LUKASZ ZAL - Cinematographer

LUKASZ ZAL - Cinematographer

Author: James Ellis Deakins, Roger Deakins August 14, 2024 Duration: 1:10:04

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 102 - LUKASZ ZAL - CINEMATOGRAPHER

On this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, we're speaking with cinematographer Lukasz Zal (THE ZONE OF INTEREST, COLD WAR, IDA). Born and raised in Poland, Lukasz yearned to express himself creatively in his youth, but it wasn't until he filmed a communion that he found his creativity was best practiced through cinematography. We also learn how Lukasz took over the role of cinematographer on IDA and how he and director (and fellow Pole) Pawel Pawlikowski worked together. He later reveals the humorous reason the camera finally moves at the end of the film, and we discuss how shooting the film in colour and then converting the footage into black and white affected the final images. Later, Lukasz shares his experiences working on DOVLATOV in St. Petersburg, and we take a moment to appreciate the rich cinematic and artistic traditions of the Russian people. Towards the end, we also discuss the practical challenges of shooting THE ZONE OF INTEREST and how director Jonathan Glazer's idea of "Big Brother in Nazi Germany" informed the ultimate tone of the film.

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This episode is sponsored by Aputure


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: 100

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