The Director’s Cut - A DGA Podcast

Fair Play with Chloe Domont and Olivia Wilde (Ep. 432)

Director Chloe Domont discusses her new film, Fair Play, with fellow Director Olivia Wilde in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Domont discusses how she used production design to drive the mood, how she intended her camera and audio to invoke the style of thrillers and horror movies, and how she worked to develop stronger emotional connections between her leading actors and create a more nuanced relationship for her characters.
The film tells the story of Emily and Luke, a young couple working at a cutthroat hedge fund, who find themselves tested when an unexpected promotion threatens to unravel far more than their recent engagement.
See photos and a summary of this event below:
https://dga.org/Events/2023/November2023/FairPlay_QnA_0923.aspx

Bottoms with Emma Seligman and Gene Stupnitsky (Ep. 431)

Director Emma Seligman discusses her new film, Bottoms, with fellow Director Gene Stupnitsky in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Seligman discusses the difficulty of cutting favorite scenes to keep the tone she envisioned, building the world of a high school comedy with a unique set of rules, and the influences she pulled across films to form her vision.
The film tells the story of best friends PJ and Josie, two gay teens who take the unusual approach of launching a high school fight club in a plan to meet girls and lose their virginity. But soon they find themselves in over their heads when the most popular students begin to beat each other up.
See photos and a summary of this event below:
https://cms.dga.org/Events/2023/October2023/Bottoms_QnA_0923.aspx

They Cloned Tyrone with Juel Taylor and Jordan Vogt-Roberts (Ep. 430)

Director Juel Taylor discusses his new film, They Cloned Tyrone, with fellow Director Jordan Vogt-Roberts in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Taylor discusses how test screenings helped him refine the film, the pitching process that helped start the project and how he mixed filmic inspirations to achieve his unique tone.
The film tells the story of Fontaine, Slick Charles and Yo-Yo, an unlikely trio who discover a nefarious government cloning conspiracy and embark on a mission to save their neighborhood.
See photos and a summary of this event below:
https://dga.org/Events/2023/October2023/TheyClonedTyrone_QnA_0923.aspx

Sound of Freedom with Alejandro Monteverde and Alonso Alvarez-Barreda (Ep. 429)

Director Alejandro Monteverde discusses his new film, Sound of Freedom, with fellow Director Alonso Alvarez-Barreda in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Monteverde discusses how he wanted to depict horror through beauty in his cinematography, his real life inspirations for the film and how he balanced tone to make the movie impactful but not onerous.
The film tells the story of a former government agent-turned-vigilante who embarks on a dangerous mission to rescue children from sex traffickers. After rescuing a young boy, he learns the boy’s sister is still captive and decides to quit his job and embark on a dangerous mission deep in the Colombian jungle to save her.
See photos and a summary of this event below:
https://dga.org/Events/2023/October2023/SoundOfFreedom_QnA_0923.aspx

Blue Beetle with Ángel Manuel Soto and Jaume Collet-Serra (Ep. 428)

Director Ángel Manuel Soto discusses his new film, Blue Beetle, with fellow Director Jaume Collet-Serra in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Soto discusses how he kept the theme of family central to the film, his deliberate choices when casting each role, and the importance of fleshing out his characters.
The film tells the story of a young man, made into a superhero after being chosen by an alien entity to be its symbiotic host. After Jaime Reyes, a recent college graduate, is bestowed with a suit of armor capable of extraordinary powers, it forever changes his destiny but never the bond with him and his family.
See photos and a summary of this event below:
https://dga.org/Events/2023/October2023/BlueBeetle_QnA_0823.aspx

Last Flight Home with Ondi Timoner and Susanna Styron (Ep. 427)

Director Ondi Timoner discusses her new film, Last Flight Home, with fellow Director Susanna Styron in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, Timoner discusses how she viewed the filming of this documentary as her own form of therapy, how she transitioned between the roles of daughter and filmmaker while behind and in front of the camera, and the effect of the film on her father’s closest friends and family.
The film tells the story of Timoner’s father, Eli Timoner, during the 15-day waiting period before medically terminating his own life. Once a swashbuckling entrepreneur, now bedridden, Timoner says goodbye to those closest to him while they struggle to reconcile with his choice.
See photos and a summary of this event below:
https://dga.org/en/Events/2023/October2023/LastFlightHome_DocSeries_0823

The Beanie Bubble with Kristin Gore, Damian Kulash, Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton (Ep. 426)

Directors Kristin Gore and Damian Kulash discuss their new film, The Beanie Bubble, with fellow Directors Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, they discuss the evolution of the script over the years, the limitations in using real likenesses and Beanie Babies, and structuring the story as a rise and fall for its many characters.
The film tells the story behind the Beanie Baby toy obsession that took off in the 1990s, centered on manufacturer-turned-billionaire Ty Warner, and the women who were integral to his success.
See photos and a summary of this event below:
https://dga.org/en/Events/2023/September2023/BeanieBubbleQnA_0823

Little Richard: I Am Everything with Lisa Cortés and Ondi Timoner (Ep. 425)

Director Lisa Cortés discusses her new film, Little Richard: I Am Everything, with fellow Director Ondi Timoner in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Cortés discusses her thought processes when structuring the film, applying her knowledge and experiences from the music industry to the production, and her attempts to shake up the structure of a typical music documentary.
The film tells the story of music legend Little Richard, combining a wealth of his archival and performance footage to reveal the true Black queer origins of rock n’ roll. As the icon’s story is unspooled, so too are the contradictions between his life and music, as he gave the world what he was never able to give himself.
See photos and a summary of this event below:
https://dga.org/Events/2023/September2023/DocSeries_LittleRichardIAE-0723.aspx

Afire with Christian Petzold and Michael Almereyda (Ep. 424)

Director Christian Petzold discusses his new film, Afire, with fellow Director Michael Almereyda in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, Petzold discusses the autobiographical elements of the film, the meaning and thought process behind the encroaching fire, and its dystopian as well as its pandemic influences.
The film tells the story of a group of young friends who vacation in a house by the Baltic Sea as an encroaching forest fire threatens the group. As the days grow hotter and the fire nears, both temperature and tensions rise, allowing emotions of happiness, lust and love to give way to jealousies, resentments and tensions among the group.
See photos and a summary of this event below:
https://dga.org/Events/2023/August2023/GCS_Afire_0723.aspx

Earth Mama with Savanah Leaf and Celine Song (Ep. 423)

Director Savanah Leaf discusses her new film, Earth Mama, with fellow Director Celine Song in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, Leaf discusses her familial inspiration for the story, working with a lead who isn’t typically an actor, and using cinematography as a method to bring out more from the actors.
The film tells the story of Gia, a young pregnant woman with two children in the foster care system, who lives her life on the margins. As she works to make a life for herself and her kids, she fights the system in hopes of reclaiming her family, in this heavy yet hopeful look at young motherhood.
See photos and a summary of this event below:
https://www.dga.org/Events/2023/September2023/EarthMama_QnA_0723.aspx

Joy Ride with Adele Lim and Jason Ensler (Ep. 422)

Director Adele Lim discusses her new film, Joy Ride, with fellow Director Jason Ensler in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Lim discusses working on a film as a first-time director, channeling the energy of the cast into their characters and how she accomplished scenes when plans didn’t work out.
The film tells the story of four Chinese-American friends on an international trip in search of one of their birth mothers. Audrey, Lolo, Kat and Deadeye experience friendship, belonging, debauchery and eventually discover the universal truth of what it means to know and love who you are
See photos and a summary of this event below:
https://dga.org/Events/2023/August2023/JoyRide_QnA_0723.aspx

R.M.N. with Cristian Mungiu and Victoria Hochberg (Ep. 421)

Director Cristian Mungiu discusses his new film, R.M.N., with fellow Director Victoria Hochberg in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Mungiu discusses the importance of diagetic sound and ambience in the film, the subconscious effect the film’s visual imagery contributes to the mood, and how he takes the time to fully understand his material before working on a film.
The film tells the story of a father who returns home to his family in their Transylvanian village in Romania after a violent incident at his job in Germany. When the local factory hires foreign workers, deep-rooted impulses and animosities emerge, causing ethnic and economic resentments and shattering the veneer of peace in the community.
See photos and a summary of this event below:
https://dga.org/Events/2023/August2023/GCS_RMN_0723.aspx

The Blackening with Tim Story and David E. Talbert (Ep. 420)

Director Tim Story discusses his new film, The Blackening, with fellow Director David E. Talbert in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Story discusses his process in trying to keep the film current, his effort in making a culturally rich comedy, and the ways he fleshes out distinct character personalities while still maintaining the core structure of the story.
The film tells the story of seven Black friends who reunite for a Juneteenth weekend getaway, only to find themselves trapped in a remote cabin with a twisted killer. Forced to play by the killer’s rules in a deadly game, the friends use their street smarts and knowledge of horror movies to help them stay alive- to mixed results.
See photos and a summary of this event below:
https://dga.org/events/2023/august2023/theblackening_qna_0723.aspx

Taylor Mac’s 24-Decade History of Popular Music with Rob Epstein, Jeffrey Friedman, Taylor Mac and Ondi Timoner (Ep. 419)

Taylor Mac's 24-Decade History of Popular Music
Directors Rob Epstein, Jeffrey Friedman and performer Taylor Mac discuss their new film, Taylor Mac’s 24-Decade History of Popular Music, with fellow Director Ondi Timoner in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, the filmmakers discuss including behind-the-scenes costuming and makeup to drive the narrative, the editing process of turning a 24-hour live show into a shortened recorded special, and telling a multilayered story within the confines of a live taped performance. The film captures the drag star’s exuberant, blatantly gay 24-hour musical performance, featuring skilled performers, creative costumes, and the American myth recounted through sailor's ditties, disco, and sugary pop numbers. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2023/August2023/0623_DocSeries_TaylorMac.aspx

Mending the Line with Joshua Caldwell and Bryan Woods (Ep. 418)

Director Joshua Caldwell discusses his new film, Mending the Line, with fellow director Bryan Woods in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Caldwell discusses how his own passion for fly fishing informed the making of the movie, how his research into PTSD and feedback from veterans affected the script, and facing difficulties while shooting in the Montana wilderness.
The film tells the story of Colter, a Marine who returns to a VA hospital in Montana after being wounded in Afghanistan. There he meets a Vietnam vet who teaches him fly fishing as a means of coming to terms with his physical and emotional trauma.
Please note: spoilers are included.
See photos and a summary of this event below:
https://dga.org/Events/2023/August2023/MendingTheLine_QnA_0623.aspx

About My Father with Laura Terruso and Paul Weitz (Ep. 417)

Director Laura Terruso discusses her new film, About My Father, with fellow director Paul Weitz in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Terruso discusses her personal connection to the film, how she portrays a character who is both funny and complex, and her experience working with a veteran actor on set.
The film tells the story of a man who is encouraged to bring his immigrant father on a weekend get-together with his fiancée and her wealthy family. The eccentric gathering soon develops into a culture clash, allowing father and son to discover the true meaning of family.
Please note: spoilers are included.
See photos and a summary of this event below:
https://dga.org/Events/2023/August2023/AboutMyFather_QnA_0623.aspx

The Boogeyman with Rob Savage and Parker Finn (Ep. 416)

Director Rob Savage discusses his new film, The Boogeyman, with fellow director Parker Finn in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Savage discusses how he storyboards his visual language as inspired by shots from other movies, working with child actors on set, and designing the creature with the aim of capturing genuine primal childhood fears.
Based on the short story by Stephen King, the film tells the story of a high school student reeling from the death of her mother. When a desperate patient of her psychiatrist father unexpectedly shows up at their home seeking help, he leaves behind a chilling paranormal creature that preys on families and feeds on the suffering of its victims.
Please note: spoilers are included.
See photos and a summary of this event below:
https://dga.org/Events/2023/July2023/Boogeyman_QnA_0623.aspx

Flamin’ Hot with Eva Longoria and Patricia Cardoso (Ep. 415)

Director Eva Longoria discusses her new film, Flamin' Hot, with fellow director Patricia Cardoso in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Longoria discusses securing the project as her feature directing debut, maintaining Chicano authenticity throughout the story, and how the visual language of the film informs the development of the main character.
The film tells the true story of how a former Frito Lay janitor disrupted the food industry by channeling his Mexican heritage to turn Flamin' Hot Cheetos from a snack into an iconic global pop culture phenomenon.
Please note: spoilers are included.
See photos and a summary of this event below:
https://dga.org/Events/2023/July2023/FlaminHot_QnA_0623.aspx

Art For Everybody with Miranda Yousef and Ondi Timoner (Ep. 414)

Director Miranda Yousef discusses her new film, Art For Everybody, with fellow director Ondi Timoner in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Yousef discusses working with a vast array of archival material, navigating the true identity of Kinkade through accounts from friends and family, and applying her skills and expertise as an Editor in her debut as a feature-length documentary filmmaker.
The film delivers a portrait of Thomas Kinkade, a complex man both celebrated and disparaged for his kitschy art style- and secretly plagued by demons. Following the discovery of a collection of unexpectedly dark paintings, an investigation is launched into the true personality under Kinkade's façade.
See photos and a summary of this event below:
https://www.dga.org/Events/2023/July2023/Art4Everybody_DocSeries_0523.aspx

Sweetwater with Martin Guigui and Jeremy Kagan (Ep. 413)

Director Martin Guigui discusses his new film, Sweetwater, with fellow director Jeremy Kagan in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Guigui discusses the challenges of maintaining a sense of historical accuracy, finding Globetrotter authenticity in his cast and implementing his vision of how basketball creates a level playing field.
The film tells the story of how the game of basketball was changed forever when the New York Knicks took the initiative to integrate the team with the historic introduction of Harlem Globetrotters player, Nathaniel ‘Sweetwater’ Clifton.
Please note: spoilers are included.
See photos and a summary of this event below:
https://dga.org/Events/2023/June2023/Sweetwater_QnA_0423-002.aspx