The Director’s Cut - A DGA Podcast

Director Michael Showalter discusses his new film, Spoiler Alert, with fellow director Charles Rogers in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Showalter speaks about earning an emotional reaction to the film through technique, dealing with characters who use humor as a coping mechanism, and working with how an actor interprets a character naturally. Based on Michael Ausiello's 2017 memoir, Spoiler Alert: The Hero Dies, the film follows the final 11-months of Manhattan photographer Kit Cowan's life from his terminal cancer diagnosis to his death, told through the eyes of Ausiello, his spouse. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2023/February2023/1222_QnA_SpoilerAlert.aspx

Director Sam Mendes and fellow director Karyn Kusama discuss Mendes' new film, Empire of Light. They explore the personal nature of impactful scenes, crafting the film and maintaining restraint in its execution, the power of movies to transport and impact us, and the importance of authenticity and sense of place in creating an immersive experience.

Director Scott Cooper and fellow director David O. Russell discuss the film "The Pale Blue Eye" in a Q&A session. Topics include the importance of restraint in period movies, collaboration with Christian Bale, and creating an immersive experience for the audience. The film explores the murder of a West Point cadet and enlists the help of a young Edgar Allan Poe. They also discuss the incredible cast and cinematography, powerful performances, and shooting the film's fiery ending.

Director James Cameron discusses his new film, Avatar: The Way of Water, with fellow director Guillermo del Toro in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Cameron speaks about working with Sigourney Weaver to develop her unique character, the innovative tech necessary for the film (and its upcoming sequels) and the groundbreaking process of underwater performance capture. The long-awaited sequel to Cameron’s DGA Award-nominated feature, Avatar, The Way of Water is set a decade after the events of the first film and follows human-turned-Na’vi Jake Sully, who must find a safe haven for his family when old foes return to ravage their beautiful home and destroy their harmonious way of life. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2023/February2023/1222_QnA_Avatar.aspx

Director Damien Chazelle discusses his new film, Babylon, with fellow director Taylor Hackford in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Chazelle discusses the real-life figures who inspired the lead characters in the film, capturing the DNA of a "party movie" through the use of music, and crafting an atmosphere on set where life blends with art. The film chronicles the rise and fall, outsized ambition, and outrageous excess of multiple characters during Hollywood’s transition from silent to sound films in the late 1920s. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2023/February2023/1222_QnA_Babylon.aspx

Darren Aronofsky and Greta Gerwig discuss Aronofsky's film "The Whale," exploring the motivation behind the 4:3 aspect ratio, the adaptation from the play to the novel Moby Dick, and collaboration with Brendan Fraser. They talk about creating a magical atmosphere using lighting and production design, finding the perfect actor after a 10-year search, and the advantages of shooting in a single location. The podcast also touches on working with a film composer, setting the film in 2016, and the visual style.

Noah Baumbach and Todd Field discuss the making of the film White Noise, touching on topics such as working with actors, benefits of collaboration, and offering physical direction. They reveal insights into the themes and stylistic choices throughout the film, including daily rituals, death, and mortality. The challenges and technical aspects of visually stunning scenes, such as shooting at a Boy Scout camp and a kitchen scene, are also explored. The podcast offers an intriguing glimpse into the behind-the-scenes of White Noise.

Director Marc Forster discusses his new film, A Man Called Otto, with fellow director Taylor Hackford in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Forster speaks about how he uses storyboards in his directorial process, his collaboration with Tom Hanks, and his approach to editing flashbacks in the film. The film tells the story of Otto, a cantankerous grouch who's given up following the death of his wife. When a new family moves in nearby, he meets his match in Marisol, a quick-witted young woman who challenges him to see life differently, leading to an unlikely friendship that turns his world around. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2023/January2023/AManCalledOtto_QnA_1222.aspx

Director Luca Guadagnino and John Krokidas discuss the film Bones and All, exploring themes of youth and cynicism. They delve into changing perspectives, creating a common language, and filming with 35 millimeter. They also discuss Taylor Russell's outstanding performance and the director's affection for the actors. The podcast includes conversations about film stock, shooting time, and their intuitive approach to filmmaking.

Director Werner Herzog discusses his new film, The Fire Within: A Requiem for Katia and Maurice Krafft, with fellow director Jeremy Kagan in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Herzog speaks about crafting the voiceover for the film during the edit, obtaining the groundbreaking footage shot by the two subjects, and modifying facts to resemble the truth. Screened as part of the DGA's Documentary Series, the film crafts a fitting memorial to volcanologists and filmmakers Maurice and Katia Krafft, who were killed while filming the eruption of Japan's Mount Unzen on June 3, 1991. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2023/January2023/TheFireWithin_DocSeries_1122.aspx