Ridley Scott, the visionary director behind iconic films like Gladiator and Blade Runner, joins Fede Alvarez, known for his thrilling storytelling, for a captivating conversation. They dive into the careful casting choices for Gladiator II, focusing on Paul Mescal's pivotal role. Scott shares insights on embracing spontaneity in filmmaking and the importance of editorial detachment to enhance creativity. They also reflect on the filmmaking journey, touching on industry challenges in the streaming era and what it means to preserve legacy in the ever-evolving cinematic landscape.

Director Lynn Dow discusses her new film, Bull Street, with fellow Director Sarah Pirozek in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, she discusses casting her main character based on key scenes modeled off her own experiences, filming in significant locations in her family’s hometown, and the trials on set that allowed her to improve her directing technique as a first-time Director. The film tells the story of LouEster, a small-town personal injury lawyer who was raised by her grandmother after her mother died in childbirth. When an entitled Ivy League lawyer questions their ownership of their home and its surrounding land, the stage is set for a clash of privilege against family. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/en/Events/2024/Dec2024/BullStreet_QnA_1124

Director Marc Levin discusses his new film, An American Bombing: The Road to April 19th, with fellow Director Alexandra Pelosi in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, he discusses the differences he encountered in returning to this subject with a fresh lens years later, taking the subject matter and using it as an examination of a bigger picture, and using the information he found to question about possible dangers in the future. Screened as part of the DGA’s Documentary Series, the film tells the story surrounding the deadliest act of homegrown terrorism in U.S. history. Featuring firsthand accounts from survivors and law enforcement, the film examines the lasting impact of the bombing and effects still felt today. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/en/Events/2024/Dec2024/DocSeries_AnAmericanBombing-1024

Filmmaker Jon M. Chu, known for 'Crazy Rich Asians' and 'In the Heights,' joins Shawn Levy to discuss the magic behind his new film adaptation of 'Wicked.' They dive into the challenges of capturing the friendship between Glinda and Elphaba while contrasting their paths. Chu shares insights on recording live vocals on set, creating a unique atmosphere colored by playful interruptions. He also reflects on the emotional journey actors face and how pivotal creative decisions shape the film's storytelling. Get ready for a behind-the-scenes look at a beloved story!

Director Parker Finn discusses his new film, Smile 2, with fellow Director Mike Flanagan in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses how he returned to the idea to explore the same concept through a vastly different lens, working with Actor Naomi Scott to bring the duality of her character’s public persona and isolation to life, and choreographing color-laden horror scenes for his pop star character in what he describes as “inspired by Wes Craven as it is Bob Fosse”. The film tells the story of Skye Riley, a pop star about to embark on a world tour when she begins to experience increasingly terrifying and inexplicable events. Overwhelmed by escalating horrors and the pressures of fame, she is forced to face her past. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/en/Events/2024/Dec2024/Smile2_QnA_1024

RaMell Ross, a visionary film director celebrated for his poetic depiction of Black life in the South, joins Channing Godfrey Peoples to discuss their powerful film, Nickel Boys. They delve into the creative challenges of adapting Colson Whitehead's novel while honoring its essence. The pair explore the abstract portrayal of violence, emphasizing emotional truths over graphic depictions. They also highlight the film's aesthetic beauty, complex narratives, and innovative use of symbolism, particularly the significance of alligators in representing historical injustices.

The 500th episode of The Director's Cut! To celebrate, we are highlighting some of our most notable discussions over our nine years on the air. We'll be revisiting the futuristic dunes of Arrakis, the streets of 1970s Mexico City, the trenches of WW1-era Europe and more as filmmakers give insight into their process of building incredible cinematic experiences. Thank you so much to everyone who has participated in our conversation series over the years, and to you, our listeners, for supporting our show and our member’s work since we started this podcast in 2015. You can find links to our featured Q&As below, or you can check out our full catalog wherever you listen to podcasts: Everything Everywhere All at Once https://dga.org/en/Events/2022/May2022/EverythingEverywhere_QnA_0422 Once Upon a Time... In Hollywood https://dga.org/en/Events/2019/Oct2019/Tarantino_OnceUponATimeInHollywood_QnA_0919 Lady Bird https://dga.org/en/Events/2018/Jan2018/LadyBird_QnA_1117 Roma https://dga.org/en/Events/2018/Dec2018/Roma_QnA_1118 Dune https://dga.org/en/Events/2021/November2021/Dune_QnA_1021 BlacKkKlansman https://dga.org/en/Events/2018/Oct2018/BlacKkKlansman_QnA_0818 Wonder Woman https://dga.org/en/Events/2017/August2017/WonderWoman_QnA_0617 The Irishman https://dga.org/en/Events/2019/Dec2019/Irishman_QnA_1019 The Shape of Water https://dga.org/en/Events/2018/Jan2018/GuillermodelToro_ShapeofWater_QnA_1217 Bridge of Spies https://dga.org/en/Events/2015/Dec2015/BridgeofSpies_QnA_1015

Director Hallie Meyers-Shyer discusses her new film, Goodrich, with fellow Director Max Minghella in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, she discusses creating the titular role with Actor Michael Keaton in mind, having audiences react in the way she hoped after modeling the film off of personal experiences, and assembling a crew that helped her craft her desired feel for the film. The film tells the story of Andy, whose wife unexpectedly checks herself into rehab, leaving him to take care of their two young children. When Grace, his daughter from a first marriage, steps up to help him, she watches him evolve into the father she never had. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2024/Dec2024/GoodRich_QnA_1024

Director Jason Reitman discusses his new film, Saturday Night, with fellow Director Guillermo del Toro in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses originally conceptualizing the film as a one-take to play out in real time, recording the score live on set with the film's Actor and Composer Jon Batiste, and casting his Actors for how well they understood their characters' deeper interests over their recreations of sketch work. Seen through the eyes of a young Lorne Michaels as he juggles equipment failures, actor fights and producers pushing for reruns, the film follows Lorne and his troupe of trailblazers behind the scenes leading up to the landmark show’s first airing. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2024/Dec2024/SaturdayNight_QnA_1024

Director Marc Forster discusses his new film, White Bird, with fellow Director Michael Pressman in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, he discusses the use of magical realism in the visuals of the film, filming in an empty Prague during the pandemic and working with young Actors to find character growth between the film’s time jumps. The film follows Julian, who struggles to fit in to his new school after being expelled for bullying a student. When his grandmother hears of his expulsion, she attempts to transform his outlook on life by sharing the story of her youth in Nazi-occupied France. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2024/Dec2024/WhiteBird_QnA_1024