The Director’s Cut - A DGA Podcast

William Goldenberg, a Director making his debut with the film Unstoppable, joins fellow filmmaker Ben Affleck for an engaging chat. They dive into the authenticity of wrestling scenes, revealing how real-life wrestler Anthony Robles influenced the film. Goldenberg shares insights from his transition from editing to directing, and the importance of preparation on set. The duo discusses the emotional complexities of portraying real-life narratives and the challenges of capturing character depth while staying true to the story. An inspiring look at filmmaking and storytelling!

Pablo Larraín, acclaimed director known for his works like Jackie and Spencer, dives into his new film Maria with fellow director Mike Mills, recognized for his distinct cinematic touch. They explore Larraín's meticulous attention to architectural details and how these elements enhance storytelling. The duo discusses the rigorous preparation for portraying the iconic soprano Maria Callas and the balance between spontaneity and structure in filmmaking. Their conversation reveals the joys and challenges of directing while emphasizing the magic of collaborative creativity.

Director Marielle Heller, known for her work on films like A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, sits down with Ritesh Batra, celebrated for his engaging interviews. They dive into the creative journey behind Nightbitch, tackling the absurdities and pressures of motherhood. Heller shares her innovative casting techniques to capture authentic parent-child dynamics, explores the challenges of adapting personal stories to film, and discusses the emotional complexities of motherhood narratives, all while maintaining a playfully ambiguous tone.

Directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods discusses their new film, Heretic, with fellow Director Michael Mohan in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, they discuss working with Actor Hugh Grant to establish the look, presence and psychology of the antagonist, making every shot intentional in order to mimic the theme of control in the film, and using sound and atmosphere to craft a horror movie that prioritizes dread over jump scares. The film follows two young women ensnared in a deadly game of cat and mouse when they knock on the door of the diabolical Mr. Reed. Trapped in his home, they must turn to their faith if they want to make it out alive. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2025/January2025/Heretic_QnA_1124

Director Christine Swanson discusses her new film, Albany Road, with fellow Director Shaz Bennett in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, she discusses favoring snowy locations for a setting not typical for the story she wanted to tell, progressively adding color to the film’s palette to indicate the growth of the two leads, and how she aimed to tell a story featuring unsung character types she’s known in her life. The film tells the story of Celeste Simmons, a New York executive on her way to the most important meeting of her career. Forced to share a rental car with her ex-fiancé’s mother, she discovers that the mother is hiding a major secret about her ex. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2025/January2025/AlbanyRoad_QnA_1124

Director Jack Huston discusses his new film, Day of the Fight, with fellow Director Gus Van Sant in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses how he aimed to turn a typical fight story on its head, how he worked with his Cinematographer to capture the black and white look of the film, and finding an Actor that could convey the range of pathos between fighting and interpersonal melodrama that the role demanded. The film shows a day in the life of Mikey “Irish Mike” Flanigan, a champion boxer getting ready for his first fight since leaving prison. As he prepares for the most important fight of his life, he reconnects with the people he was closest to and tries to make things right. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/en/Events/2025/January2025/DayOfTheFight_QnA_1124

Luca Guadagnino, renowned for films like Call Me By Your Name, chats with Daniel Scheinert, known for Everything Everywhere All at Once. They dive into Guadagnino's latest film, Queer, discussing the deep influence of literature, specifically Burroughs' work, on his creativity. The duo explores the intricate art of casting and character development, the blend of technology and tradition in visual effects, and the innovative choreography that enhances intimacy on screen. Their conversation captures the essence of filmmaking where emotion meets artistry.

Director Andrew Boodhoo Kightlinger discusses his new film, Lost on a Mountain in Maine, with fellow Director Laurie Collyer in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, he discusses taking influence from 80s and 90s backwoods films such as Homeward Bound and Stand By Me, emphasizing a use of practical effects and real locations for a tactile experience, and the process of casting the young lead with wilderness experience. The film tells the inspiring true story of 12-year-old Donn Fendler, who becomes trapped on a treacherous mountain when a fast-moving storm separates him from his family. With no food or proper clothing, he begins a desperate fight for survival in the unforgiving wilderness of northern Maine. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/en/Events/2025/January2025/LostOnAMountainInMaine_QnA_1124

Director Edward Berger discusses his new film, Conclave, with fellow Director Jay Roach in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses casting his Actors in roles playing in extremes from one another, how he collaborated with his Cinematographer to closely convey the protagonist’s point of view, and working with his Costume Designer to craft authentic and eye-catching designs reflective of their real-world influence. The film follows Cardinal Lawrence, who is tasked with leading one of the world’s most ancient events: the selection of a new Pope. Surrounded by powerful religious leaders in the halls of the Vatican, he soon uncovers a trail of deep secrets that could shake the very foundation of the Roman Catholic Church. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/en/Events/2025/January2025/Conclave_QnA_1124

Director Malcolm Washington discusses his new film, The Piano Lesson, with fellow Director David E. Talbert in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses his process of expanding on a traditional play adaptation beyond the original text, searching for a “punchline” in the pacing of his editing, and shooting the film in sequence to allow his production to evolve in conjunction with the story. Based on the acclaimed play by August Wilson, the film navigates the lives and legacies of the Charles family. In the aftermath of the great depression, a brewing battle lurks over what to do with the family heirloom - a piano documenting the family history with carvings made by an enslaved ancestor. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/en/Events/2025/January2025/PianoLesson_QnA_1124