The Director’s Cut - A DGA Podcast

Director Parker Finn discusses his new film, Smile, with fellow director Zach Cregger in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Finn speaks about where to put the camera for an effective jump scare, integrating practical effects, and how the film went from planning to be released on Paramount+ to getting a thetrical release.
The film follows Dr. Rose Cotter, who after witnessing the bizarre suicide of a patient, goes through increasingly disturbing and daunting experiences, leading her to believe what she is experiencing is supernatural.
Please note: spoilers are included.
See photos and a summary of this event below:
https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/November2022/Smile_QnA_1022.aspx

Director Nicholas Stoller discusses his new film, Bros, with fellow director Judd Apatow in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses where the idea for the film came from, how much improv factors into his process for directing actors, and what surprised him about directing the film.
The film tells the story of Bobby, a neurotic podcast host who is content not to have a serious relationship. That all changes when he meets Aaron, an equally detached lawyer. As they are repeatedly drawn to each other, both men begin to show their vulnerable sides and find themselves ready for something resembling a commitment.
Please note: spoilers are included.
See photos and a summary of this event below:
https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/November2022/BROS_QnA_1022.aspx

Directors Maya Forbes & Wallace Wolodarsky discuss their new film, The Good House, with fellow director Susannah Grant in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, they discuss their particular method for co-directing, how they approached the tone of the film, and how they built the characters with the actors.
The life of New England realtor Hildy Good begins to come to pieces as she rekindles a romance with her old high school flame. As their relationship heats up, their reckless behavior ignites long-buried emotions and family secrets.
Please note: spoilers are included.
See photos and a summary of this event below:
https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/November2022/GoodHouse_QnA_1022.aspx

Director Peter Farrelly discusses his new film, The Greatest Beer Run Ever, with fellow director Larry David in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Farrelly speaks about shooting the movie in Thailand, how the real-life story compares to the film, and why he loves to have weather in a movie.
Based on a true story, the film follows Chickie, a slacker and former marine living with his parents in 1967 New York. When he decides that the best way to support his friends serving in the Vietnam War is to deliver them cans of beer, Chickie's outlook on the war is forever changed.
See photos and a summary of this event below:
https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/November2022/GreatestBeerRun_QnA_1022.aspx

Director Brett Morgen discusses his new film, Moonage Daydream, with fellow director Ondi Timoner in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Morgen discusses the film's themes of transience, the careful process of mixing the film, and the method he selected the songs that ended up in the movie.
Screened as part of the DGA's Documentary Series, Moonage Daydream is a cinematic odyssey exploring the creative and musical journey of David Bowie. This film is the first documentary ever sanctioned by the Bowie estate with access to the artist's archives and features never-before-seen footage and performances spanning Bowie's half-century career.
Please note: spoilers are included.
See photos and a summary of this event below:
https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/November2022/MoonageDaydream_DocSeries_0922.aspx

Director David O. Russell discusses his new film, Amsterdam, with fellow director Jon Avnet in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Russell speaks about setting the tone of the movie with his actors, capturing intimacy and immediacy with the camera, and how he personally connected with the story.
Set in the 1930s, the film follows a doctor, a nurse, and a lawyer who witness a murder, become suspects themselves, and uncover one of the most secret plots in American history.
Please note: spoilers are included.
See photos and a summary of this event below:
https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/November2022/Amsterdam_QnA_1022.aspx

Director Olivia Wilde discusses her new film, Don't Worry Darling, with fellow director Reed Morano in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, she speaks about reconfiguring the film's opening, melding the film's sound design and score, and guiding the film's ideas without sacrificing the entertainment value.
The film follows couple Alice and Jack, who live in a utopian community for the workers of a top-secret project. But when cracks in her supposedly idyllic life begin to appear, Alice can't help questioning exactly what is really going on in this paradise.
Please note: spoilers are included.
See photos and a summary of this event below:
https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/November2022/DontWorryDarling_QnA_0922.aspx

Director Gina Prince-Bythewood discusses her new film, The Woman King, with fellow director Stan Lathan in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Prince-Bythewood speaks about how she won the job, shooting the final battle in 11 days, and the grueling training process for the actors.
Inspired by true events, the film follows general Nanisca, the Agojie's leader, as she prepares the next generation of recruits for a battle against an enemy determined to destroy their way of life.
Please note: spoilers are included.
See photos and a summary of this event below:
https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/November2022/WomanKing_QnA_0922.aspx

Director Julian Higgins discusses his new film, God's Country, with fellow director Chloe Okuno in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Higgins discusses pulling off night exteriors on a small budget, the year hiatus during production, and the power of an impassioned letter.
Based on a James Lee Burke's short story "Winter Light" and his own short film of the same name, Higgins' feature tells the story of a college professor who finds herself drawn into an escalating battle of wills after she confronts two hunters who claim they're just passing through.
Please note: spoilers are included.
See photos and a summary of this event below:
https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/November2022/GodsCountry_QnA_0922.aspx

Director Nick Hamm discusses his new film, Gigi & Nate, with fellow director Ben Lewin in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Hamm speaks about why he decided to take on the project, his approach to the rehearsal process, and the effect of Covid-19 on the production.
Based on true events, the film tells the story of Nate Gibson, a young man whose life is turned upside down after he suffers a near-fatal accident. Although moving forward seems impossible, he finds much needed hope with the assistance of Gigi, a curious and intelligent monkey trained to assist Nate with his basic needs.
Please note: spoilers are included.
See photos and a summary of this event below:
https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/October2022/GigiAndNate_QnA_0922.aspx

Director Zach Cregger discusses his new film, Barbarian, with fellow director David F. Sanberg in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses creating a photoboard for the film with his cinematographer, shooting Detroit for Bulgaria, and pulling off the last scene in the film in only 40 minutes.
The film tells the story of Tess, a young woman who arrives at her Airbnb late at night only to find that her rental has been mistakenly double-booked and a strange man is already staying there. Against her better judgment, she decides to stay the night, but soon discovers that there is much more to be afraid of in the house than the other guest.
Please note: spoilers are included.
See photos and a summary of this event below:
https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/October2022/Barbarian_QnA_0922.aspx

Director Ron Howard discusses his new film, Thirteen Lives, with fellow director Akiva Goldsman in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, Howard reveals how much of the stunts the actors performed, his thoughts on the future of theatrical film, and his favorite scene in the film.
The film follows the miraculous story of the 2018 Tham Luang Nang Non rescue, in which an international team of divers was assembled to save a group of 12 young boys and their soccer coach after they became trapped in a system of flooded caves in Thailand.
Please note: spoilers are included.
See photos and a summary of this event below:
https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/September2022/ThirteenLives_QnA_0822.aspx

Director Olivia Newman discusses her new film, Where the Crawdads Sing, with fellow director Catherine Hardwicke in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Newman reveals how she pitched the film to producers, discusses the difficulty of doing chemistry reads via Zoom, and talks about the necessity of being flexible as a director.
Based on the best-selling novel, the film follows Kya, an abandoned girl raised in the marshland, who finds herself falsely accused of murder by a small town in North Carolina. When the town attempts to prosecute her, Kya must clear her name as the truth of what happened lies within the murky waters of the marsh.
Please note: spoilers are included.
See photos and a summary of this event below:
https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/September2022/WhereTheCrawdadsSing_QnA_0722.aspx

Director James Ponsoldt discusses his new film, Summering, with fellow director Ry Russo Young in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, they speak about why Ponsoldt wanted to make the film, his cinematic influences for the project, and how he helped the young actresses to function as a group and build chemistry.
The film follows four best friends on the brink of starting middle school who struggle with the harsh truths of growing up as they realize their lives are about to change forever. On the last weekend of summer, they embark on a mysterious adventure.
Please note: spoilers are included.
See photos and a summary of this event below:
https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/September2022/Summering_QnA_0722.aspx

Director George Stevens, Jr. sat in conversation with Director Paul Thomas Anderson to discuss his career and upbringing with his father, DGA Past President George Stevens, Sr.
The conversation follows the release of Stevens' memoir, My Place in the Sun: Life in the Golden Age of Hollywood and Washington in which Stevens reflects on the legacy of his father and that of his family in Hollywood and the Directors Guild of America.
In the conversation, Stevens and Anderson talk about their shared Valley upbringing, Stevens' founding of the American Film Institute, and candid moments he recalls with his father as a kid.

Director Theodore Braun discusses his new film, ¡Viva Maestro!, with fellow director Ondi Timoner in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Braun shares what drew him to the project, his approach to filming biographical documentaries, and how he captured the music of the film in Dolby Atmos.
The film is a behind-the-scenes portrait of conductor and artistic director Gustavo Dudamel, following him around the world as his international tours are disrupted by deadly protests across his native Venezuela.
Please note: spoilers are included.
See photos and a summary of this event below:
https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/August2022/VIVA_MAESTRO_DocSeries_0722.aspx

Director Kivu Ruhorahoza discusses his new film Father's Day, with fellow director Alex Stapleton at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Ruhorahoza discusses how the film examines masculinity in the country of Rwanda and his process with working with actors to reveal deeper layers within the characters.
Please note: spoilers are included.
See photos and a summary of this event below:
https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/August2022/GCS_FathersDay_0622.aspx

In a special anniversary discussion, Director Jonathan Lynn discusses his film, My Cousin Vinny, with fellow director Raymond de Felitta in a screening at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, hear Lynn discuss the improvised moments, the grueling shoots of the courtroom scenes, and the clever method used to get the shoot with the owl.
The film tells the tale of Vinny, a wildly inexperienced New York lawyer who must save his teenage cousin and his friend from jail or worse after they are accused of murder in a backwater Alabama town. Complicating matters are Vinny's cranky fianceé, an uncompromising judge, and a smooth-talking district attorney.
Please note: spoilers are included.
See photos and a summary of this event below:
https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/July2022/ERSP_AnniversarySeries_MyCousinVinny_0522.aspx

Director Daniel Adams discusses his new film, The Walk, with fellow director Alejandro Brugués in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, they speak about Adams' childhood connections to the story, what a really great performance is about, and making New Orleans look like 1970s Boston.
The film weaves together three story threads as an Irish cop, his bigoted 17-year-old daughter and a young African American student and her father are caught up in the turbulent court-ordered forced integration of the Boston school system in 1974.
Please note: spoilers are included.
See photos and a summary of this event below:
https://dga.org/Events/2022/July2022/TheWalk_QnA_0522.aspx

Director Joseph Kosinski discusses his new film, Top Gun: Maverick, with fellow director Jason Reitman in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, they speak about how Top Gun came into his life (the first and second time), convincing Tom Cruise to hop back into the cockpit, and the complex process of shooting the actors while flying inside the jets.
The sequel film takes us back down the highway to the danger zone as pilot Pete "Maverick" Mitchell, who has spent more than thirty years dodging a promotion that would ground him, is called up on to use his skills to train a detachment of graduates for a perilous special assignment.
Please note: spoilers are included.
See photos and a summary of this event below:
https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/July2022/TopGunMaverick_QnA_0622.aspx