The Director’s Cut - A DGA Podcast

Dan Berk and Robert Olsen, the creative minds behind 'Novocaine', delve into the wild blend of action and dark comedy in their latest film. They share their nods to 80s and 90s action flicks and the unique fight choreography called 'Nate Fu' for their protagonist, who surprisingly can't feel pain. The duo also reveals their casting journey, emphasizing the compelling dynamics of Jack Quaid and Amber Midthunder. Their candid discussion highlights the balance of character depth and the humor woven into the action-packed narrative.

Director Bong Joon Ho, accompanied by his translator Sharon Choi, discusses his new film, Mickey 17, with fellow Director Ava DuVernay in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses how his storyboarding process covered every shot, how he approached having a love story for the first time, and the resonance of the film’s social themes with worldwide audiences. The film tells the story of Mickey Barnes, an everyman hired by a tyrannical government to work as an “expendable” - a human clone willing to die for one dangerous mission after another. Repeatedly meeting his end for the advancement of space exploration, the 17th Mickey survives a seemingly fatal expedition and comes face to face with a new problem: Mickey 18. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2025/May2025/Mickey17_QnA_0325

Director Josh Ruben discusses his new film, Heart Eyes, with fellow Director Zelda Williams in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses balancing the tone of romantic comedy and horror while not trying to betray them, the behind the scenes of special effects work that went into the kills, and the creation and influences of the killer’s look. The film follows Ally, a cynical ad executive, and her hopelessly romantic colleague, Jay. After a meeting-turned-date, they accidentally become the next target of “Heart Eyes,” a masked maniac with glowing, red eyes who returns every Valentine's Day to slaughter unsuspecting couples, and must fight for their survival. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2025/April2025/HeartEyes_QnA_0325

Join legendary director Martin Scorsese, known for classics like Goodfellas, and Griffin Dunne, actor and producer of After Hours, as they dive into the making of this cult favorite. They share insights on the film’s original endings and how humor was woven into its serious narrative. Scorsese reflects on the challenges of low budgets in New York cinema, while Dunne shares humorous behind-the-scenes anecdotes. They also discuss the film's evolving reception, highlighting the anxiety-comedy balance that resonates differently across cultures.

Jacques Audiard (Emilia Pérez), Sean Baker (Anora), Edward Berger (Conclave), Brady Corbet (The Brutalist) and James Mangold (A Complete Unknown) engage in a conversation with moderator Jeremy Kagan for the 34th Annual DGA Meet the Nominees: Theatrical Feature Film Symposium. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/en/Events/2025/March2025/MTN_TheatricalFeatureFilm2025

Jacques Audiard (Emilia Pérez), Sean Baker (Anora), Edward Berger (Conclave), Brady Corbet (The Brutalist) and James Mangold (A Complete Unknown) engage in a conversation with moderator Jeremy Kagan for the 34th Annual DGA Meet the Nominees: Theatrical Feature Film Symposium. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/en/Events/2025/March2025/MTN_TheatricalFeatureFilm2025

Director Drew Hancock discusses his new film, Companion, with fellow Director Rob Savage in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses taking inspiration from grounded dramas instead of modern science fiction, working with Actor Sophie Thatcher to establish the feel of the robot character, and his process of discovering shots with his Actors instead of storyboarding parts of the film. The film follows Iris and her boyfriend Josh as they go on a weekend getaway to a remote cabin with a group of friends. When it comes to light that Iris is a companion robot, the vacation unravels into chaos as she goes haywire and exacts revenge. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2025/March2025/Companion_QnA_0225

Director Neil Burger discusses his new film, Inheritance, with fellow Director Sarah Pirozek in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, he discusses the technical choices surrounding his decision to shoot the film on an iphone, how he achieved a “stolen” aesthetic by getting authentic hidden shots of his Actors in the real world, and how the blocking and compositional decisions of the film emerged from the limitations imposed by the “stolen” aesthetic. The film tells the story of Maya, who suddenly finds herself at the center of an international conspiracy when she learns that her father was once a spy. In her quest for answers, Maya becomes a target and must travel the globe, mastering her father’s skills and unraveling the mysteries of the past. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/en/Events/2025/March2025/Inheritance_QnA_0225

Michael Gracey, known for his innovative films like The Greatest Showman, joins Jason Reitman to discuss his latest project, Better Man. They explore the unique choice of using a CGI monkey to narrate Robbie Williams' story, blending fantasy and reality with emotional depth. Gracey shares insights on the creative challenges of choreographing the Regent Street musical number amidst real-world disruptions. The duo also dives into how music enhances storytelling, showcasing the delicate balance of emotion in film that keeps audiences engaged.

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.