The Director’s Cut - A DGA Podcast Deaf President Now! with Nyle DiMarco, Davis Guggenheim and Ondi Timoner (Ep. 544)
May 21, 2025
Nyle DiMarco, a Gallaudet University alum and director of Deaf President Now!, teams up with acclaimed filmmaker Davis Guggenheim for a compelling discussion led by Ondi Timoner. They dive into the film's portrayal of the historic protest for a deaf president, balancing storytelling that resonates with both Deaf and hearing audiences. Insights into the creative process, the importance of early sign language access, and the intertwining legacies of figures like Abraham Lincoln and Alexander Graham Bell enrich the conversation, shedding light on the Deaf community's quest for representation.
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Dual Audience Directing Challenge
- Davis Guggenheim describes the unique challenge of directing for two audiences: hearing and Deaf.
- This dual perspective informs the film's sensory and narrative style, deepening its impact.
Nyle’s Personal Connection
- Nyle DiMarco shares that Deaf President Now is a personal story passed down through his Deaf family.
- He and Davis experimented with visual noise and sound design to immerse hearing viewers into Deaf perspectives.
ASL on Bus Ceiling
- During a noisy night bus scene, deaf crew communicated silently using flashlights and ASL.
- This inspired projecting ASL silhouettes on the ceiling, creatively blending communication with cinematography.