CHARLEY GILLERAN - Rigging Key Grip

CHARLEY GILLERAN - Rigging Key Grip

Author: James Ellis Deakins, Roger Deakins August 5, 2026 Duration: 59:25

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.

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Recommended Viewing: HAIL, CAESAR!


There’s a particular kind of conversation that happens when two people who have spent a lifetime in film just start talking, following a thread wherever it leads. That’s the heart of Team Deakins. Roger Deakins, the Oscar-winning cinematographer, and his longtime collaborator and wife, James Ellis Deakins, sit down to unpack questions sent in by listeners, which means every episode begins with a specific point of curiosity-a technical detail, a business dilemma, a philosophical query about storytelling-and unfolds from there. You’ll hear them dig into the craft of cinematography, dissect the realities of the film and television industry, and share stories from their own remarkable journey. The discussion is meandering, insightful, and grounded in decades of practical experience. While it’s primarily their dialogue, they are occasionally joined by guests from across the film world, adding new dimensions to the talk. This isn’t a formal lecture series; it’s an accessible, ongoing dialogue between experts who love what they do. For anyone fascinated by how movies are made, from the lighting of a scene to the navigating of a career, this podcast offers a rare, unfiltered look behind the curtain. The entire project feels like a natural extension of their shared life in art, making each episode a unique and personal listen.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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