The Director’s Cut - A DGA Podcast

Nightbitch with Marielle Heller and Ritesh Batra (Ep. 515)

Director Marielle Heller discusses her new film, Nightbitch, with fellow Director Ritesh Batra in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, she discusses her unique approach to casting the child Actors in search of a more authentic onscreen relationship with their parents, finding filming locations that say a lot about her characters without delving into their backgrounds within the film’s story, and how she sought to achieve a deliberate level of ambiguity through her deconstruction of the traditional motherhood myth.
Based on the novel by Rachel Yoder, the film tells the story of a woman who has paused her career to be a stay-at-home mom for her new baby. As she becomes increasingly overburdened with the stress of her new responsibilities, her maternal instincts begin to manifest in canine form.
See photos and a summary of this event below:
https://dga.org/Events/2025/January2025/Nightbitch_QnA_1124

Heretic with Scott Beck, Bryan Woods and Michael Mohan (Ep. 514)

Directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods discusses their new film, Heretic, with fellow Director Michael Mohan in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, they discuss working with Actor Hugh Grant to establish the look, presence and psychology of the antagonist, making every shot intentional in order to mimic the theme of control in the film, and using sound and atmosphere to craft a horror movie that prioritizes dread over jump scares.
The film follows two young women ensnared in a deadly game of cat and mouse when they knock on the door of the diabolical Mr. Reed. Trapped in his home, they must turn to their faith if they want to make it out alive.
See photos and a summary of this event below:
https://dga.org/Events/2025/January2025/Heretic_QnA_1124

Albany Road with Christine Swanson and Shaz Bennett (Ep. 513)

Director Christine Swanson discusses her new film, Albany Road, with fellow Director Shaz Bennett in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, she discusses favoring snowy locations for a setting not typical for the story she wanted to tell, progressively adding color to the film’s palette to indicate the growth of the two leads, and how she aimed to tell a story featuring unsung character types she’s known in her life.
The film tells the story of Celeste Simmons, a New York executive on her way to the most important meeting of her career. Forced to share a rental car with her ex-fiancé’s mother, she discovers that the mother is hiding a major secret about her ex.
See photos and a summary of this event below:
https://dga.org/Events/2025/January2025/AlbanyRoad_QnA_1124

Day of the Fight with Jack Huston and Gus Van Sant (Ep. 512)

Director Jack Huston discusses his new film, Day of the Fight, with fellow Director Gus Van Sant in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses how he aimed to turn a typical fight story on its head, how he worked with his Cinematographer to capture the black and white look of the film, and finding an Actor that could convey the range of pathos between fighting and interpersonal melodrama that the role demanded.
The film shows a day in the life of Mikey “Irish Mike” Flanigan, a champion boxer getting ready for his first fight since leaving prison. As he prepares for the most important fight of his life, he reconnects with the people he was closest to and tries to make things right.
See photos and a summary of this event below:
https://dga.org/en/Events/2025/January2025/DayOfTheFight_QnA_1124

Queer with Luca Guadagnino and Daniel Scheinert (Ep. 511)

Director Luca Guadagnino discusses his new film, Queer, with fellow Director Daniel Scheinert in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses how he and Actor Daniel Craig worked together to discover the lead character, the importance of choreography in this and all of his projects, and how he worked with Composers Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross to create a soundtrack with layers of meaning.
Based on the novella by William S. Burroughs, the film follows William Lee, who recounts his life in 1950s Mexico City among American expatriate college students and bar owners. After he becomes infatuated with a younger man, they both set out to find a hallucinogenic drug in the amazon that will bring them closer together.
See photos and a summary of this event below:
https://dga.org/en/Events/2024/Dec2024/Queer_QnA_1124

Lost on a Mountain in Maine with Andrew Boodhoo Kightlinger and Laurie Collyer (Ep. 510)

Director Andrew Boodhoo Kightlinger discusses his new film, Lost on a Mountain in Maine, with fellow Director Laurie Collyer in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, he discusses taking influence from 80s and 90s backwoods films such as Homeward Bound and Stand By Me, emphasizing a use of practical effects and real locations for a tactile experience, and the process of casting the young lead with wilderness experience.
The film tells the inspiring true story of 12-year-old Donn Fendler, who becomes trapped on a treacherous mountain when a fast-moving storm separates him from his family. With no food or proper clothing, he begins a desperate fight for survival in the unforgiving wilderness of northern Maine.
See photos and a summary of this event below:
https://dga.org/en/Events/2025/January2025/LostOnAMountainInMaine_QnA_1124

Conclave with Edward Berger and Jay Roach (Ep. 509)

Director Edward Berger discusses his new film, Conclave, with fellow Director Jay Roach in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses casting his Actors in roles playing in extremes from one another, how he collaborated with his Cinematographer to closely convey the protagonist’s point of view, and working with his Costume Designer to craft authentic and eye-catching designs reflective of their real-world influence.
The film follows Cardinal Lawrence, who is tasked with leading one of the world’s most ancient events: the selection of a new Pope. Surrounded by powerful religious leaders in the halls of the Vatican, he soon uncovers a trail of deep secrets that could shake the very foundation of the Roman Catholic Church.
See photos and a summary of this event below:
https://dga.org/en/Events/2025/January2025/Conclave_QnA_1124

The Piano Lesson with Malcolm Washington and David E. Talbert (Ep. 508)

Director Malcolm Washington discusses his new film, The Piano Lesson, with fellow Director David E. Talbert in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses his process of expanding on a traditional play adaptation beyond the original text, searching for a “punchline” in the pacing of his editing, and shooting the film in sequence to allow his production to evolve in conjunction with the story.
Based on the acclaimed play by August Wilson, the film navigates the lives and legacies of the Charles family. In the aftermath of the great depression, a brewing battle lurks over what to do with the family heirloom - a piano documenting the family history with carvings made by an enslaved ancestor.
See photos and a summary of this event below:
https://dga.org/en/Events/2025/January2025/PianoLesson_QnA_1124

Crossing with Levan Akin and Victoria Hochberg (Ep. 507)

Director Levan Akin discusses his new film, Crossing, with fellow Director Victoria Hochberg in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses how immersing himself in the community lead to him wanting to make this film, his control over the camera allowing the audience to feel as if they’re exploring the city on their own, and his thought process behind how he chose to handle the reveal at the end of the film.
Screened as part of the DGA’s Global Cinema Series, the film tells the story of Lia, a retired teacher, who has promised to find her missing niece. Her search takes her to Istanbul, where she meets a lawyer fighting for trans rights, and gets closer than ever to finding her missing family.
See photos and a summary of this event below:
https://dga.org/en/Events/2024/Dec2024/GCS_Crossing_1124

Gladiator II with Ridley Scott and Fede Alvarez (Ep. 506)

Director Ridley Scott discusses his new film, Gladiator II, with fellow Director Fede Alvarez in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses how he decided on casting Actor Paul Mescal in the lead role, how he distances himself from the post process so he and his team have space to do their best work, and which of his legacy films he would preserve if he could only choose one.
The sequel to Scott's 2000 film Gladiator takes place years after the events of the first film and follows Lucius—who as a child witnessed the revered hero Maximus die at the hands of his uncle. As his home is conquered and he is forced to fight as a gladiator in the Colosseum, Lucius attempts to reclaim everything he has lost.
See photos and a summary of this event below:
https://dga.org/Events/2025/January2025/GladiatorII_QnA_1124

Bull Street with Lynn Dow and Sarah Pirozek (Ep. 505)

Director Lynn Dow discusses her new film, Bull Street, with fellow Director Sarah Pirozek in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, she discusses casting her main character based on key scenes modeled off her own experiences, filming in significant locations in her family’s hometown, and the trials on set that allowed her to improve her directing technique as a first-time Director.
The film tells the story of LouEster, a small-town personal injury lawyer who was raised by her grandmother after her mother died in childbirth. When an entitled Ivy League lawyer questions their ownership of their home and its surrounding land, the stage is set for a clash of privilege against family.
See photos and a summary of this event below:
https://dga.org/en/Events/2024/Dec2024/BullStreet_QnA_1124

An American Bombing: The Road to April 19th with Marc Levin and Alexandra Pelosi (Ep. 504)

Director Marc Levin discusses his new film, An American Bombing: The Road to April 19th, with fellow Director Alexandra Pelosi in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, he discusses the differences he encountered in returning to this subject with a fresh lens years later, taking the subject matter and using it as an examination of a bigger picture, and using the information he found to question about possible dangers in the future.
Screened as part of the DGA’s Documentary Series, the film tells the story surrounding the deadliest act of homegrown terrorism in U.S. history. Featuring firsthand accounts from survivors and law enforcement, the film examines the lasting impact of the bombing and effects still felt today.
See photos and a summary of this event below:
https://dga.org/en/Events/2024/Dec2024/DocSeries_AnAmericanBombing-1024

Wicked with Jon M. Chu and Shawn Levy (Ep. 503)

Director Jon M. Chu discusses his new film, Wicked, with fellow Director Shawn Levy in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, he discusses his process of conceptualizing the musical sequences in conjunction with the stunt work behind them, conceptualizing his vision for Oz and the kinds of sets for his film, recording almost all of the musical sequences live and authentically on-set.
Based on the Tony Award-winning musical, the film is set years before Dorothy's arrival in Oz and follows the unlikely college-days friendship between popular girl Glinda and the misunderstood Elphaba. As their lives begin to take very different paths, an encounter with the famous Wizard of Oz puts their relationship at a crossroads.
See photos and a summary of this event below:
https://dga.org/Events/2025/January2025/Wicked_QnA_1124

Smile 2 with Parker Finn and Mike Flanagan (Ep. 502)

Director Parker Finn discusses his new film, Smile 2, with fellow Director Mike Flanagan in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses how he returned to the idea to explore the same concept through a vastly different lens, working with Actor Naomi Scott to bring the duality of her character’s public persona and isolation to life, and choreographing color-laden horror scenes for his pop star character in what he describes as “inspired by Wes Craven as it is Bob Fosse”.
The film tells the story of Skye Riley, a pop star about to embark on a world tour when she begins to experience increasingly terrifying and inexplicable events. Overwhelmed by escalating horrors and the pressures of fame, she is forced to face her past.
See photos and a summary of this event below:
https://dga.org/en/Events/2024/Dec2024/Smile2_QnA_1024

Nickel Boys with RaMell Ross and Channing Godfrey Peoples (Ep. 501)

Director RaMell Ross discusses his new film, Nickel Boys, with fellow Director Channing Godfrey Peoples in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses approaching his adaptation differently from the book while still trying to stay true to it, working with his actors and DP to capture his unique perspectives for the narrative, and his considered approach to imagery with this subject matter, given the historical imagery preceding it.
Based on the novel by Colson Whitehead, the film tells the story of Elwood, who’s sentenced to the brutal reformatory Nickel Academy in Jim Crow South after an innocent misstep. Upon meeting Turner, a seasoned ward of the reformatory, Elwood learns the fundamental tips for survival while striving to hold onto his humanity- and forms a powerful friendship with Turner.
See photos and a summary of this event below:
https://dga.org/Events/2024/Dec2024/NickelBoys_QnA_1024

The Director’s Cut 500th Episode Special

The 500th episode of The Director's Cut!
To celebrate, we are highlighting some of our most notable discussions over our nine years on the air. We'll be revisiting the futuristic dunes of Arrakis, the streets of 1970s Mexico City, the trenches of WW1-era Europe and more as filmmakers give insight into their process of building incredible cinematic experiences.
Thank you so much to everyone who has participated in our conversation series over the years, and to you, our listeners, for supporting our show and our member’s work since we started this podcast in 2015.
You can find links to our featured Q&As below, or you can check out our full catalog wherever you listen to podcasts:
Everything Everywhere All at Once
https://dga.org/en/Events/2022/May2022/EverythingEverywhere_QnA_0422
Once Upon a Time... In Hollywood
https://dga.org/en/Events/2019/Oct2019/Tarantino_OnceUponATimeInHollywood_QnA_0919
Lady Bird
https://dga.org/en/Events/2018/Jan2018/LadyBird_QnA_1117
Roma
https://dga.org/en/Events/2018/Dec2018/Roma_QnA_1118
Dune
https://dga.org/en/Events/2021/November2021/Dune_QnA_1021
BlacKkKlansman
https://dga.org/en/Events/2018/Oct2018/BlacKkKlansman_QnA_0818
Wonder Woman
https://dga.org/en/Events/2017/August2017/WonderWoman_QnA_0617
The Irishman
https://dga.org/en/Events/2019/Dec2019/Irishman_QnA_1019
The Shape of Water
https://dga.org/en/Events/2018/Jan2018/GuillermodelToro_ShapeofWater_QnA_1217
Bridge of Spies
https://dga.org/en/Events/2015/Dec2015/BridgeofSpies_QnA_1015

Goodrich with Hallie Meyers-Shyer and Max Minghella (Ep. 499)

Director Hallie Meyers-Shyer discusses her new film, Goodrich, with fellow Director Max Minghella in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, she discusses creating the titular role with Actor Michael Keaton in mind, having audiences react in the way she hoped after modeling the film off of personal experiences, and assembling a crew that helped her craft her desired feel for the film.
The film tells the story of Andy, whose wife unexpectedly checks herself into rehab, leaving him to take care of their two young children. When Grace, his daughter from a first marriage, steps up to help him, she watches him evolve into the father she never had.
See photos and a summary of this event below:
https://dga.org/Events/2024/Dec2024/GoodRich_QnA_1024

Saturday Night with Jason Reitman and Guillermo del Toro (Ep. 498)

Director Jason Reitman discusses his new film, Saturday Night, with fellow Director Guillermo del Toro in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses originally conceptualizing the film as a one-take to play out in real time, recording the score live on set with the film's Actor and Composer Jon Batiste, and casting his Actors for how well they understood their characters' deeper interests over their recreations of sketch work.
Seen through the eyes of a young Lorne Michaels as he juggles equipment failures, actor fights and producers pushing for reruns, the film follows Lorne and his troupe of trailblazers behind the scenes leading up to the landmark show’s first airing.
See photos and a summary of this event below:
https://dga.org/Events/2024/Dec2024/SaturdayNight_QnA_1024

White Bird with Marc Forster and Michael Pressman (Ep. 497)

Director Marc Forster discusses his new film, White Bird, with fellow Director Michael Pressman in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, he discusses the use of magical realism in the visuals of the film, filming in an empty Prague during the pandemic and working with young Actors to find character growth between the film’s time jumps.
The film follows Julian, who struggles to fit in to his new school after being expelled for bullying a student. When his grandmother hears of his expulsion, she attempts to transform his outlook on life by sharing the story of her youth in Nazi-occupied France.
See photos and a summary of this event below:
https://dga.org/Events/2024/Dec2024/WhiteBird_QnA_1024

Lee with Ellen Kuras and Phillip Noyce (Ep. 496)

Director Ellen Kuras discusses her new film, Lee, with fellow Director Phillip Noyce in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, she discusses how her skillset as a cinematographer informed her directing, how she aimed to reach beyond the constraints of a typical biopic to create something more complex and working with Kate Winslet to capture Lee as a multidimensional character.
The film tells the true story of Lee Miller, who in the 1940s decides to abandon her career as a fashion model and become Vogue’s war correspondent during World War II. Capturing the extremes of the human experience in some of the most indelible images of war, Lee cements herself as one of the greatest war photographers of the 20th century.
See photos and a summary of this event below:
https://dga.org/Events/2024/Dec2024/Lee_QnA_1024