The Director’s Cut - A DGA Podcast

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

Director Dean Craig discusses his new film, The Estate, with fellow director Alex Grossman in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Craig speaks about encouraging actors to bring ideas to their roles, the perks of directing your own material, and how he prefers making shot lists over storyboarding. In the film, two sisters are pitted against their greedy extended family members in a battle to win over their terminally ill, difficult to please Aunt, in hopes of becoming the beneficiaries of her wealth. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/December2022/TheEstate_QnA_1122.aspx

Directors Mark Mylod and Lorene Scafaria discuss their film, The Menu, in a Q&A session. They talk about building the ensemble cast, filming in one location, and handling controlled chaos. The film follows a couple dining at an exclusive restaurant with surprise twists. They also discuss the challenges of creating a dynamic set, crafting a scary menu, and the similarities between directing and running a kitchen.

Director Alejandro G. Iñárritu discusses his new film, Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths, with fellow director Rodrigo García in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Iñárritu shares his thoughts on how fiction can elucidate truth, the four years of developing the script, and the joyful process of editing his own work. The film follows a renowned Mexican journalist and documentary filmmaker who is compelled to return to his native country, unaware that this simple trip will force him to grapple with intimate questions about identity, mortality, Mexican history, and what it means to be human in these peculiar times. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2023/January2023/Bardo_QnA_1122.aspx

Director Rian Johnson and fellow director Phil Lord discuss the process of creating 'Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery', including their inspiration from Agatha Christie novels and 70s/80s movies, the challenge of creating a narrative twist, and the importance of preparation and collaboration in filmmaking.

Director Ryan Coogler discusses his new film, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, with fellow director Tyler Perry in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Coogler talks about how he approached the tribute to actor Chadwick Boseman after his passing, writing and directing from his worst fears, and staying tapped into his inner child when faced with challenging directing decisions on the film. The sequel to 2018's megahit Black Panther finds the people of Wakanda grieving the untimely death of King T'Challa and facing off against intervening world powers. However, when an advanced hidden nation threatens to destroy them, someone else must pick up the clawed gauntlet. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2023/January2023/BlackPantherWF_QnA_1122.aspx

Director Steven Spielberg discusses his new film, The Fabelmans, with fellow director Paul Thomas Anderson in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Spielberg discusses the development of the script with Tony Kushner, the process of directing Gabrielle LaBelle to play a version of himself, and the feeling of rediscovering his family through his camera. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2023/January2023/Fabelmans_QnA_1122.aspx