SEASON 2 - EPISODE 143 - Phil Alden Robinson - Writer / Director

In this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, we speak with writer and director Phil Alden Robinson (THE GOOD FIGHT, THE SUM OF ALL FEARS, FIELD OF DREAMS) about many of his films. Phil was initially interested in politics and journalism, but he eventually made his way to Los Angeles and found his way into a writer’s room based on the strength of a spec script. Phil soon found two of his feature scripts in production, and he reflects on the impact of being treated as badly as possible and as well as possible simultaneously. Later, Phil breaks down how FIELD OF DREAMS came together as a project, and we learn how he overcame an overwhelming sense of stress through the support of his cast and key crew members, including cinematographer John Lindley (Season 1, Episode 34) and production designer Dennis Gassner (Season 1, Episode 131). In addition to his work in features, Phil also directed documentaries for Nightline in a number of war zones, and we discuss the value of living life and taking time off from making movies. We also discuss the ubiquitousness of VFX in cinema today, and Phil shares what he feels to be the real lesson to take away from a film like the original STAR WARS.

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Recommended Viewing: FIELD OF DREAMS, THE SUM OF ALL FEARS

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This episode is sponsored by Aputure & Profoto