how he adapts to working with different directors. In addition to film, Dean has also worked in television, and he reflects on dealing with the phenomenon of fandom while working on STARGATE. We also discuss the state of the Canadian film industry, historical and present-day, and Dean reveals how his own research and prep process has stayed the same. We worked with Dean on JESSE JAMES, and we had a great time catching up with him. - If you enjoyed listening to Dean, you can learn more about him and his career in his book “They Don’t Pay Me To Say No: My Life in Film and Television Props”
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TANA DUBBE - Key Grip
07/01/2026
TANA DUBBE - Key Grip
SEASON 2 - EPISODE 200 Tana Dubbe - Key Grip In this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, we speak with key grip Tana Dubbe (ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER, A STAR IS BORN, IRON MAN). Throughout the episode, Tana illuminates the responsibilities of the lesser publicized position, and she shares how and why she became one herself. We also learn how a key grip might work with the cinematographer, such as Tana’s frequent collaborator Matty Libatique (Season 1, Episode 84), during prep and production, and we discuss her observations on the different working conditions of smaller and larger scaled projects. Tana later shares how her job has changed with the advent of new lighting and camera technologies, and she reveals how she and her team might work with the gaffer, electrical department, and the rigging grips to bring what a cinematographer wants into reality. We also discuss the importance of assembling a team you can trust to not only do the job but also treat others fairly, and Tana reflects on the evolution of women in the grip department.
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SCOTT FRANK - Writer / Director
06/24/2026
SCOTT FRANK - Writer / Director
SEASON 2 - EPISODE 199 Scott Frank - Writer / Director In this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, we speak with writer and director Scott Frank (DEPT. Q, THE QUEEN’S GAMBIT, LOGAN). Scott has worked across film and television over the course of his career, and as fans of his latest show, DEPT. Q, we were thrilled to have him on to talk about his work. Scott reveals how a college professor’s life advice and interest in his budding screenwriting abilities eventually led to an office on the Paramount lot at age 24, and throughout the episode we discuss Scott’s views on writing, directing, and the importance of character in a story. Scott also shares what he learned from watching his feature screenplays get made by other directors, and we learn why he decided to direct his own work himself. We later discuss his approach to casting and coverage, and Scott shares numerous pieces of advice from filmmakers such as Steven Soderbergh (Season 2, Episode 153), Sydney Pollack, and his own very wise wife. - Recommended Viewing: DEPT. Q
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FERNANDO MEIRELLES - Director
06/17/2026
FERNANDO MEIRELLES - Director
SEASON 2 - EPISODE 198 Fernando Meirelles - Director In this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, we speak with director Fernando Meirelles (THE TWO POPES, BLINDNESS, CITY OF GOD). Despite growing up with a filmmaking-loving father, it wasn’t until Fernando graduated from architecture school, smuggled film equipment into Brazil, produced television and commercials through a video production company, and met cinematographer César Charlone (Season 2, Episode 174) that he finally directed his first feature. During our discussion of CITY OF GOD, we learn how he, the crew, and a cast of non-professional (and young) actors prepared for the shoot, and Fernando reveals how they strategized to capture the necessary footage while filming in a favela. We later learn how Fernando incorporates improvisation while working with actors during production, and, while reflecting on working with actors who like to plan far in advance, he shares a story from his time working with actor Anthony Hopkins on THE TWO POPES. Fernando later reveals why he planned to quit filmmaking after THE CONSTANT GARDNER and why BLINDNESS brought him back, and he shares what his biggest regret is. - Recommended Viewing: CITY OF GOD
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MICHAEL CONNELLY - Author
06/10/2026
MICHAEL CONNELLY - Author
SEASON 2 - EPISODE 197 Michael Connelly - Author In this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, we speak with author Michael Connelly. Michael is best known for the Harry Bosch, Lincoln Lawyer, and Renée Ballard series, and many of his novels have been adapted for film and television. During our conversation, we learn what inspired Michael to become a crime novelist, how the character of Harry Bosch came together, and why he gravitated to television for adapting the bulk of his work for screens. Michael discusses his involvement in his shows, and we discuss the creative and practical decisions behind adapting some novels in the series over others. Michael also spent over a dozen years as a crime reporter in Florida and in Los Angeles, and he shares why he made the career decision and how it helped build the foundation for the crime stories he went on to write. As huge BOSCH fans, we were thrilled to be able to talk to Michael about his work. - Recommended Viewing: BOSCH
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DREW KUNIN - Production Sound Mixer
06/03/2026
DREW KUNIN - Production Sound Mixer
SEASON 2 - EPISODE 196 Drew Kunin - Production Sound Mixer In this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, we speak with production sound mixer Drew Kunin (DISCLOSURE DAY; HER; CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON). Throughout the episode, Drew helps us understand how a production sound mixer might do his or her job in a number of different circumstances, drawing on experiences ranging from building a recording booth on wheels for HER to mixing CROUCHING TIGER phonetically using a pinyin script. Drew also describes the type of equipment he might use in certain situations, and he reflects on the changes in technology and in technique he’s witnessed since he started his career. He later shares his approach to mixing tracks on set, and we discuss how his mixes can influence what happens in post. Drew also recounts his experience of being one of two Americans on the crew of CROUCHING TIGER in China, and he gives us a quick demonstration on the difference between Mandarin and Cantonese. We worked with Drew on THE GOLDFINCH and THE SECRET GARDEN, and we had a great time catching up with him. - This episode is sponsored by Aputure
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JAFAR PANAHI - Director
05/27/2026
JAFAR PANAHI - Director
SEASON 2 - EPISODE 195 Jafar Panahi - Director In this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, we speak with director Jafar Panahi (IT WAS JUST AN ACCIDENT, NO BEARS, THE WHITE BALLOON). Growing up amidst poverty in Tehran, Jafar’s love for cinema began in childhood and led him to enroll in the film program at university. Unsatisfied with his final student film, he destroyed it, but he reveals to us why and shares how his approach to directing every subsequent film changed for the better. Throughout the episode, we discuss how he actually makes his movies—both as a filmmaker and as a citizen contesting with censorship and an authoritarian government. We discuss the making of THE WHITE BALLOON and THE CIRCLE, and Jafar shares how he attempts to make the events in his films feel as if they really happened. We also learn how and why he brings in non-actors during the casting process, and he reveals how he and his crew try to avoid government raids. We also discuss the making of IT WAS JUST AN ACCIDENT, which features a return to a more traditional form of storytelling compared with Jafar’s preceding films, and he reflects on his period of making films while being banned from filmmaking. Translation conducted by Sheida Dayani. This conversation was recorded on February 12, 2026. If you enjoyed this episode, we recommend listening to our conversation with director Mohammad Rasoulof (Season 2, Episode 121). - Recommended Viewing: THE WHITE BALLOON, THIS IS NOT A FILM, THE CIRCLE - This episode is sponsored by Aputure
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BUDDY SQUIRES - Cinematographer
05/20/2026
BUDDY SQUIRES - Cinematographer
SEASON 2 - EPISODE 194 Buddy Squires - Cinematographer In this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, we speak with cinematographer Buddy Squires (THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, BEYOND THE BEACH: THE HELL AND THE HOPE, BASEBALL). Buddy has worked on countless documentaries, ranging from vérité to recreations, and we spend the episode discussing how he sees his work and what he tries to achieve while capturing images of events happening in real time. Buddy has also worked with director Ken Burns since they met in college, and he gives us insight into their lifelong collaboration and their approach to portraying history. Buddy also recalls the winding path he took to reach documentary filmmaking, and he reflects on the filmmakers, photographers, and films that inspired him the most at the time. Buddy later reflects on his experiences shooting the humanitarian work featured in BEYOND THE BEACH across the Middle East, and we ask him if he feels documentaries can make a difference. We also discuss how digital camera technology has made Buddy’s job easier, and he shares his review of the drone footage from the 2026 Winter Olympics. - This episode is sponsored by Aputure
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LYDIA DEAN PILCHER - Producer / Director
05/13/2026
LYDIA DEAN PILCHER - Producer / Director
SEASON 2 - EPISODE 193 Lydia Dean Pilcher - Producer / Director In this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, we speak with producer and director Lydia Dean Pilcher (A CALL TO SPY, QUEEN OF KATWE, THE DARJEELING LIMITED). From producing plays in her parents’ garage to making feature films and documentaries seen around the world, Lydia has always been drawn to the power of stories. Throughout our conversation, we discuss the lifelong impact of growing up in the United States during the Vietnam War era, her varied work as a producer and director, and how she developed her skills working in the New York film scene. Lydia also reflects on her longtime collaboration with director Mira Nair, and we learn how Lydia helped produce many of Mira’s films such as MISSISSIPPI MASALA and THE RELUCTANT FUNDAMENTALIST. She later helps clear up the differences between the numerous producer credits, and she reflects on how the business of producing and financing films has changed how she does her job nowadays. Plus, Lydia reveals which mountain she slept on while attending the inaugural edition of the Sundance Film Festival and which previous guest of the podcast spent nine weeks of nights working in the prop department of Martin Scorsese’s AFTER HOURS. If you enjoyed listening to Lydia, then you’ll love listening to her husband (and production designer) Mark Friedberg (Season 2, Episode 160). - This episode is sponsored by Aputure
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CHRIS CARROLL - Assistant Director
05/06/2026
CHRIS CARROLL - Assistant Director
SEASON 2 - EPISODE 192 Chris Carroll - Assistant Director In this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, we speak with assistant director Chris Carroll (THE MASTERMIND, YELLOWSTONE, NIGHT MOVES). Throughout the episode, Chris shares how he juggles the many duties of the role, and we learn how an early-career run-in with assistant director Michael Lerman (Season 1, Episode 85) set him on the path to becoming one himself. Chris also frequently collaborates with director Kelly Reichardt and cinematographer Christopher Blauvelt (Season 2, Episode 179), and he reflects on making films such as MEEK’S CUTOFF and NIGHT MOVES on limited budgets in remote locations. We later discuss the challenges of building out the schedule for production, and Chris shares how he tries to balance the needs of every department with the realities of the shoot. We also learn how Chris monitors and manages the crew’s mood, and we discuss where he physically is on the day. We also learn how Chris works with extras, and he reveals how different his job can be on a television series like YELLOWSTONE. - This episode is sponsored by Aputure
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DIANA BURTON - Prop Master
04/29/2026
DIANA BURTON - Prop Master
SEASON 2 - EPISODE 191 Diana Burton - Prop Master In this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, we speak with prop master Diana Burton (WEST SIDE STORY, OKJA, THE SOPRANOS). We worked with Diana on PASSION FISH—directed by John Sayles (Season 2, Episode 55)—and it was great catching up with her. We learn what the prop department is and isn’t responsible for in this episode, and Diana shares how she works with the other departments to help make the best film possible. Diana shares some early career stories from her PA days in New York City, from delivering tuna sandwiches to Madonna to watching a cougar roam the streets in the Upper West Side, and we discuss her thoughts on breaking into the prop department today. Diana also reveals how she approached designing the weapons for the machines in TERMINATOR GENISYS, and we learn why she always enlists an armourer to handle firearms on a shoot. Diana also shares her opinion on continuity, and we discuss how she feels when someone suggests to do something in post rather than in-camera. Plus, Diana reveals how she and two food stylists made all that food for JULIE & JULIA. - This episode is sponsored by Aputure
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NICK KAZAN - Writer
04/22/2026
NICK KAZAN - Writer
SEASON 2 - EPISODE 188 - Nick Kazan - Writer In this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, we speak with writer Nick Kazan (BICENTENNIAL MAN, MATILDA, DREAM LOVER). Nick has been writing professionally for decades, and we spend much of our conversation with him discussing what he finds to work and not work in a screenplay. Nick also shares his relationship to a script after it’s entered production, and we discuss how changes made during production can enhance a scene. We also learn how he’s balanced writing spec scripts with assignments, what his opinion of the three act structure is, what he needs to know before he begins writing, and when he recognizes his writing is working. Nick also shares how a Harold Pinter play inspired him to begin writing in the first place, and we learn how he’s been chasing the experience of writing for the very first time ever since. Plus, Nick reveals why he didn’t leverage his the reputation of his father (director Elia Kazan) to build his own career, and we ask Nick: “What makes a good writer?” - Recommended Viewing: SHAMPOO - This episode is sponsored by Aputure
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TITUS WELLIVER - Actor
04/15/2026
TITUS WELLIVER - Actor
SEASON 2 - EPISODE 189 - Titus Welliver - Actor In this extended episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, we speak with actor Titus Welliver (BOSCH, DEADWOOD, THE TOWN). If you listened to our conversations with cinematographer Michael McDonough (Season 2, Episode 159) or cinematographer and director Ernest Dickerson (Season 2, Episode 58), then you know we love BOSCH. We were thrilled to speak to Titus not only about his work on the show but also about his life, the unconventional road he took to becoming an actor, and his perspective on acting as a career. Titus also reflects on working with and learning from the late cinematographer Haskell Wexler, and we discuss the relationship between actors, the camera, and the entire camera department. We later learn how Titus enforced good behaviour on the sets of BOSCH, and he reveals how the writers of the show would deal with anyone not preparing properly. Titus later reveals some of the acting inspirations behind his performance of Harry Bosch, and he recounts an evening spent smoking pot and receiving wisdom from actors James Coburn and Robert Mitchum after moving to Los Angeles. - Recommended Viewing: BOSCH - This episode is sponsored by Aputure
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STEVE RAMSEY - Gaffer
04/08/2026
STEVE RAMSEY - Gaffer
SEASON 2 - EPISODE 190 - Steve Ramsey - Gaffer In this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, we speak with gaffer Steve Ramsey (THE BRIDE!, WEST SIDE STORY, JOKER). We worked with Steve on THE GOLDFINCH, and we had a great time catching up with him. During our conversation, we discuss what a gaffer actually does, what his or her responsibilities can be, and how Steve adjusts his process to work with cinematographers ranging from Janusz Kamiński to Vittorio Storaro—and us! Steve also grants us insight into working on the sets of several Steven Spielberg films, and he shares how he and the film’s cinematographer will prepare a scene to give room for Steven to follow his instincts. We also reflect on the rise of LEDs, and we discuss a few instances in which classic tungsten lights and gels solved a problem on the day. At the end of the episode, Steve gives his advice for anyone interested in a career as a gaffer, and we reflect on the job’s non-descriptive title. - Recommended Viewing: WEST SIDE STORY (2021) - This episode is sponsored by Aputure
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JOHN HILLCOAT - Director
04/01/2026
JOHN HILLCOAT - Director
SEASON 2 - EPISODE 187 - John Hillcoat - Director In this extended episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, we speak with director John Hillcoat (GEORGE & TAMMY, THE ROAD, THE PROPOSITION). Violence is often at the center of John’s films, and we spend much of our conversation with him discussing its portrayal in his work, its ubiquity in the real world, and his fascination with its aftermath and consequences. Later, during our discussion of THE PROPOSITION, John reveals the source of inspiration for the project, how the film lost and then found financing, and why they shot it in the Australian Outback in the middle of the summer. John also relives the nightmare of fighting the Weinsteins over the cut of THE ROAD, and we learn how shooting the film in-camera protected it from outside meddling. Towards the end of our conversation, John describes the differences between working in television versus film, and he shares how he tried to use cinematic language within the limited series GEORGE & TAMMY. John also shares how he got his start shooting music videos in his home country of Australia, and we learn about his enduring quest to finally make the BLOOD MERIDIAN movie. - This episode is sponsored by Aputure & Picture Shop
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