The Director’s Cut - A DGA Podcast

In this engaging discussion, Gia Coppola, a film director celebrated for films like Palo Alto, shares insights about her latest project, The Last Showgirl, with her legendary grandfather, Francis Ford Coppola. They explore the challenges of making the film in just 18 days, emphasizing the importance of actor bonding through unique rehearsal techniques. Gia recounts her journey in casting Pamela Anderson as the lead and how collaboration and playfulness in the creative process can enhance storytelling. The pair also reflect on the intricate relationship between directors and actors.

Shira Piven, a director known for her work on "Welcome to Me" and various TV series, joins fellow director Jade Jenise Dixon to discuss her film, "The Performance." They delve into the challenges of capturing authentic tap dance and the moral complexities of a Jewish tap dancer performing for a Nazi audience in 1930s Berlin. Shira shares insights on collaborating with family, the creative process of adapting a story, and the artistic decisions behind shooting a period piece on a limited budget, blending history and personal experience in her storytelling.

Barry Jenkins, acclaimed director of Moonlight, talks with fellow filmmaker Ben Affleck about his latest project, Mufasa: The Lion King. They delve into the film's emotional roots and how it revives the original classic while exploring themes of loss and connection. Jenkins shares insights on using advanced VFX technology from Avatar and blending live action with animation. He also discusses his commitment to authenticity through collaborating with African artists. Together, they reflect on the intense pressures and creative journeys of filmmaking.

Tyler Perry, a renowned film director known for his impactful works, joins fellow filmmaker J.C. Chandor to discuss his latest project, The Six Triple Eight. Perry reveals the serendipitous moments that shaped the film, including casting Kerry Washington and collaborating with Debbie Allen for choreography. He emphasizes the importance of accurately portraying the all-Black, all-women unit of World War II, their struggles, and contributions, while sharing insights about transforming a former military base into a dynamic film studio, honoring these unsung heroes.

Join director Robert Eggers, known for his chilling films like The Witch, as he dives into the making of Nosferatu in this engaging talk with director Chris Columbus, famed for classics like Home Alone. They explore the unique challenges of shooting in an authentic castle and the meticulous production design that drew from Romanian folklore to bring the creature to life. Eggers shares insights on the collaboration with actor Bill Skarsgård, revealing how they crafted the iconic vampire's haunting presence in this gothic love story. A fascinating behind-the-scenes journey!

Director Rachel Morrison discusses her new film, The Fire Inside, with fellow Director Elizabeth Banks in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, she discusses working with her lead to make the fights look authentic on camera, balancing pace and visual variety in the boxing matches to make each encounter entertaining, and crafting a fight film with an atypical structure that puts the focus on a previously unseen conflict. The film tells the story of Claressa Shields, a boxer from Flint, Michigan, who pushes past all limitations to become the first American woman to win the Olympic gold in boxing. But even at the pinnacle of success, Claressa has to reconcile with the fact that not all dreams are created equal, and her real fight has only just begun. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/en/Events/2025/January2025/TheFireInside_QnA_1224

Paul Schrader, the acclaimed director behind films like 'First Reformed,' sits down with Alex Ross Perry to discuss his latest work, 'Oh, Canada.' They delve into casting decisions that span timelines, innovative visual storytelling techniques, and the creative process that limits waste in filmmaking. Schrader shares insights on the importance of audience feedback in post-production and the complexities of character depth. The conversation highlights how vibrant colors and varying aspect ratios reflect shifting personal narratives, making for a compelling cinematic journey.

Halina Reijn, acclaimed director of films like Instinct and Bodies, Bodies, Bodies, engages in an insightful dialogue with fellow director Spike Jonze about her new film, Babygirl. They dive into the film's blend of comedy and drama, focusing on the complex power dynamics of a taboo relationship. Reijn shares how music shapes the seductive atmosphere, while also exploring generational conflicts and the representation of female narratives. The conversation highlights the challenges of filmmaking and the importance of creative collaboration.

Director Edward Burns discusses his new film, Millers in Marriage, with fellow Director Doug Atchison in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses how he works as a Director while being one of the central Actors to the film, how he artfully utilizes locations and resources to work effectively on small budgets, and collaborating with his Actors to discover more authentic arcs from his characters. The film follows the Miller siblings, a former musician, a writer and an artist, who all contend with challenging shifts in their marriages. As their lives change, their relationships are put to the test, bringing them closer to their partners or pushing them further apart. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2025/February2025/MillersInMarriage_QnA_1224

James Mangold, the director of A Complete Unknown, shares insights about his filmmaking journey with the legendary Guillermo del Toro. They discuss the challenge of portraying Bob Dylan's artistic evolution while integrating music seamlessly into the narrative. Mangold reveals his intent to capture emotional depth through subtle staging and storytelling techniques. The duo also reflects on their long friendship, humorous anecdotes from their careers, and the power of art in inspiring change, making for a captivating discussion around creativity and collaboration.