The Director’s Cut - A DGA Podcast

Director James Gray discusses his new film, Armageddon Time, with fellow director Matt Reeves in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Gray discusses reconstructing his past onscreen, directing the actors who played his real-life family, and portraying the melancholic tone of the movie.

The film follows Paul, a Jewish-American sixth grader who finds himself learning about racism and privilege against the backdrop of 1980s Queens.

Please note: spoilers are included.

See photos and a summary of this event below:

https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/December2022/Armageddon-Time_QnA_1122.aspx

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 in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, McDonagh discusses his rehearsal process, how he approached the tone of the film, and utilizing the innocent lens of animals.

Set on a remote island near Ireland's west coast, the film follows the shocking series of events that ensue when Colm tries to abruptly end a lifelong friendship with Padraic, while Padraic refuses to take no for an answer.

Please note: spoilers are included.

See photos and a summary of this event below:

https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/December2022/Banshees_QnA_1022.aspx

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 discusses his new film, Tár, with fellow director Greta Gerwig in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, Fields speaks about choosing to move the camera less, dealing with "romance vs. finance" conflict during production, and working with Cate Blanchett to form the central character.

Set in the international world of classical music, the film follows groundbreaking composter/ conductor Lydia Tear, as her life begins to unravel while preparing both a book launch and much-anticipated live performance of Mahler's Fifth symphony.

Please note: spoilers are included.

See photos and a summary of this event below:

Director Joseph Kosinski discusses his new film, Top Gun: Maverick, with fellow director Jason Reitman in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, they speak about how Top Gun came into his life (the first and second time), convincing Tom Cruise to hop back into the cockpit, and the complex process of shooting the actors while flying inside the jets.

The sequel film takes us back down the highway to the danger zone as pilot Pete "Maverick" Mitchell, who has spent more than thirty years dodging a promotion that would ground him, is called up on to use his skills to train a detachment of graduates for a perilous special assignment.

Please note: spoilers are included.

See photos and a summary of this event below:

https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/July2022/TopGunMaverick_QnA_0622.aspx

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

Directors Maya Forbes & Wallace Wolodarsky discuss their new film, The Good House, with fellow director Susannah Grant in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, they discuss their particular method for co-directing, how they approached the tone of the film, and how they built the characters with the actors.

The life of New England realtor Hildy Good begins to come to pieces as she rekindles a romance with her old high school flame. As their relationship heats up, their reckless behavior ignites long-buried emotions and family secrets.

Please note: spoilers are included.

See photos and a summary of this event below:

https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/November2022/GoodHouse_QnA_1022.aspx

Director Peter Farrelly discusses his new film, The Greatest Beer Run Ever, with fellow director Larry David in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Farrelly speaks about shooting the movie in Thailand, how the real-life story compares to the film, and why he loves to have weather in a movie.

Based on a true story, the film follows Chickie, a slacker and former marine living with his parents in 1967 New York. When he decides that the best way to support his friends serving in the Vietnam War is to deliver them cans of beer, Chickie's outlook on the war is forever changed.

See photos and a summary of this event below:

https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/November2022/GreatestBeerRun_QnA_1022.aspx