Tone is probably the strongest element that defines a project and yet, surprisingly, is a topic that is frequently the least discussed on a feature film, pilot, or first season of a television show.

DGA members interested in learning more about techniques for determining and subsequently communicating this ever elusive but critical aspect gathered in the Guild’s Los Angeles theater for Special Projects Committee event, Creating & Talking Tone with Your Team. In a conversation moderated by Director Valerie Weiss, Directors Jonathan Dayton & Valerie Faris, Karyn Kusama and David O. Russell spoke about what has worked and not worked on their productions.

In the conversation, the panelists discuss how the topic of tone is implemented throughout their projects and shared their advice on how to achieve tone through music, casting, opening shots and much more.

Please note: spoilers are included.

See photos and a summary of this event below:

https://dga.org/Events/2023/April2023/SP-CreatingNTalkingToneWithYourTeam-0323.aspx