DIANA BURTON - Prop Master
From Team Deakins by James Ellis Deakins, Roger Deakins
April 29, 2026 · 1h 4m · Season 2 · Episode 191
About this episode
In this episode, prop master Diana Burton discusses her career and experiences in film production.
SEASON 2 - EPISODE 191 Diana Burton - Prop Master In this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, we speak with prop master Diana Burton (WEST SIDE STORY, OKJA, THE SOPRANOS). We worked with Diana on PASSION FISH—directed by John Sayles (Season 2, Episode 55)—and it was great catching up with her. We learn what the prop department is and isn't responsible for in this episode, and Diana shares how she works with the other departments to help make the best film possible. Diana shares some early career stories from her PA days in New York City, from delivering tuna sandwiches to Madonna to watching a cougar roam the streets in the Upper West Side, and we discuss her thoughts on breaking into the prop department today. Diana also reveals how she approached designing the weapons for the machines in TERMINATOR GENISYS, and we learn why she always enlists an armourer to handle firearms on a shoot. Diana also shares her opinion on continuity, and we discuss how she feels when someone suggests to do something in post rather than in-camera. Plus, Diana reveals how she and two food stylists made all that food for JULIE & JULIA. - This episode is sponsored by Aputure
People in this episode
Hosts: James Ellis Deakins, Roger Deakins
Guest: Diana Burton
Topics covered
- prop master
- film production
- interview
- career stories
- continuity
- weapons design
Keywords
- prop master
- film production
- Diana Burton
- weapons design
- continuity
- film industry
- interview
Sponsors
Aputure
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: WEST SIDE STORY, OKJA, THE SOPRANOS, PASSION FISH, TERMINATOR GENISYS, JULIE & JULIA
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- MICHAEL CONNELLY - Author · June 10, 2026 · 59 min
- DREW KUNIN - Production Sound Mixer · June 3, 2026 · 1h 18m
- JAFAR PANAHI - Director · May 27, 2026 · 1h 6m
- BUDDY SQUIRES - Cinematographer · May 20, 2026 · 1h 5m
- LYDIA DEAN PILCHER - Producer / Director · May 13, 2026 · 1h 4m
- CHRIS CARROLL - Assistant Director · May 6, 2026 · 1h 5m
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