The Director’s Cut - A DGA Podcast

Director Tobias Lindholm discusses his new film, The Good Nurse, with fellow director Scott Cooper in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Lindholm talks about casting Eddie Redmayne and Jessica Chastain, wrestling with the true crime genre, and learning how to shoot diner scenes from David Fincher. Based on true events, a nurse risks her life to uncover the truth after she begins to suspect her colleague is responsible for a series of mysterious patient deaths. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/December2022/TheGoodNurse_QnA_1122.aspx

Director Maria Schrader discusses her new film, She Said, with fellow director R.J. Cutler in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Schrader speaks about shooting in the New York Times building, communicating the humanity of the leads rather than portraying an heroic treatment, and what it was like showing the film to Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor. The film recounts the true story of how New York Times reporters Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor broke one of the most important stories in a generation - one which unveiled decades of silence on the subject of sexual assault in Hollywood and helped launch the #MeToo movement. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2023/January2023/SheSaid_QnA_1122.aspx

James Gray, director of Armageddon Time, discusses reconstructing his past onscreen, directing the actors who played his real-life family, and portraying the melancholic tone of the movie. Matt Reeves and Gray explore their personal and autobiographical experiences, reflecting on childhood memories, filming challenges, and the significance of warmth and love in storytelling.

Director Evgeny Afineevsky discusses his new film, Freedom on Fire: Ukraine's Fight for Freedom, with fellow director Raymond De Felitta in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, Afineevsky shares insights about working with nine editors on the project, engaging a crew in Russia to shoot footage, and counteracting the propaganda war of the current conflict. The film depicts Ukraine's battle for freedom following Russian President Vladimir Putin's unprovoked invasion in early 2022, as told through the personal stories of civilians, children, soldiers, and doctors. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/December2022/FreedomOnFire_DocSeries_1022.aspx

Director Phyllis Nagy discusses her new film, Call Jane, with fellow director Sarah Pirozek in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, Nagy discusses directing actor/directors, the intentional performers who make up the soundtrack, and how restrictions make for interesting choices. Set in Chicago in 1968, the film follows Joy, a conservative housewife and mother who is faced with a devastating diagnosis when her second pregnancy leads to a life-threatening heart condition. Unable to get an exemption for a legal abortion, she turns to a clandestine group of women for help. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/December2022/CallJane_QnA_1022.aspx

Director Martin McDonagh discusses his new film, The Banshees of Inisherin, with fellow director Jeremy Kagan. They talk about McDonagh's rehearsal process, the film's tone, and utilizing animals. They also discuss the challenge of working with animals and the importance of understanding the script and characters. Additionally, they explore working with the production designer and cinematographer, the symbolism in the movie, and the role of color.

Director Chinonye Chukwu discusses her new film, Till, with fellow director David Oyelowo in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Chukwu speaks about the care necessary in depicting the tragic story, the political act of where to face the camera, and how she is not precious with her footage during the edit. Based on the true story of Mamie Till-Mobley, the film recounts her relentless pursuit of justice for her 14-year-old Emmet Till, who in 1955, was lynched while visiting his cousins in Mississippi. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/December2022/TILL_QnA_1022.aspx

Director Todd Field and Greta Gerwig discuss the film Tár, sharing insights on camera movement, managing production conflicts, and collaborating with Cate Blanchett to shape the central character. The film centers around a classical music composer/conductor whose life unravels as she prepares for a book launch and a performance of Mahler's Fifth symphony.

Director Parker Finn discusses his new film, Smile, with fellow director Zach Cregger in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Finn speaks about where to put the camera for an effective jump scare, integrating practical effects, and how the film went from planning to be released on Paramount+ to getting a thetrical release. The film follows Dr. Rose Cotter, who after witnessing the bizarre suicide of a patient, goes through increasingly disturbing and daunting experiences, leading her to believe what she is experiencing is supernatural. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/November2022/Smile_QnA_1022.aspx

Director Nicholas Stoller discusses his new film, Bros, with fellow director Judd Apatow in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses where the idea for the film came from, how much improv factors into his process for directing actors, and what surprised him about directing the film. The film tells the story of Bobby, a neurotic podcast host who is content not to have a serious relationship. That all changes when he meets Aaron, an equally detached lawyer. As they are repeatedly drawn to each other, both men begin to show their vulnerable sides and find themselves ready for something resembling a commitment. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/November2022/BROS_QnA_1022.aspx