The Director’s Cut - A DGA Podcast

Director Olivia Wilde discusses her new film, Don't Worry Darling, with fellow director Reed Morano in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, she speaks about reconfiguring the film's opening, melding the film's sound design and score, and guiding the film's ideas without sacrificing the entertainment value. The film follows couple Alice and Jack, who live in a utopian community for the workers of a top-secret project. But when cracks in her supposedly idyllic life begin to appear, Alice can't help questioning exactly what is really going on in this paradise. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/November2022/DontWorryDarling_QnA_0922.aspx

Director Gina Prince-Bythewood discusses her new film, The Woman King, with fellow director Stan Lathan in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Prince-Bythewood speaks about how she won the job, shooting the final battle in 11 days, and the grueling training process for the actors. Inspired by true events, the film follows general Nanisca, the Agojie's leader, as she prepares the next generation of recruits for a battle against an enemy determined to destroy their way of life. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/November2022/WomanKing_QnA_0922.aspx

Director Julian Higgins discusses his new film, God's Country, with fellow director Chloe Okuno in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Higgins discusses pulling off night exteriors on a small budget, the year hiatus during production, and the power of an impassioned letter. Based on a James Lee Burke's short story "Winter Light" and his own short film of the same name, Higgins' feature tells the story of a college professor who finds herself drawn into an escalating battle of wills after she confronts two hunters who claim they're just passing through. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/November2022/GodsCountry_QnA_0922.aspx

Director Nick Hamm discusses his new film, Gigi & Nate, with fellow director Ben Lewin in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Hamm speaks about why he decided to take on the project, his approach to the rehearsal process, and the effect of Covid-19 on the production. Based on true events, the film tells the story of Nate Gibson, a young man whose life is turned upside down after he suffers a near-fatal accident. Although moving forward seems impossible, he finds much needed hope with the assistance of Gigi, a curious and intelligent monkey trained to assist Nate with his basic needs. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/October2022/GigiAndNate_QnA_0922.aspx

Director Zach Cregger discusses his new film, Barbarian, with fellow director David F. Sanberg in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses creating a photoboard for the film with his cinematographer, shooting Detroit for Bulgaria, and pulling off the last scene in the film in only 40 minutes. The film tells the story of Tess, a young woman who arrives at her Airbnb late at night only to find that her rental has been mistakenly double-booked and a strange man is already staying there. Against her better judgment, she decides to stay the night, but soon discovers that there is much more to be afraid of in the house than the other guest. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/October2022/Barbarian_QnA_0922.aspx

Ron Howard and Akiva Goldsman discuss the film Thirteen Lives, including the stunts performed by actors, the future of theatrical film, and Howard's favorite scene. They delve into the process of developing the script, the challenges of releasing a movie during COVID-19, and how their experience as directors and producers has influenced their work. They also explore the inspiring concept of selflessness and its impact on others.

Director Olivia Newman discusses her new film, Where the Crawdads Sing, with fellow director Catherine Hardwicke in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Newman reveals how she pitched the film to producers, discusses the difficulty of doing chemistry reads via Zoom, and talks about the necessity of being flexible as a director. Based on the best-selling novel, the film follows Kya, an abandoned girl raised in the marshland, who finds herself falsely accused of murder by a small town in North Carolina. When the town attempts to prosecute her, Kya must clear her name as the truth of what happened lies within the murky waters of the marsh. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/September2022/WhereTheCrawdadsSing_QnA_0722.aspx

Director James Ponsoldt discusses his new film, Summering, with fellow director Ry Russo Young in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, they speak about why Ponsoldt wanted to make the film, his cinematic influences for the project, and how he helped the young actresses to function as a group and build chemistry. The film follows four best friends on the brink of starting middle school who struggle with the harsh truths of growing up as they realize their lives are about to change forever. On the last weekend of summer, they embark on a mysterious adventure. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/September2022/Summering_QnA_0722.aspx

Director George Stevens, Jr. sat in conversation with Director Paul Thomas Anderson to discuss his career and upbringing with his father, DGA Past President George Stevens, Sr. The conversation follows the release of Stevens' memoir, My Place in the Sun: Life in the Golden Age of Hollywood and Washington in which Stevens reflects on the legacy of his father and that of his family in Hollywood and the Directors Guild of America. In the conversation, Stevens and Anderson talk about their shared Valley upbringing, Stevens' founding of the American Film Institute, and candid moments he recalls with his father as a kid.

Director Theodore Braun discusses his new film, ¡Viva Maestro!, with fellow director Ondi Timoner in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Braun shares what drew him to the project, his approach to filming biographical documentaries, and how he captured the music of the film in Dolby Atmos. The film is a behind-the-scenes portrait of conductor and artistic director Gustavo Dudamel, following him around the world as his international tours are disrupted by deadly protests across his native Venezuela. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/August2022/VIVA_MAESTRO_DocSeries_0722.aspx