The Director’s Cut - A DGA Podcast

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.

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