The Director's Cut - A DGA Podcast

Director Ridley Scott discusses his new film, Gladiator II, with fellow Director Fede Alvarez in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses how he decided on casting Actor Paul Mescal in the lead role, how he distances himself from the post process so he and his team have space to do their best work, and which of his legacy films he would preserve if he could only choose one. The sequel to Scott's 2000 film Gladiator takes place years after the events of the first film and follows Lucius—who as a child witnessed the revered hero Maximus die at the hands of his uncle. As his home is conquered and he is forced to fight as a gladiator in the Colosseum, Lucius attempts to reclaim everything he has lost. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2025/January2025/GladiatorII_QnA_1124

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

Director Jon M. Chu discusses his new film, Wicked, with fellow Director Shawn Levy in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, he discusses his process of conceptualizing the musical sequences in conjunction with the stunt work behind them, conceptualizing his vision for Oz and the kinds of sets for his film, recording almost all of the musical sequences live and authentically on-set. Based on the Tony Award-winning musical, the film is set years before Dorothy's arrival in Oz and follows the unlikely college-days friendship between popular girl Glinda and the misunderstood Elphaba. As their lives begin to take very different paths, an encounter with the famous Wizard of Oz puts their relationship at a crossroads. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2025/January2025/Wicked_QnA_1124

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

Director RaMell Ross discusses his new film, Nickel Boys, with fellow Director Channing Godfrey Peoples in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses approaching his adaptation differently from the book while still trying to stay true to it, working with his actors and DP to capture his unique perspectives for the narrative, and his considered approach to imagery with this subject matter, given the historical imagery preceding it. Based on the novel by Colson Whitehead, the film tells the story of Elwood, who's sentenced to the brutal reformatory Nickel Academy in Jim Crow South after an innocent misstep. Upon meeting Turner, a seasoned ward of the reformatory, Elwood learns the fundamental tips for survival while striving to hold onto his humanity- and forms a powerful friendship with Turner. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2024/Dec2024/NickelBoys_QnA_1024

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

Director Ellen Kuras discusses her new film, Lee, with fellow Director Phillip Noyce in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, she discusses how her skillset as a cinematographer informed her directing, how she aimed to reach beyond the constraints of a typical biopic to create something more complex and working with Kate Winslet to capture Lee as a multidimensional character. The film tells the true story of Lee Miller, who in the 1940s decides to abandon her career as a fashion model and become Vogue's war correspondent during World War II. Capturing the extremes of the human experience in some of the most indelible images of war, Lee cements herself as one of the greatest war photographers of the 20th century. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2024/Dec2024/Lee_QnA_1024

Director Steve McQueen discusses his new film, Blitz, with fellow Director Barry Jenkins in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses portraying the hidden voices of all those affected by the real life London Blitz, casting the lead child actor as a silent vessel for the audience while being a distinctive character, and utilizing music and dancing throughout the film as a way to reclaim humanity in the face of war. The film tells the story of George, a nine-year-old boy who is separated from his mother, Rita, amid the devastation of the London Blitz capital bombings. As George embarks on a journey to find the family he left behind, Rita embarks on her own journey to track down her son.

Director Mohammad Rasoulof discusses his new film, The Seed of the Sacred Fig, with fellow Director Ramin Bahrani in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, he discusses his utilization of modern online spaces in the film as a reflection of current sentiments, shooting the film clandestinely to avoid castigation, and using his own personal experiences as reference for events within the film. Screened as part of the DGA's Global Cinema Series, the film tells the story of Iman, an investigating Judge of Tehran's court system who becomes increasingly paranoid after his gun goes missing. With his wife and daughters as the prime suspects, he grapples with distrust in his household as political unrest unfolds in the streets. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2024/Nov2024/GCSNY-SeedOfTheSacredFig_0924

Director Azazel Jacobs discusses his new film, His Three Daughters, with fellow Director David Zellner in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses how his personal experiences informed the film, working with his cast to capture performances against their usual types, and shooting scenes in the same order as they happen in the film to allow the performances to evolve with the story. The film tells the story of Katie, Christina and Rachel, who reunite for the first time in many years at their dying father's New York City apartment. Over the course of three claustrophobic days, the sisters unearth past grievances, traumas and hang-ups as they learn to coexist before their father's departure. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2024/Oct2024/HisThreeDaughters_QnA_0924

Director Matt Tyrnauer discusses his new film, Carville: Winning is Everything, Stupid!, with fellow Director Ondi Timoner in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses his cinema verite approach to the nuances of Carville's life, puzzling where and how to include Carville's wife, Mary Matalin in the film, and finding a new wind in his documentary following Joe Biden's exit from the presidential race. Screened as part of the DGA's Documentary Series, the film follows the Democratic consultant's career, from his rise to fame in 1992 to his current effort with Kamala Harris' campaign. As he navigates America's tumultuous 2024 election cycle, Carville is portrayed not only in his political element, but also in his personal life. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2024/Oct2024/DocSeries_CARVILLE-0924

Director Megan Park discusses her new film, My Old Ass, with fellow Director Siân Heder in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, she discusses finding and the means of capturing her tone, discovering scenes with the help of scouting the locations and the process of casting of Maisy Stella and Aubrey Plaza as the two leads. The film tells the story of teenager Elliott who, after her first time taking mushrooms on a summer vacation, is visited by a 39-year-old version of herself. Through this apparition of her older self, she learns valuable lessons about family, friends, love and coming to terms with her sexual orientation. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2024/Oct2024/MyOldAss_QnA_0924

Director Austin Peters discusses his new film, Skincare, with fellow Director Mimi Cave in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses striving for a more authentic LA than the Hollywood image, creating something within the “Sunshine Noir” genre and working with Elizabeth Banks to discover her character. The film tells the story of skincare mogul Hope Goldman, whose business is thrown off the rails when a rival beauty parlor arrives in her neighborhood. With the help of her friend, Jordan, she seeks to uncover the person intent on ruining both her business and her reputation. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2024/Oct2024/Skincare_QnA_0924

Director Fede Alvarez discusses his new film, Alien: Romulus, with fellow Director Leigh Whannell in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses his process for crafting scenes, creating a believable relationship between a human and android character, and working with the effects team from previous films. This continuation of the Alien franchise tells the story of a group of young space colonizers with a plan to scavenge a derelict space station. Instead, once they arrive, they discover they might not be alone. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2024/Oct2024/AlienRomulus_QnA_0824

Director Lee Daniels discusses his new film, The Deliverance, with fellow Director Adam Shankman in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses making a horror film for the first time with his characters at the forefront, playing with serious and campy tonal points, and discovering his portrayals of religious imagery while considering his own beliefs. The film tells the story of Ebony, a struggling single mother who moves her family into a new home for a fresh start. But when strange occurrences inside the home threaten to tear the family apart, Ebony soon finds herself locked in a battle for her and her children's lives. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2024/Oct2024/TheDeliverance_QnA_0824

Director Irene Taylor discusses her new film, I Am: Celine Dion, with fellow Director Ondi Timoner in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, she discusses discovering the purpose of her film as she was making it, Celine's effort to participate more in the making of the film and being deliberate about how much she wanted to explore Celine's stardom alongside more sensitive topics in her home life. Screened as part of the DGA's Documentary Series, the film tells the story of the Canadian singer's past and present as well as the sacrifices she's made to continue performing for her beloved fans, all while managing her life-altering illness. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2024/Sept2024/DocSeries_IAMCelineDion-0824

Director Greg Berlanti discusses his new film, Fly Me to the Moon, with fellow Director Dan Gilroy in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses how his past work in film and television lead to him creating this film, utilizing authentic digital and practical production design to recreate aspects of the Apollo missions not seen before onscreen, and working with his actors to channel the tone of a classic workplace romantic comedy genre. The film tells the story of Kelly, a marketing director, who's brought on to fix NASA's waning public image against the wishes of NASA's launch director, Cole. But when the White House deems the mission too important to fail, Kelly and Cole must work together and stage a fake landing as the launch grows nearer. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2024/August2024/FlyMe2DMoon_QnA_0724

Director Ti West discusses his new film, MaXXXine, with fellow Director Sean Baker in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses filming his X trilogy without pause, working with Actor Mia Goth to develop her characters between each film, and using familiar film production steps as horror setpieces. The third entry in West's trilogy of X films tells the story of Maxine, an adult film star looking to break into mainstream cinema in 1980s Hollywood. But when a mysterious killer begins stalking starlets on the strip, a trail of blood threatens to reveal her sinister past. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2024/August2024/MaXXXine_QnA_0724

Director Tony Goldwyn discusses his new film, Ezra, with fellow Director Michael Pressman in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, he discusses accurately casting the role of Ezra, utilizing selective shooting styles to capture the emotion he aimed for, and working with his friend and screenwriter - whose own experience the film is based on - to craft this story. The film tells the story of Max, a stand-up comedian struggling to co-parent his autistic son, Ezra, with his ex-wife. But when he's forced to confront difficult decisions about his son's future, Max and Ezra embark on a cross-country road trip that has a transcendent impact on both their lives. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2024/August2024/Ezra_QnA_0624

Director David Leitch discusses his new film, The Fall Guy, with fellow Director Jerry Zucker in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses striking a balance with the tension between jokes and action sequences, working with his actors to allow space for improvisation, and filming a meta-narrative feature that reveals how the magic tricks of movie stunts are accomplished. The film tells the story of Colt, a stuntman trying to win back his ex-girlfriend while recovering from a nearly career-ending accident. But after the star of her movie disappears, he'll have to search for the missing actor, solve a conspiracy and try to win back the love of his life, all while getting beat up at his day job. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2024/July2024/FallGuy_QnA_0524

Director George Miller discusses his new film, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, with fellow Director Edgar Wright in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses utilizing Unreal Engine in his storyboarding process, utilizing a mixture of authentic locations and digital effects to achieve his vision, and the evolution of the series leading up to this installment. The prequel to Mad Mad: Fury Road tells the origin story of Furiosa, who was snatched from her idyllic birthhome at a young age and enslaved by the warlord Dementus. But when Dementus encounters opposing warlord Immortan Joe, Furiosa strattles the line of freedom and fury as the two tyrants clash for dominance over the wasteland. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2024/July2024/Furiosa_QnA_0524

Director Chris Pine discusses his new film, Poolman, with fellow Director Patty Jenkins in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses working with Actors as a Director who came from acting, his preference of shooting on film instead of digital, and learning to be intuitive when working with a small budget. The film tells the story of Darren, an unwavering optimist who spends his days looking after the pool of  an LA apartment block. But when a femme fatale asks him to look into a shady business deal, Darren uncovers hidden truths about his beloved city and himself. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2024/July2024/Poolman_QnA_0524

Director Yance Ford discusses his new film, Power, with fellow Director Kristi Jacobson in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, he discusses the endeavor of going through hundreds of years of archival material, how he wanted to challenge the notion of traditional experts in a documentary by approaching people from police-impacted communities, and the post production journey that led him to include his narration in the documentary. The film investigates the American policing system, which has exploded in scope and scale over hundreds of years. Driven to contain threats to social order, now it can be described by one word: Power.

Director Wes Ball discusses his new film, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, with fellow Director Barry Jenkins in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses the importance of mis-en-scene and notes taken from his time helming the Maze Runner series, working in a production that relied heavily on mocap and digital replacement, and the unique process he underwent with his editors in the cutting process. Set 300 years after the events of the previous apes trilogy, the film tells the story of a young ape named Noa, who defies his tyrannical king and teams up with a human to embark on a harrowing journey. On his quest, he'll uncover mysteries that lead him to question everything he's been taught and make choices that will define a future for apes and humans alike. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2024/June2024/KingdomOfThePOTA_QnA_0524

Director Lucy Walker discusses her new film, Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa, with fellow Director Ondi Timoner in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, she discusses comparing and contrasting the act of mountain climbing with the struggle of personal life, exploring Lhakpa's children's arcs to add to the stakes of the story, and finding and fighting for the end of her feature. The film follows the true story of Lhakpa Sherpa, the first Nepali woman to summit and survive Mount Everest. Now a single mother living a quiet life in Connecticut, she returns to the mountain in hopes of building a better life for her family. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2024/June2024/DocSeries_MountainQueen-0524

Director Michael Showalter discusses his new film, The Idea of You, with fellow Director Kay Cannon in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses the in-depth process of casting the Hayes character, working with a songwriter who writes for real pop bands to make a full soundtrack, and taking care to craft a realistic story that respects the genre. The film tells the story of Solène, who while chaperoning her daughter at Coachella, finds instant chemistry with the lead singer of a popular boyband. But while their whirlwind romance creates an undeniable spark, it isn't long before his superstar status causes challenges, and Solène discovers life in the spotlight may be more than she bargained for.

Director Ned Benson discusses his new film, The Greatest Hits, with fellow Director Marc Webb in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses filming at landmark Los Angeles locations to ingrain the city as part of the story, working with the cinematographer to artistically convey the time traveling sequences, and working with his composer to craft a soundtrack that compliments a musically-inclined story. The film tells the story of Harriet, who discovers that specific songs can transport her to the past to relive cherished moments with her former partner. But after meeting someone new in the present, she struggles to decide whether to alter the past and reclaim what she lost, or make peace with it and move on.

Directors David and Nathan Zellner discuss their new film, Sasquatch Sunset, with fellow Director James Ponsoldt in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, they discusses working with actors who are performing in full makeup, their use of live animals throughout the film, and utilizing a score that integrates the sounds of nature as an instrument. The film tells the story of a family of sasquatches living in the misty forests of North America. Over the course of one year, they embark on an absurdist, epic, hilarious, and ultimately poignant journey as they fight for survival in an ever-changing world. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2024/May2024/SasquatchSunset_QnA_0424

Director Robert Lorenz discusses his new film, In the Land of Saints and Sinners, with fellow Director Brian Helgeland in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses retaining the film's authenticity in its Irish cast and texture of its 1970s setting, balancing the tone with moments of humor and severity, and using landscape shots of the remote Irish location to accentuate the mood of the film. The film tells the story of Finbar Murphy, a man living a quiet life in a remote Irish fishing village, eager to leave his dark past behind. But when a menacing crew of terrorists arrive, he is forced to choose between keeping his secret identity hidden, or defending his community from the encroaching violence. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2024/May2024/LandofSaintsNSinners_QnA_0424

Director Michael Mohan discusses his new film, Immaculate, with fellow Director Adam Robitel in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses how his personal background played into his making of the film, his creative partnership with actress Sydney Sweeney on and off the camera, and using Italian locations to try and keep the setting in a timeless state. The film tells the story of Cecelia, an American nun who is offered a new role at a picturesque convent in the Italian countryside. But once there, her dream assignment quickly turns into a living nightmare when she discovers her new home harbors a sinister secret and unspeakable horrors. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2024/May2024/Immaculate_QnA_0324

Director Maureen Bharoocha discusses her new film, The Prank, with fellow Director Lena Khan in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, she discusses the influence of Hitchcock and Heathers on her tone, utilizing the score to control tension throughout the film, and working with Rita Moreno to portray the Actor in her first villain role. The film follows Ben and Tanner, two seemingly ordinary high school seniors. But when they both fail a physics test, they decide to exact revenge on their teacher by framing her for the murder of a missing student. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2024/May2024/ThePrank_QnA_0324

Director Denis Villeneuve discusses his new film, Dune: Part Two, with fellow Director Steven Spielberg in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses the throes of filming in the desert in comparison with Lawrence of Arabia, the comic and painterly inspirations for his imagery, and adjusting his adaptation to closer fit Frank Herbert's original intentions. In this sequel to 2021's Dune, Paul unites with Chani and the Fremen people while on a warpath of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Torn between love and the fate of the universe, he attempts to prevent a terrible future, in this continued adaptation of Frank Herbert's groundbreaking novel.

Director Jeff Wadlow discusses his new film, Imaginary, with fellow Director Ari Sandel in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses working with a child actor, creating his creatures with a renowned creature effect house, and collaborating with the film's lead, DeWanda Wise, as a producing partner. The film follows Jessica, whose daughter develops an eerie attachment to a stuffed bear they find in the basement of her childhood home. What begins as innocent games quickly becomes sinister, as they realize that the bear is much more than just a stuffed toy. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2024/May2024/Imaginary_QnA_0324

Director Johan Renck discusses his new film, Spaceman, with fellow Director Crystal Moselle in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, he discusses Adam Sandler's casting and role in helping the film take off, consulting with real astronauts about the loneliness and melancholy of space, and working with an Actor and cgi character on a set simulating zero-g. The film tells the story of Jakub, an astronaut on a solo mission at the edge of the solar system. Increasingly concerned with the life he left behind, he sets out to fix his marriage with the help of a mysterious timeless creature living in the bowels of his ship. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2024/April2024/Spaceman_QnA_0224.aspx

Director Nicholaus Goossen discusses his new film, Drugstore June, with fellow Director Sammi Cohen in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses his first time writing, directing and editing a film himself, balancing his Actors' improvisational scenes with the script when working on a tight shooting timeline, and referencing indie 80s and 90s movies to achieve a cinematic texture. The film tells the story of June, a wannabe-influencer who's life grows increasingly complicated as she juggles personal and interpersonal problems. Taking matters into her own hands, June heads out to get over her ex, solve a crime and become more of an adult. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2024/April2024/DrugstoreJune_QnA_0224.aspx

Director Reinaldo Marcus Green discusses his new film, Bob Marley: One Love, with fellow Director Jeffrey W. Byrd in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses shooting in Jamaica to include authentic actors and locations, finding his Bob Marley in the 11th hour, and having Ziggy Marley supervising on-set. The film tells the inspirational true story of Bob Marley, the legendary Jamaican reggae singer-songwriter and guitarist, and his journey as he becomes a pioneer and master of his craft. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2024/April2024/BobMarley1Love_QnA_0224.aspx

Martin Scorsese, Greta Gerwig, Alexander Payne, Yorgos Lanthimos and Christopher Nolan engage in a conversation with moderator Jeremy Kagan for the 33rd 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/2024/March2024/MTN_TheatricalFeatureFilm2024

Martin Scorsese, Greta Gerwig, Alexander Payne, Yorgos Lanthimos and Christopher Nolan engage in a conversation with moderator Jeremy Kagan for the 33rd 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/2024/March2024/MTN_TheatricalFeatureFilm2024

Director Zack Snyder discusses his new film, Rebel Moon: Part One - A Child of Fire, with fellow Director Louis Leterrier in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses how he aimed to capture the post-Star Wars pulp science fiction aesthetic, his process when pitching the film, and how he worked on stunt scenes with his Actors. The film tells the story of Kora, who crash-lands on a moon at the edge of the universe, and finds new life among peaceful farmers. But when peace is traded for bloodshed, newly formed revolutionaries must learn to fight together to defend their land, and survive the war on their moon.

Director George Clooney discusses his new film, The Boys in the Boat, with fellow Director John Watts in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses the logistical nuances of filming scenes on the water, finding actors who could inhabit their characters and show physical prowess, and taking notes from other rowing movies as well as borrowing filming techniques from the actual 1936 Olympics. The film tells the true story of the University of Washington men's rowing team, who stun the world when they unexpectedly win gold at the 1936 Berlin Summer Olympics. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2024/January2024/BoysInTheBoat_QnA_1223.aspx

Director Sean Durkin discusses his new film, The Iron Claw, with fellow Director Catherine Hardwicke in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses how he aimed to make a complex narrative exploring the absence of grief, filming with live wrestling fans during the ring scenes, and utilizing one-takes to keep the performances authentic. The film tells the true story of the Von Erich brothers, who made history in the intensely competitive world of professional wrestling in the early 1980s. Through tragedy and triumph, and under the shadow of their domineering father and coach, the brothers seek larger-than-life immortality on the biggest stage in sports. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2024/January2024/TheIronClaw_QnA_1223.aspx

Director John Woo discusses his new film, Silent Night, with fellow Director Brian Helgeland in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses his influence echoed throughout modern action films, the importance of classic Hollywood and musical films to his taste, and telling a story absent of any dialogue starring a speechless character. The film tells the story of Brian, a man who witnesses the death of his son when the boy is caught in gang crossfire on Christmas Eve. Recovering from a wound that cost him his voice, Brian embarks on a bloody quest to punish those responsible, all without uttering a word. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2024/January2024/SilentNight_QnA_1223.aspx

Director Tamika Miller discusses her new film, Honor Student, with fellow Director Paris Barclay in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, she discusses writing the character of the shooter against normal type, the secret meaning of her compositions, and decisions that would consider addressing the subject matter tastefully. The film tells the story of a Washington prep school student, outraged after having lost his twin brother in a mass shooting. Wanting to take the matter into his own hands, he attempts to teach America a lesson it will never forget. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2024/January2024/HonorStudent_QnA_1223.aspx

Director Francis Lawrence discusses his new film, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, with fellow Director Marc Webb in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses capturing a retro-futuristic visual aesthetic, utilizing his camera language while swapping between two main character points of view, and his visualization and rehearsal process for stunt work and action scenes. In this prequel to the popular franchise, a young Coriolanus Snow mentors for the 10th Hunger Games and develops feelings for the female tribute from District 12, Lucy Gray Baird, years before he becomes the tyrannical president of Panem. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2024/January2024/TheHungerGameBSS_QnA_1223.aspx

Director Michael Mann discusses his new film, Ferrari, with fellow Director Alejandro G. Iñárritu in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses integrating melodrama into the story by balancing the family and industry, crafting a believable time period through color composition and mis-en-scene, and including real locations and historical participants in the film. The film tells the story of Enzo Ferrari, who in the summer of 1957 finds his auto empire in crisis. To regain his status, he enlists his team in the Mille Miglia, a treacherous thousand-mile race across Italy. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2024/January2024/Ferrari_QnA_1223.aspx

Director Emerald Fennell discusses her new film, Saltburn, with fellow Director David Lowery in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, she discusses making an unlikeable protagonist that the audience could empathize with, crafting the story while incorporating the gothic genre, and utilizing cinematography to accentuate feelings of seduction and desire. The film tells the story of Oliver, an Oxford student struggling to find his place, who befriends the charming and aristocratic Felix. Finding himself drawn into Felix's world, Oliver is invited to Saltburn, the sprawling and eccentric family estate for a summer never to be forgotten. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2024/January2024/Saltburn_QnA_1223.aspx

Director Blitz Bazawule discusses his new film, The Color Purple, with fellow Director Gina Prince-Bythewood in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses the importance of sketching in his artistic process, how his background in music prepared him for the film, and trying to identify the heart of the original text in order to do the story justice. The film spans decades to tell the story of Celie, a woman who faces many hardships throughout her life. But ultimately she finds strength and hope in the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood, on her journey to independence. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2024/January2024/TheColorPurple_QnA_1223.aspx