The Director’s Cut - A DGA Podcast Is This Thing On? with Bradley Cooper and Bennett Miller (Ep. 597)
Jan 9, 2026
Bradley Cooper, a talented actor and filmmaker known for works like A Star Is Born, joins fellow director Bennett Miller for an insightful conversation. They delve into the inspiration behind Cooper's latest film, Is This Thing On?, rooted in a true story. He shares his immersive approach to capturing the New York comedy scene, discusses the impact of casting Laura Dern and Will Arnett, and reveals technical choices like handheld cinematography. The duo also reflects on the emotional complexities of co-parenting depicted in the film, making for a captivating discussion.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
How A Real Pub Story Sparked The Film
- Will Arnett told Bradley Cooper the true origin story about John Bishop performing on stage after a pub mishap and divorce.
- That real anecdote became the seed that inspired Cooper to reshape the script around New York and the marriage dynamic.
Edit In Your Head While Shooting
- Edit while you shoot by constantly playing scenes in your head to predict what you'll need later.
- Use that forethought to call audibles on set and trim edges efficiently in post.
Camera Choices Shape Psychological Tone
- Cooper chose a single 40mm handheld approach and 1.6 aspect ratio to keep characters central and unsettle the audience.
- He avoided long-lens close-ups because they create a safety the film intentionally rejects.