The Director’s Cut - A DGA Podcast

Director James Madigan discusses his new film, Fight or Flight, with fellow Director Rawson Marshall Thurber in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses aiming for the right tonal mixture in action-violence and comedy, working with Actor Josh Hartnett on stunt choreography within a limited rehearsal period, and casting supporting Actors by feeling out their connection to their roles. The film tells the story of disgraced American operative Lucas Reyes offered one last shot at redemption: locate and ID an elusive target known as “The Ghost” on a flight from Bangkok to San Francisco. But when he finds the plane is filled with elite assassins who have orders to eliminate them both, Reyes and his target must team up to protect themselves. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2025/august2025/fightorflight_qna_0625

Director Celine Song discusses her new film, Materialists, with fellow Director Mona Fastvold in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, she discusses how the film was inspired by her own time as a matchmaker, the differences in dating culture values across countries that contributed to crafting the narrative, and how the process of casting the right Actors for her roles mirrored the matchmaker theme of the film. The film tells the story of Lucy, a successful New York City matchmaker who maintains that she will only marry a wealthy man. But when she becomes entangled in a romantic triangle with Harry, a charming billionaire, and her ex-boyfriend John, she finds her plans are not so clear cut. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2025/august2025/materialists_qna_0625

Director Daniel Minahan, known for his work on acclaimed series like Game of Thrones, joins fellow director Mary Harron to discuss his latest film, On Swift Horses. They explore how gambling serves as a metaphor for queerness and its impact on the characters' relationships. The duo also dives into the meticulous choreography behind intimacy scenes, sheds light on societal changes of 1950s America, and reflects on audience reactions. Their insights reveal the intricate blending of personal struggle and broader cultural themes within the film.

Director Jon Avnet, known for 'Fried Green Tomatoes' and 'Three Christs', joins Jason Reitman to discuss his latest film, focusing on a retired rodeo star's high-stakes return to competition. They delve into the emotional depth actors bring to their roles, the innovative cinematography that captures thrilling bull-riding, and the logistics of managing intense stunt work. Avnet highlights the film's impactful themes of family and courage, illustrating how storytelling can provoke reflection and inspire audiences.

Rachel Feldman, director of the impactful film 'Lilly', is joined by Amber Sealey for a candid discussion. They explore the true story of Lilly Ledbetter, a factory worker fighting for equal pay, and the emotional parallels between Lilly’s journey and filmmaking. Feldman shares insights on using archival footage to enhance storytelling and the challenges female directors face in Hollywood. The conversation reveals how the film serves as a beacon of hope for gender equality, touching on diverse audience reactions in a divided landscape.

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.

Director Ryan Coogler discusses his new film, Sinners, with fellow Director Rachel Morrison in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses employing historical consultants to find authenticity in every niche of the film, how he collaborated with Composer and Executive Producer Ludwig Göransson to elevate the film with a distinct musicality, and how he came to the conclusion of using 70mm film to accentuate the sprawling, flat and isolating aspects of the southern setting. In this fusion of gothic horror and 1930s Mississippi history, the film follows twins Smoke and Stack, who plan to open a new juke joint in their hometown. But as the pieces come together and their opening night begins, they find themselves confronted not only by the dangers of Jim Crow-era southern life but also a lurking undead menace. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2025/june2025/sinners_qna_0525

Andrew Ahn, the talented director behind films like Fire Island and Spa Night, joins Daniel Kwan for a dynamic discussion about Ahn's latest work, The Wedding Banquet. They delve into the challenges of updating a classic film for modern LGBTQ+ audiences while remaining true to its roots. Ahn shares insights into character development on set and the importance of inventive storytelling. The conversation shines a light on identity, family dynamics, and the evolving landscape of queer narratives, making for a rich exploration of film and connection.

Directors Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden discusses their new film, Freaky Tales, with fellow Director Shaz Bennett in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, they discuss the real-life events that influenced the stories, using distinct visual styles and camera aspect ratios to differentiate each story chapter, and utilizing real locations and cameos from Oakland-born figures to cement the authenticity of the work. The film weaves together the seemingly disparate sagas of an NBA star, a corrupt cop, a female rap duo, teenage punks, neo-Nazis and a debt collector as they embark on a collision course in 1987 Oakland, California. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2025/june2025/freakytales_qna_0425

Director Gavin O’Connor discusses his new film, The Accountant 2, with fellow Director Dan Gilroy in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses working with his Actors to find more opportunities for humor, building out the scope of the film to expand on the world within the story, and aiming for an entirely different look and tone to create a fresh experience separate from the first installment. The film tells the story of Christian Wolff, hired again to use his brilliant mind and highly lethal skillset to solve the puzzling murder of a Treasury Chief. Though a danger in his own right, this time he enlists the help of his equally lethal estranged brother as they uncover a deadly conspiracy full of ruthless killers and buried secrets. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2025/june2025/accountant2_qna_0425