JAMES LAXTON - Cinematographer | Team Deakins

James Laxton, cinematographer of *Moonlight*, *If Beale Street Could Talk*, and *Mufasa: The Lion King*, discusses his journey into cinematography, influenced by his costume designer mother and early experiences making skate videos. He recounts film school at Florida State University, where hands-on experience and collaboration with Barry Jenkins shaped his visual language, drawing inspiration from filmmakers like Wong Kar Wai and Claire Denis. Laxton details the making of *Medicine for Melancholy* on a small budget, the evolution of his collaborative process with Jenkins, and the balance between technical precision and intuitive filmmaking. He also reflects on the challenges and rewards of working on diverse projects, from independent cinema to high-end animation, emphasizing the importance of instinct, believability, and connecting with actors.

Outlines

Part 1: Early Life, Education, and Influences

Part 2: Career Growth and Cinematographic Style

Part 3: New Frontiers and Animation

Part 4: Creative Philosophy and Conclusion

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JAMES LAXTON - Cinematographer

Team Deakins

Part 1: Early Life, Education, and Influences

James Laxton's Early Exposure to Filmmaking and the Allure of Film Sets

Film School at Florida State: Hands-On Learning and Barry Jenkins' Collaboration

Influences of Wong Kar Wai and Claire Denis; Medicine for Melancholy's Origins

The Palette of "Medicine for Melancholy" and Intuitive Filmmaking with Barry Jenkins

Part 2: Career Growth and Cinematographic Style

Navigating the Film Industry and Gaining Experience Between Projects

Confidence from Independent Cinema and the Unpretentious Cinematography of Moonlight

James Laxton's Reverence for Actors and Reactive Filmmaking

Prep Time with Actors and the Colorful World of "Anything"

Part 3: New Frontiers and Animation

The Antithesis of Live Action: James Laxton's Experience on Mufasa

Integrating Animation Techniques into Live Action and the Importance of Storytelling

Part 4: Creative Philosophy and Conclusion

Instincts, Mistakes, and the Value of Audience Engagement

JAMES LAXTON - Cinematographer

Team Deakins

Part 1: Early Life, Education, and Influences

00:03James Laxton's Early Exposure to Filmmaking and the Allure of Film Sets

James Laxton's Early Exposure to Filmmaking and the Allure of Film Sets

04:15Film School at Florida State: Hands-On Learning and Barry Jenkins' Collaboration

Film School at Florida State: Hands-On Learning and Barry Jenkins' Collaboration

10:34Influences of Wong Kar Wai and Claire Denis; Medicine for Melancholy's Origins

Influences of Wong Kar Wai and Claire Denis; Medicine for Melancholy's Origins

16:44The Palette of "Medicine for Melancholy" and Intuitive Filmmaking with Barry Jenkins

The Palette of "Medicine for Melancholy" and Intuitive Filmmaking with Barry Jenkins

Part 2: Career Growth and Cinematographic Style

23:55Navigating the Film Industry and Gaining Experience Between Projects

Navigating the Film Industry and Gaining Experience Between Projects

31:45Confidence from Independent Cinema and the Unpretentious Cinematography of Moonlight

Confidence from Independent Cinema and the Unpretentious Cinematography of Moonlight

37:43James Laxton's Reverence for Actors and Reactive Filmmaking

James Laxton's Reverence for Actors and Reactive Filmmaking

45:46Prep Time with Actors and the Colorful World of "Anything"

Prep Time with Actors and the Colorful World of "Anything"

Part 3: New Frontiers and Animation

53:18The Antithesis of Live Action: James Laxton's Experience on Mufasa

The Antithesis of Live Action: James Laxton's Experience on Mufasa

1:01:00Integrating Animation Techniques into Live Action and the Importance of Storytelling

Integrating Animation Techniques into Live Action and the Importance of Storytelling

Part 4: Creative Philosophy and Conclusion

1:11:17Instincts, Mistakes, and the Value of Audience Engagement

Instincts, Mistakes, and the Value of Audience Engagement