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.

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Recommended Viewing: DEPT. Q

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.

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Recommended Viewing: CITY OF GOD

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.

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Recommended Viewing: BOSCH