STEVE RAMSEY - Gaffer

STEVE RAMSEY - Gaffer

From Team Deakins by James Ellis Deakins, Roger Deakins

April 8, 2026 · 1h 10m · Season 2 · Episode 190

About this episode

In this episode, the hosts interview gaffer Steve Ramsey about his work and experiences in the film industry.

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 190 - Steve Ramsey - Gaffer In this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, we speak with gaffer Steve Ramsey (THE BRIDE!, WEST SIDE STORY, JOKER). We worked with Steve on THE GOLDFINCH, and we had a great time catching up with him. During our conversation, we discuss what a gaffer actually does, what his or her responsibilities can be, and how Steve adjusts his process to work with cinematographers ranging from Janusz Kamiński to Vittorio Storaro—and us! Steve also grants us insight into working on the sets of several Steven Spielberg films, and he shares how he and the film's cinematographer will prepare a scene to give room for Steven to follow his instincts. We also reflect on the rise of LEDs, and we discuss a few instances in which classic tungsten lights and gels solved a problem on the day. At the end of the episode, Steve gives his advice for anyone interested in a career as a gaffer, and we reflect on the job's non-descriptive title. - Recommended Viewing: WEST SIDE STORY (2021) - This episode is sponsored by Aputure

People in this episode

Hosts: James Ellis Deakins, Roger Deakins

Guest: Steve Ramsey

Topics covered

  • gaffer responsibilities
  • cinematography
  • LED lighting
  • film production
  • career advice

Keywords

  • gaffer
  • cinematographer
  • lighting
  • film sets
  • LEDs
  • tungsten lights
  • career in film

Sponsors

Aputure

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: THE BRIDE!, WEST SIDE STORY, JOKER, THE GOLDFINCH

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