

The Director’s Cut - A DGA Podcast
Directors Guild of America
Brought to you by the Directors Guild of America, ”The Director’s Cut” will bring you the behind-the-scenes stories of today’s most talked about films. Each episode features a different director interviewed by one of their peers, leading to revealing conversations about the grueling, but rewarding process of bringing their films to life.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 1, 2021 • 42min
One Night in Miami with Director Regina King and Barry Jenkins (Ep. 273)
Director Regina King discusses her new film, One Night in Miami, with fellow director Barry Jenkins in a spoiler-filled virtual Q&A. Newly-crowned Heavyweight Boxing Champion of the World Cassius Clay gathers with activist Malcolm X, singer Sam Cooke and actor/athlete Jim Brown — for an historic evening where they shared their thoughts about the social pressures brought on by their celebrity and moving the country forward to equality and empowerment for all black people.

Jan 27, 2021 • 51min
Da 5 Bloods with Director Spike Lee and Kevin Willmott (Ep. 272)
Director Spike Lee discusses his new film, Da 5 Bloods, with fellow director Kevin Willmott in a spoiler-filled virtual Q&A. The film follows four African-American veterans, who battle the forces of both man and nature when they return to Vietnam, seeking the remains of their fallen squad leader and the gold fortune he helped them hide.

Jan 22, 2021 • 52min
Borat Subsequent Moviefilm with Director Jason Woliner and Phil Lord (Ep. 271)
Director Jason Woliner discusses his new film, Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, with fellow director Phil Lord in a spoiler-filled virtual Q&A. Released from prison for bringing shame to his country, Kazakh funnyman Borat risks life and limb when he returns to America with his 15-year-old daughter.

Jan 20, 2021 • 38min
On the Rocks with Director Sofia Coppola and Alexander Payne (Ep. 270)
Director Sofia Coppola discusses her new film, On the Rocks, with fellow director Alexander Payne in a spoiler-filled virtual Q&A. In the film, a young mother reconnects with her larger-than-life playboy father on an adventure through New York.

Jan 13, 2021 • 60min
The Midnight Sky with Director George Clooney and Scott Cooper (Ep. 269)
Director George Clooney discusses his new film, The Midnight Sky, with fellow director Scott Cooper in a spoiler-filled virtual Q&A. In this post-apocalyptic tale, a lonely scientist in the Arctic races to stop astronauts from returning home to Earth after a mysterious global catastrophe has occurred.

Jan 9, 2021 • 1h 16min
Spotlight on Director Beth McCarthy-Miller (Ep. 268)
Director Beth McCarthy-Miller participates in a conversation with Shanta Fripp and Sarah Brooke on McCarthy-Miller's career as a filmmaker. She shares details from behind the scenes of her career including directing live television titles such as Saturday Night Live (for 11 years), the Super Bowl, The Sound of Music Live and half-hour comedies like 30 Rock, Veep, Modern Family, and Bob Hearts Abishola.

Dec 22, 2020 • 1h 25min
Spotlight on Director Julie Dash (Ep. 267)
Director Julie Dash participates in a conversation with Melina Matsoukas on Dash's career as a filmmaker. She shares details from behind the scenes of her films (Daughters of the Dust, Travel Notes of Geechee Girl, The Rosa Parks Story) and talks about her desire to present narratives with authenticity.

Nov 25, 2020 • 1h 25min
The Craft of the Director with Spike Lee (Ep. 266)
Director Spike Lee participates in a conversation with John Turturro on Lee's early life and influences, his philosophy as a creative, and his beloved Brooklyn. Mr. Lee discusses his directing process using examples from Do the Right Thing, Mo Better Blues, Crooklyn, and Malcolm X.

Nov 14, 2020 • 1h 28min
The Craft of the Director with Ang Lee (Ep. 265)
Director Ang Lee engages in an in-depth conversation with Jeremy Kagan about his filmography and his philosophy regarding craft. Mr. Lee discusses his directing process using examples from Brokeback Mountain, Lust, Caution, and Life of Pi.

Oct 30, 2020 • 1h 26min
The Craft of the Director with Ava Duvernay (Ep. 264)
Director Ava Duvernay engages in an in-depth conversation with Alex Stapleton about her filmography and her philosophy regarding craft. Ms. Duvernay discusses her directing process using examples from When They See Us, Selma, and Queen Sugar.