NICHOLAS BRITELL - Composer

NICHOLAS BRITELL - Composer

Author: James Ellis Deakins, Roger Deakins February 11, 2026 Duration: 1:15:34

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 180 - Nicholas Britell - Composer

In this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, we speak with composer Nicholas Britell (JAY KELLY, DON'T LOOK UP, MOONLIGHT). "How can a score function within a film?" is the question driving most of our conversation with Nicholas, and throughout the episode he generously provides insight into his process and recalls several examples from his own work to demonstrate how he and his directors arrived at specific pieces of music. We also reflect on the varying natures of scores across film history, and Nicholas shares the challenges of composing for television. He also shares the types of conversations he has with directors after he's brought onto a project, and we learn how he developed the themes for JAY KELLY, DON'T LOOK UP,  and THE BIG SHORT. In addition to composing full scores, Nicholas has also contributed music heard within a film's world—during the development of 12 YEARS A SLAVE, he was brought on to compose the songs played in individual scenes, and he reflects on how he balanced the music as both a dramatic element and a piece of history. 

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Recommended Viewing: DON'T LOOK UP

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This episode is sponsored by Picture Shop & 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: 50

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