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The Director’s Cut – A DGA Podcast

Brought to you by the Directors Guild of America, ”The Director’s Cut” will bring you the behind-the-scenes stories of today’s most talked about films. Each episode features a different director interviewed by one of their peers, leading to revealing conversations about the grueling, but rewarding process of bringing their films to life.

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Latest Episodes:

Millers in Marriage with Edward Burns and Doug Atchison (Ep. 519) Dec 20, 2024

Director Edward Burns discusses his new film, Millers in Marriage, with fellow Director Doug Atchison in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses how he works as a Director while being one of the central Actors to the film, how he artfully utilizes locations and resources to work effectively on small budgets, and collaborating with his Actors to discover more authentic arcs from his characters.

The film follows the Miller siblings, a former musician, a writer and an artist, who all contend with challenging shifts in their marriages. As their lives change, their relationships are put to the test, bringing them closer to their partners or pushing them further apart.

A Complete Unknown with James Mangold and Guillermo del Toro (Ep. 518) Dec 19, 2024

Director James Mangold discusses his new film, A Complete Unknown, with fellow Director Guillermo del Toro in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses how he intended on making the songs integral scenes instead of separating the drama from the action, how he sought to bring out the impact of Dylan through the figures around him, and the musical and acting performances of his ensemble Cast.

The film follows a young Bob Dylan as he arrives in New York City, performing and forging relationships with his folk contemporaries of Greenwich Village. As he begins his meteoric rise, he strives to break free of his folk identity, culminating in a groundbreaking and controversial performance that reverberates worldwide.

See photos and a summary of this event below:

https://dga.org/Events/2025/February2025/ACompleteUnknown_QnA_1224

Unstoppable with William Goldenberg and Ben Affleck (Ep. 517) Dec 18, 2024

Director William Goldenberg discusses his new film, Unstoppable, with fellow Director Ben Affleck in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses coming into directing a feature for the first time after working as an editor, seeking to make the wrestling scenes as authentic as he could, and having the real Anthony Robles advise and even wrestle in some scenes of the film.

The film tells the inspiring true story of competitive athlete Anthony Robles, who was born with one leg. With the unwavering support of his mother, the encouragement of his coaches, and his own indomitable spirit, Anthony fights through adversity and defies the odds to become an NCAA division 1 champion wrestler.

See photos and a summary of this event below:

https://dga.org/Events/2025/January2025/Unstoppable_QnA_1224

Maria with Pablo Larraín and Mike Mills (Ep. 516) Dec 17, 2024

Director Pablo Larraín discusses his new film, Maria, with fellow Director Mike Mills in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses his process of finding the little details in his film worlds, the importance of architecture in the cinematography of his films, and how he worked with Actor Angelina Jolie to establish the presence of the titular character.

The film follows the famed soprano as she retreats to Paris after a glamorous and tumultuous life in the public eye. With time to settle and reflect, she reckons with both her legacy and her identity.

See photos and a summary of this event below:

https://dga.org/Events/2025/January2025/Maria_QnA_1224

Nightbitch with Marielle Heller and Ritesh Batra (Ep. 515) Dec 16, 2024

Director Marielle Heller discusses her new film, Nightbitch, with fellow Director Ritesh Batra in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, she discusses her unique approach to casting the child Actors in search of a more authentic onscreen relationship with their parents, finding filming locations that say a lot about her characters without delving into their backgrounds within the film’s story, and how she sought to achieve a deliberate level of ambiguity through her deconstruction of the traditional motherhood myth.

Based on the novel by Rachel Yoder, the film tells the story of a woman who has paused her career to be a stay-at-home mom for her new baby. As she becomes increasingly overburdened with the stress of her new responsibilities, her maternal instincts begin to manifest in canine form.

See photos and a summary of this event below:

https://dga.org/Events/2025/January2025/Nightbitch_QnA_1124

Heretic with Scott Beck, Bryan Woods and Michael Mohan (Ep. 514) Dec 13, 2024

Directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods discusses their new film, Heretic, with fellow Director Michael Mohan in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, they discuss working with Actor Hugh Grant to establish the look, presence and psychology of the antagonist, making every shot intentional in order to mimic the theme of control in the film, and using sound and atmosphere to craft a horror movie that prioritizes dread over jump scares.

The film follows two young women ensnared in a deadly game of cat and mouse when they knock on the door of the diabolical Mr. Reed. Trapped in his home, they must turn to their faith if they want to make it out alive.

See photos and a summary of this event below:

https://dga.org/Events/2025/January2025/Heretic_QnA_1124

Albany Road with Christine Swanson and Shaz Bennett (Ep. 513) Dec 12, 2024

Director Christine Swanson discusses her new film, Albany Road, with fellow Director Shaz Bennett in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, she discusses favoring snowy locations for a setting not typical for the story she wanted to tell, progressively adding color to the film’s palette to indicate the growth of the two leads, and how she aimed to tell a story featuring unsung character types she’s known in her life.

The film tells the story of Celeste Simmons, a New York executive on her way to the most important meeting of her career. Forced to share a rental car with her ex-fiancé’s mother, she discovers that the mother is hiding a major secret about her ex.

See photos and a summary of this event below:

https://dga.org/Events/2025/January2025/AlbanyRoad_QnA_1124

Day of the Fight with Jack Huston and Gus Van Sant (Ep. 512) Dec 11, 2024

Director Jack Huston discusses his new film, Day of the Fight, with fellow Director Gus Van Sant in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses how he aimed to turn a typical fight story on its head, how he worked with his Cinematographer to capture the black and white look of the film, and finding an Actor that could convey the range of pathos between fighting and interpersonal melodrama that the role demanded.

The film shows a day in the life of Mikey “Irish Mike” Flanigan, a champion boxer getting ready for his first fight since leaving prison. As he prepares for the most important fight of his life, he reconnects with the people he was closest to and tries to make things right.

See photos and a summary of this event below:

https://dga.org/en/Events/2025/January2025/DayOfTheFight_QnA_1124

Queer with Luca Guadagnino and Daniel Scheinert (Ep. 511) Dec 10, 2024

Director Luca Guadagnino discusses his new film, Queer, with fellow Director Daniel Scheinert in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses how he and Actor Daniel Craig worked together to discover the lead character, the importance of choreography in this and all of his projects, and how he worked with Composers Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross to create a soundtrack with layers of meaning.

Based on the novella by William S. Burroughs, the film follows William Lee, who recounts his life in 1950s Mexico City among American expatriate college students and bar owners. After he becomes infatuated with a younger man, they both set out to find a hallucinogenic drug in the amazon that will bring them closer together.

See photos and a summary of this event below:

https://dga.org/en/Events/2024/Dec2024/Queer_QnA_1124

Lost on a Mountain in Maine with Andrew Boodhoo Kightlinger and Laurie Collyer (Ep. 510) Dec 09, 2024

Director Andrew Boodhoo Kightlinger discusses his new film, Lost on a Mountain in Maine, with fellow Director Laurie Collyer in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, he discusses taking influence from 80s and 90s backwoods films such as Homeward Bound and Stand By Me, emphasizing a use of practical effects and real locations for a tactile experience, and the process of casting the young lead with wilderness experience.

The film tells the inspiring true story of 12-year-old Donn Fendler, who becomes trapped on a treacherous mountain when a fast-moving storm separates him from his family. With no food or proper clothing, he begins a desperate fight for survival in the unforgiving wilderness of northern Maine.

See photos and a summary of this event below:

https://dga.org/en/Events/2025/January2025/LostOnAMountainInMaine_QnA_1124

Conclave with Edward Berger and Jay Roach (Ep. 509) Dec 06, 2024

Director Edward Berger discusses his new film, Conclave, with fellow Director Jay Roach in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses casting his Actors in roles playing in extremes from one another, how he collaborated with his Cinematographer to closely convey the protagonist’s point of view, and working with his Costume Designer to craft authentic and eye-catching designs reflective of their real-world influence.

The film follows Cardinal Lawrence, who is tasked with leading one of the world’s most ancient events: the selection of a new Pope. Surrounded by powerful religious leaders in the halls of the Vatican, he soon uncovers a trail of deep secrets that could shake the very foundation of the Roman Catholic Church.

See photos and a summary of this event below:

https://dga.org/en/Events/2025/January2025/Conclave_QnA_1124

The Piano Lesson with Malcolm Washington and David E. Talbert (Ep. 508) Dec 05, 2024

Director Malcolm Washington discusses his new film, The Piano Lesson, with fellow Director David E. Talbert in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses his process of expanding on a traditional play adaptation beyond the original text, searching for a “punchline” in the pacing of his editing, and shooting the film in sequence to allow his production to evolve in conjunction with the story.

Based on the acclaimed play by August Wilson, the film navigates the lives and legacies of the Charles family. In the aftermath of the great depression, a brewing battle lurks over what to do with the family heirloom - a piano documenting the family history with carvings made by an enslaved ancestor.

See photos and a summary of this event below:

https://dga.org/en/Events/2025/January2025/PianoLesson_QnA_1124

Crossing with Levan Akin and Victoria Hochberg (Ep. 507) Dec 04, 2024

Director Levan Akin discusses his new film, Crossing, with fellow Director Victoria Hochberg in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses how immersing himself in the community lead to him wanting to make this film, his control over the camera allowing the audience to feel as if they’re exploring the city on their own, and his thought process behind how he chose to handle the reveal at the end of the film.

Screened as part of the DGA’s Global Cinema Series, the film tells the story of Lia, a retired teacher, who has promised to find her missing niece. Her search takes her to Istanbul, where she meets a lawyer fighting for trans rights, and gets closer than ever to finding her missing family.

See photos and a summary of this event below:

https://dga.org/en/Events/2024/Dec2024/GCS_Crossing_1124

Gladiator II with Ridley Scott and Fede Alvarez (Ep. 506) Nov 28, 2024

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

Bull Street with Lynn Dow and Sarah Pirozek (Ep. 505) Nov 26, 2024

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

An American Bombing: The Road to April 19th with Marc Levin and Alexandra Pelosi (Ep. 504) Nov 25, 2024

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

Wicked with Jon M. Chu and Shawn Levy (Ep. 503) Nov 22, 2024

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

Smile 2 with Parker Finn and Mike Flanagan (Ep. 502) Nov 20, 2024

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

Nickel Boys with RaMell Ross and Channing Godfrey Peoples (Ep. 501) Nov 18, 2024

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 Director’s Cut 500th Episode Special Nov 12, 2024

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

Goodrich with Hallie Meyers-Shyer and Max Minghella (Ep. 499) Nov 04, 2024

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

Saturday Night with Jason Reitman and Guillermo del Toro (Ep. 498) Oct 31, 2024

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

White Bird with Marc Forster and Michael Pressman (Ep. 497) Oct 28, 2024

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

Lee with Ellen Kuras and Phillip Noyce (Ep. 496) Oct 25, 2024

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

Blitz with Steve McQueen and Barry Jenkins (Ep. 495) Oct 23, 2024

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. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2024/Dec2024/Blitz_QnA_1024

The Seed of the Sacred Fig with Mohammad Rasoulof and Ramin Bahrani (Ep. 494) Oct 11, 2024

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

His Three Daughters with Azazel Jacobs and David Zellner (Ep. 493) Oct 03, 2024

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

Carville: Winning is Everything, Stupid! with Matt Tyrnauer and Ondi Timoner (Ep. 492) Oct 01, 2024

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

My Old Ass with Megan Park and Siân Heder (Ep. 491) Sep 27, 2024

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

Skincare with Austin Peters and Mimi Cave (Ep. 490) Sep 24, 2024

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

Alien: Romulus with Fede Alvarez and Leigh Whannell (Ep. 489) Sep 09, 2024

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

The Deliverance with Lee Daniels and Adam Shankman (Ep. 488) Sep 04, 2024

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

I Am: Celine Dion with Irene Taylor and Ondi Timoner (Ep. 487) Aug 28, 2024

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

Fly Me to the Moon with Greg Berlanti and Dan Gilroy (Ep. 486) Jul 30, 2024

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

MaXXXine with Ti West and Sean Baker (Ep. 485) Jul 18, 2024

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

Ezra with Tony Goldwyn and Michael Pressman (Ep. 484) Jul 08, 2024

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

The Fall Guy with David Leitch and Jerry Zucker (Ep. 483) Jun 06, 2024

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

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga with George Miller and Edgar Wright (Ep. 482) May 28, 2024

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

Poolman with Chris Pine and Patty Jenkins (Ep. 481) May 24, 2024

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

Power with Yance Ford and Kristi Jacobson (Ep. 480) May 23, 2024

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.

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes with Wes Ball and Barry Jenkins (Ep. 479) May 20, 2024

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

Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa with Lucy Walker and Ondi Timoner (Ep. 478) May 14, 2024

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

The Idea of You with Michael Showalter and Kay Cannon (Ep. 477) May 07, 2024

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. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2024/June2024/IdeaOfYou_QnA_0524

The Greatest Hits with Ned Benson and Marc Webb (Ep. 476) May 02, 2024

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. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2024/June2024/GreatestHits_QnA_0424

Sasquatch Sunset with David Zellner, Nathan Zellner and James Ponsoldt (Ep. 475) Apr 22, 2024

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 discuss 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

In the Land of Saints and Sinners with Robert Lorenz and Brian Helgeland (Ep. 474) Apr 15, 2024

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

Immaculate with Michael Mohan and Adam Robitel (Ep. 473) Apr 09, 2024

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

The Prank with Maureen Bharoocha and Lena Khan (Ep. 472) Mar 27, 2024

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

Dune: Part Two with Denis Villeneuve and Steven Spielberg (Ep. 471) Mar 26, 2024

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. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2024/May2024/DunePartTwo_QnA_0324

Imaginary with Jeff Wadlow and Ari Sandel (Ep. 470) Mar 25, 2024

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

Spaceman with Johan Renck and Crystal Moselle (Ep. 469) Mar 22, 2024

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

Drugstore June with Nicholaus Goossen and Sammi Cohen (Ep. 468) Mar 19, 2024

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 whose 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

Bob Marley: One Love with Reinaldo Marcus Green and Jeffrey W. Byrd (Ep. 467) Mar 15, 2024

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

Meet the 2024 Nominees for Theatrical Feature Film - Part 2 of 2 (Ep. 466) Mar 13, 2024

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

Meet the 2024 Nominees for Theatrical Feature Film - Part 1 of 2 (Ep. 465) Mar 12, 2024

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

Rebel Moon: Part One - A Child of Fire with Zack Snyder and Louis Leterrier (Ep. 464) Jan 09, 2024

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. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2024/February2024/RebelMoon_QnA_1223.aspx

The Boys in the Boat with George Clooney and Jon Watts (Ep. 463) Dec 25, 2023

Director George Clooney discusses his new film, The Boys in the Boat, with fellow Director Jon 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

The Iron Claw with Sean Durkin and Catherine Hardwicke (Ep. 462) Dec 22, 2023

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

Silent Night with John Woo and Brian Helgeland (Ep. 461) Dec 21, 2023

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

Honor Student with Tamika Miller and Paris Barclay (Ep. 460) Dec 20, 2023

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

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes with Francis Lawrence and Marc Webb (Ep. 459) Dec 19, 2023

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

Ferrari with Michael Mann and Alejandro G. Iñárritu (Ep. 458) Dec 18, 2023

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

Saltburn with Emerald Fennell and David Lowery (Ep. 457) Dec 15, 2023

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

The Color Purple With Blitz Bazawule And Gina Prince-Bythewood (Ep. 456) Dec 14, 2023

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

Origin with Ava DuVernay and Ed Zwick (Ep. 455) Dec 13, 2023

Director Ava DuVernay discusses her new film, Origin, with fellow Director Ed Zwick in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, she discusses constructing the metalayers of the narrative, her intentional choice of the film format and look, and working with her composer to reflect music from multiple eras. The film follows author Isabel Wilkerson as she sets out on a path of global investigation following a tremendous personal tragedy. In what would become her novel, Caste: The Origins of Our Discontent, she chronicles how lives today are defined by a hierarchy of human divisions. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2024/January2024/Origin_QnA_1223.aspx

The Persian Version with Maryam Keshavarz and Crystal Moselle (Ep. 454) Dec 12, 2023

Director Maryam Keshavarz discusses her new film, The Persian Version, with fellow Director Crystal Moselle in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, she discusses finding inspiration in her family and world events, achieving authenticity in her locations and production design, and aiming for representation in a grounded and personal story. The film tells the story of Leila, an Iranian-American woman who strives to find balance in her opposing cultures. But when her large family gathers in New York for her father’s heart transplant, a family secret is uncovered that catapults Leila and her mother into an exploration of the past. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2024/January2024/PersianVersion_QnA_1123.aspx

Dream Scenario with Kristoffer Borgli and Tim Heidecker (Ep. 453) Dec 09, 2023

Director Kristoffer Borgli discusses his new film, Dream Scenario, with fellow Director Tim Heidecker in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses working with Actor Nicolas Cage to create the character he envisioned, his writing process and the influences that went into the story, and how he borrowed from multiple genres in an effort to transcend categorization. The film tells the story of Paul, a family man who finds his life turned upside down when millions of strangers start mysteriously seeing him in their dreams. But when his nighttime appearances start taking a nightmarish turn, Paul is forced to navigate his newfound infamy. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2024/January2024/DreamScenario_QnA_1123.aspx

The Holdovers with Alexander Payne and Jason Reitman (Ep. 452) Dec 08, 2023

Director Alexander Payne discusses his new film, The Holdovers, with fellow Director Jason Reitman in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses where the inspiration for the story originated, his favorite aspects of each of the three lead actors’ performances, and the filmic inspirations that contributed to the tone of the story. The film tells the story of Paul, a cranky history teacher at a boarding school in the 1960s, forced to chaperone a handful of students with nowhere to go over Christmas break. There, he forms an unlikely bond with a troubled student and the school’s head cook, who lost her son in the Vietnam War. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2024/January2024/Holdovers_QnA_1123.aspx

Leave the World Behind with Sam Esmail and Luke Greenfield (Ep. 451) Dec 07, 2023

Director Sam Esmail discusses his new film, Leave the World Behind, with fellow Director Luke Greenfield in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses the changes he considered when adapting the book to screen, working with the Obama family as producers, and the amount of preparation he underwent before going into production. The film tells the story of Amanda and Clay, who rent a luxurious home for the weekend with their kids. Their getaway is upended when two strangers arrive bearing news of a mysterious cyberattack and the possibility of the collapse of life as we know it. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2024/January2024/LeaveTheWorldBehind_QnA_1123.aspx

May December with Todd Haynes and Gregg Araki (Ep. 450) Nov 29, 2023

Director Todd Haynes discusses his new film, May December, with fellow Director Gregg Araki in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses scouting for the right location to match the specific time and feel of the story, casting and working with longtime collaborator Julianne Moore, and playing with framing and reflections to mirror the multifaceted narrative of the story. The film tells the story of Gracie and Joe, a married couple who, two decades prior, were the subject of a scandalous tabloid romance. When an actress visits their home to research Gracie for a movie role, the uncomfortable details from the scandal emerge, causing long-dormant emotions to resurface. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2024/January2024/MayDecember_QnA_1123.aspx

Miranda’s Victim with Michelle Danner and Sarah Pirozek (Ep. 449) Nov 22, 2023

Director Michelle Danner discusses her new film, Miranda’s Victim, with fellow Director Sarah Pirozek in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, she discusses the intention behind her casting choices, how she aimed to capture a classic era through cinematography and editing, and how she sought to explore her lead character’s mindset in tandem to the events of the story. The film tells the story of Patricia Weir, who in 1963, was kidnapped and brutally raped by Ernesto Miranda. Committed to seeing him pay for the crime, her life is destroyed by America’s legal system as she triggers a law that transforms the nation. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2023/December2023/MirandasVictim_QnA_1123.aspx

Maestro with Bradley Cooper and Todd Phillips (Ep. 448) Nov 21, 2023

Director Bradley Cooper discusses his new film, Maestro, with fellow Director Todd Phillips in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses working with Bernstein’s children and how he was given the project, the practice that went into major performance scenes, and capturing the thought process of Leonard Bernstein while in the dual roles of lead Actor and Director of the film. The film tells the story of world renowned American composer Leonard Bernstein and his decade-spanning journey with Felicia Montealegre. A love letter to life and art, their relationship is an emotionally epic portrayal of endurance, passion and family. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2024/January2024/Maestro_QnA_1123.aspx

Radical with Christopher Zalla and Braden King (Ep. 447) Nov 20, 2023

Director Christopher Zalla discusses his new film, Radical, with fellow Director Braden King in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, he discusses how the children’s POV informed his cinematography choices, his personal journey in finding a story that resonated with him, and how he worked with Actors of various backgrounds to achieve the types of characters he envisioned. The film tells the story of Sergio Juarez, a sixth grade teacher in a Mexican border town full of neglect, corruption and violence. Saddled with the worst performing students, he tries a radical new method to unlock his students' curiosity, potential, and maybe even their genius. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2023/December2023/Radical_QnA_1123.aspx

Saw X with Kevin Greutert and Marcus Dunstan (Ep. 446) Nov 19, 2023

Director Kevin Greutert discusses his new film, Saw X, with fellow Director Marcus Dunstan in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses refocusing the series around its trademark antagonist, finding inspiration in a new setting when the initial location fell through, and having his cinematography capture uncharacteristic beauty in contrast to the iconic Saw imagery. The film tells the story of John - the serial killer known as Jigsaw - who goes out of country to undergo an experimental procedure in hopes of finding the miracle cure for his cancer. Once he discovers the entire operation is a scam to defraud the most vulnerable, he is armed with newfound purpose and uses deranged and ingenious traps to turn the tables on the con artists. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2023/December2023/SawX_QnA_1023.aspx

She Came to Me with Rebecca Miller and Noah Baumbach (Ep. 445) Nov 17, 2023

Director Rebecca Miller discusses her new film, She Came to Me, with fellow Director Noah Baumbach in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, she discusses how her background as a painter gave her an eye for composing scenes, how she overcame challenges that arose on-set and how she learned the dynamics of each Actor’s methods in order to work with them. The film tells the story of Steven, who is unable to finish the score for his big comeback opera. At the behest of his wife and former therapist, Patricia, he sets out in search of inspiration, but finds much more than he bargained for in the form of Katrina- a tugboat captain with her own obsessions. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2023/December2023/SheCameToMe_QnA_1023.aspx

Yours In Freedom, Bill Baird with Rebecca Cammisa, Tia Lessin, Bill Baird and Joni Baird (Ep. 444) Nov 16, 2023

Director Rebecca Cammisa discusses her new film, Yours in Freedom, Bill Baird, with fellow Director Tia Lessin and subjects Bill Baird and Joni Baird in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, she discusses how she mixed archival and modern day clips, surprising discoveries she made on her documentary journey, and giving the floor to her subject Bill Baird, he discusses his background and defining moments that drove him to take up his fight for reproductive rights. The film tells the true story of reproductive rights pioneer Bill Baird, the unsung hero of the birth control battle, who gave up everything — his family, his livelihood, his freedom — in pursuit of women’s rights. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2023/December2023/YIF-BillBaird_DocSeries_1023.aspx

Dumb Money with Craig Gillespie and Phil Lord (Ep. 443) Nov 09, 2023

Director Craig Gillespie discusses his new film, Dumb Money, with fellow Director Phil Lord in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses his process in finding a tonal balance between the comedy and serious in his scenes, working with a script so soon after the real-life events transpired, and using real footage, texts and even memes in the film. The film tells the true story of how regular guy, Keith Gill, starts a movement with other novice stock traders to get rich. By turning GameStop into one of the world’s hottest companies, he helps make stock market history, much to the chagrin of the finance industry giants who fight back. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2023/December2023/DumbMoney_QnA_1023.aspx

A Compassionate Spy with Steve James and Ondi Timoner (Ep. 442) Nov 08, 2023

Director Steve James discusses his new film, A Compassionate Spy, with fellow Director Ondi Timoner in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses his process of shooting reenactments, the discovery of archival footage of Ted, and his aim to show the nuances and motivations of Ted’s decision. The film tells the true story of eighteen year-old physicist Ted Hall’s recruitment into the Manhattan Project. In 1944, concerned about U.S. having a monopoly on such a devastating weapon, Ted decides to divulge classified information about the world’s first atomic bomb to the Soviet Union. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2023/November2023/DocSeries_A_Compassionate_Spy-1023.aspx

Priscilla with Sofia Coppola and Celine Song (Ep. 441) Nov 07, 2023

Director Sofia Coppola discusses her new film, Priscilla, with fellow Director Celine Song in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, she discusses how she aimed for a sharp contrast in the Oz-like Elvis world and the drab normal world through her production design, how she deliberately changes the pace of her editing in the presence of Elvis vs when he’s missing, and the relationship between the real Priscilla Presley and Actor Cailee Spaeny. Based on the 1985 memoir Elvis and Me by Priscilla Presley, the film tells the story of how young Priscilla Beaulieu met Elvis Presley, chronicling their legendary relationship and marriage. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2023/December2023/Priscilla_QnA_1023.aspx

Nyad with Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, Jimmy Chin and Lisa Cholodenko (Ep. 440) Nov 06, 2023

Directors Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin discusses their new film, Nyad, with fellow Director Lisa Cholodenko in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, they discuss the change in their co-directing process having gone from documentary filmmaking to their first feature film, the physical training Actor Annette Benning underwent for the role, and the inspiration behind why they were drawn to tell this story. The film tells the true story of how 60-year-old athlete Diana Nyad, with the help of her best friend and coach, committed herself to achieving her dream of completing a 110-mile swim from Cuba to Florida. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2023/December2023/Nyad_QnA_1023.aspx

Anatomy of a Fall with Justine Triet and Nicole Kassell (Ep. 439) Oct 30, 2023

Director Justine Triet discusses her new film, Anatomy of a Fall, with fellow Director Nicole Kassell in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, Triet discusses the deliberation that went into her cinematography to accentuate the sense of mystery, how she directed actors to give multilayered performances, and the consideration that went into crafting the ending. The film tells the story of Sandra, her husband Samuel and their blind son Daniel, who live a secluded life in the French Alps. When Samuel is found dead, Sandra becomes the main suspect and Daniel the main witness, beginning an unsettling psychological examination of their conflicted relationship. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2023/November2023/AnatomyOfAFall_1023.aspx

The Kill Room with Nicol Paone and Jim Rash (Ep. 438) Oct 27, 2023

Director Nicol Paone discusses her new film, The Kill Room, with fellow Director Jim Rash in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Paone discusses taking lessons from making her last film, creating a soundtrack that helped balance the film’s dramedy tone, and working with both a production designer and art advisor to establish the artistic look of the film. The film tells the story of an art dealer who teams with a hitman and his boss for a money laundering scheme, trading paintings by way of assassinations. But when the exchange accidentally launches the hitman’s work into fame, the dealer is forced to pit her art world against the underworld. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2023/November2023/THE-KILL-ROOM_QnA_1023.aspx

Rustin with George C. Wolfe and Reinaldo Marcus Green (Ep. 437) Oct 25, 2023

Director George C. Wolfe discusses his new film, Rustin, with fellow Director Reinaldo Marcus Green in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Wolfe discusses roadmapping his scenes by taking reference from some of Rustin’s real-life tactics, working with and taking notes from the Obamas- who acted as Executive Producers, and displaying the characters' growth through the framework of compositions by jazz composer, Branford Marsalis. The film tells the true story of Bayard Rustin, an advisor to Martin Luther King Jr., who dedicated his life to the quest for racial equality, human rights and worldwide democracy. However, as an openly gay Black man, he is all but erased from the civil rights movement he helped build. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2023/December2023/RUSTIN_QnA_1023.aspx

Foe with Garth Davis and Darius Marder (Ep. 436) Oct 20, 2023

Director Garth Davis discusses his new film, Foe, with fellow Director Darius Marder in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, Davis discusses playing with themes of reality, identity and change, utilizing locations as their own character, and working with actors to create scenes with multilayered meanings. The film tells the story of Hen and Junior, who farm a secluded piece of land which has been in Junior’s family for generations. But their quiet life is thrown into turmoil when an uninvited stranger shows up at their door with a startling proposal. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2023/November2023/FOE_QnA_1023.aspx

Killers of the Flower Moon with Martin Scorsese and Ti West (Ep. 435) Oct 18, 2023

Director Martin Scorsese discusses his new film, Killers of the Flower Moon, with fellow Director Ti West in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Scorsese discusses lifting dialogue from real historical accounts when working on the script and its structure, speaking with current Osage tribal members to include their suggestions and accounts, and the fashioning of the title sequence and how a hundred-year-old camera was used in the crafting of it. The film tells the story of the true, serial murders of members of the oil-wealthy Osage Nation, which came to be known as the Reign of Terror. Set in 1920s Oklahoma and told through the impossible romance of Ernest Burkhart and Mollie Kyle, the film depicts the systematic conspiracy and murders, which spark a major F.B.I. investigation. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2023/November2023/KOTFM_QnA_1023.aspx

Reptile with Grant Singer and Louis Leterrier (Ep.434) Oct 16, 2023

Director Grant Singer discusses his new film, Reptile, with fellow Director Louis Leterrier in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Singer discusses the genres he drew from to achieve his tone, his experience working alongside Benicio del Toro on the production end, and how he saw music as a drive for the film’s pacing. The film tells the story of Tom Nichols, a New England detective investigating the brutal murder of a young real estate agent. Though he's unflinching in his pursuit for justice, the case slowly begins to dismantle the illusions in his own life. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2023/November2023/Reptile_QnA_1023.aspx

Cassandro with Roger Ross Williams and Dee Rees (Ep. 433) Oct 04, 2023

Director Roger Ross Wiliams discusses his new film, Cassandro, with fellow Director Dee Rees in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, Williams discusses how he treated the story like a superhero narrative to guide his character’s transformation, how he established a progressing color palette with his DP to reflect the progression of the story, and how he integrated his documentary skills to create a naturally changing narrative. The film tells the true story of Saúl Armendáriz, a gay amateur wrestler who rose to fame and became an LGBTQ icon after participate in lucha libre wrestling matches as “Cassandro the Exotico.” See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2023/November2023/Cassandro_QnA_0923.aspx

Fair Play with Chloe Domont and Olivia Wilde (Ep. 432) Oct 02, 2023

Director Chloe Domont discusses her new film, Fair Play, with fellow Director Olivia Wilde in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Domont discusses how she used production design to drive the mood, how she intended her camera and audio to invoke the style of thrillers and horror movies, and how she worked to develop stronger emotional connections between her leading actors and create a more nuanced relationship for her characters. The film tells the story of Emily and Luke, a young couple working at a cutthroat hedge fund, who find themselves tested when an unexpected promotion threatens to unravel far more than their recent engagement. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2023/November2023/FairPlay_QnA_0923.aspx

Bottoms with Emma Seligman and Gene Stupnitsky (Ep. 431) Sep 28, 2023

Director Emma Seligman discusses her new film, Bottoms, with fellow Director Gene Stupnitsky in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Seligman discusses the difficulty of cutting favorite scenes to keep the tone she envisioned, building the world of a high school comedy with a unique set of rules, and the influences she pulled across films to form her vision. The film tells the story of best friends PJ and Josie, two gay teens who take the unusual approach of launching a high school fight club in a plan to meet girls and lose their virginity. But soon they find themselves in over their heads when the most popular students begin to beat each other up. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://cms.dga.org/Events/2023/October2023/Bottoms_QnA_0923.aspx

They Cloned Tyrone with Juel Taylor and Jordan Vogt-Roberts (Ep. 430) Sep 18, 2023

Director Juel Taylor discusses his new film, They Cloned Tyrone, with fellow Director Jordan Vogt-Roberts in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Taylor discusses how test screenings helped him refine the film, the pitching process that helped start the project and how he mixed filmic inspirations to achieve his unique tone. The film tells the story of Fontaine, Slick Charles and Yo-Yo, an unlikely trio who discover a nefarious government cloning conspiracy and embark on a mission to save their neighborhood. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2023/October2023/TheyClonedTyrone_QnA_0923.aspx

Sound of Freedom with Alejandro Monteverde and Alonso Alvarez-Barreda (Ep. 429) Sep 15, 2023

Director Alejandro Monteverde discusses his new film, Sound of Freedom, with fellow Director Alonso Alvarez-Barreda in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Monteverde discusses how he wanted to depict horror through beauty in his cinematography, his real life inspirations for the film and how he balanced tone to make the movie impactful but not onerous. The film tells the story of a former government agent-turned-vigilante who embarks on a dangerous mission to rescue children from sex traffickers. After rescuing a young boy, he learns the boy’s sister is still captive and decides to quit his job and embark on a dangerous mission deep in the Colombian jungle to save her. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2023/October2023/SoundOfFreedom_QnA_0923.aspx

Blue Beetle with Ángel Manuel Soto and Jaume Collet-Serra (Ep. 428) Sep 13, 2023

Director Ángel Manuel Soto discusses his new film, Blue Beetle, with fellow Director Jaume Collet-Serra in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Soto discusses how he kept the theme of family central to the film, his deliberate choices when casting each role, and the importance of fleshing out his characters. The film tells the story of a young man, made into a superhero after being chosen by an alien entity to be its symbiotic host. After Jaime Reyes, a recent college graduate, is bestowed with a suit of armor capable of extraordinary powers, it forever changes his destiny but never the bond with him and his family. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2023/October2023/BlueBeetle_QnA_0823.aspx

Last Flight Home with Ondi Timoner and Susanna Styron (Ep. 427) Sep 07, 2023

Director Ondi Timoner discusses her new film, Last Flight Home, with fellow Director Susanna Styron in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, Timoner discusses how she viewed the filming of this documentary as her own form of therapy, how she transitioned between the roles of daughter and filmmaker while behind and in front of the camera, and the effect of the film on her father’s closest friends and family. The film tells the story of Timoner’s father, Eli Timoner, during the 15-day waiting period before medically terminating his own life. Once a swashbuckling entrepreneur, now bedridden, Timoner says goodbye to those closest to him while they struggle to reconcile with his choice. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/en/Events/2023/October2023/LastFlightHome_DocSeries_0823

The Beanie Bubble with Kristin Gore, Damian Kulash, Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton (Ep. 426) Sep 05, 2023

Directors Kristin Gore and Damian Kulash discuss their new film, The Beanie Bubble, with fellow Directors Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, they discuss the evolution of the script over the years, the limitations in using real likenesses and Beanie Babies, and structuring the story as a rise and fall for its many characters. The film tells the story behind the Beanie Baby toy obsession that took off in the 1990s, centered on manufacturer-turned-billionaire Ty Warner, and the women who were integral to his success. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/en/Events/2023/September2023/BeanieBubbleQnA_0823

Little Richard: I Am Everything with Lisa Cortés and Ondi Timoner (Ep. 425) Aug 21, 2023

Director Lisa Cortés discusses her new film, Little Richard: I Am Everything, with fellow Director Ondi Timoner in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Cortés discusses her thought processes when structuring the film, applying her knowledge and experiences from the music industry to the production, and her attempts to shake up the structure of a typical music documentary. The film tells the story of music legend Little Richard, combining a wealth of his archival and performance footage to reveal the true Black queer origins of rock n’ roll. As the icon’s story is unspooled, so too are the contradictions between his life and music, as he gave the world what he was never able to give himself. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2023/September2023/DocSeries_LittleRichardIAE-0723.aspx

Afire with Christian Petzold and Michael Almereyda (Ep. 424) Aug 15, 2023

Director Christian Petzold discusses his new film, Afire, with fellow Director Michael Almereyda in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, Petzold discusses the autobiographical elements of the film, the meaning and thought process behind the encroaching fire, and its dystopian as well as its pandemic influences. The film tells the story of a group of young friends who vacation in a house by the Baltic Sea as an encroaching forest fire threatens the group. As the days grow hotter and the fire nears, both temperature and tensions rise, allowing emotions of happiness, lust and love to give way to jealousies, resentments and tensions among the group. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2023/August2023/GCS_Afire_0723.aspx

Earth Mama with Savanah Leaf and Celine Song (Ep. 423) Aug 09, 2023

Director Savanah Leaf discusses her new film, Earth Mama, with fellow Director Celine Song in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, Leaf discusses her familial inspiration for the story, working with a lead who isn’t typically an actor, and using cinematography as a method to bring out more from the actors. The film tells the story of Gia, a young pregnant woman with two children in the foster care system, who lives her life on the margins. As she works to make a life for herself and her kids, she fights the system in hopes of reclaiming her family, in this heavy yet hopeful look at young motherhood. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2023/September2023/EarthMama_QnA_0723.aspx

Joy Ride with Adele Lim and Jason Ensler (Ep. 422) Jul 31, 2023

Director Adele Lim discusses her new film, Joy Ride, with fellow Director Jason Ensler in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Lim discusses working on a film as a first-time director, channeling the energy of the cast into their characters and how she accomplished scenes when plans didn’t work out. The film tells the story of four Chinese-American friends on an international trip in search of one of their birth mothers. Audrey, Lolo, Kat and Deadeye experience friendship, belonging, debauchery and eventually discover the universal truth of what it means to know and love who you are See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2023/August2023/JoyRide_QnA_0723.aspx

R.M.N. with Cristian Mungiu and Victoria Hochberg (Ep. 421) Jul 26, 2023

Director Cristian Mungiu discusses his new film, R.M.N., with fellow Director Victoria Hochberg in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Mungiu discusses the importance of diagetic sound and ambience in the film, the subconscious effect the film’s visual imagery contributes to the mood, and how he takes the time to fully understand his material before working on a film. The film tells the story of a father who returns home to his family in their Transylvanian village in Romania after a violent incident at his job in Germany. When the local factory hires foreign workers, deep-rooted impulses and animosities emerge, causing ethnic and economic resentments and shattering the veneer of peace in the community. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2023/August2023/GCS_RMN_0723.aspx

The Blackening with Tim Story and David E. Talbert (Ep. 420) Jul 14, 2023

Director Tim Story discusses his new film, The Blackening, with fellow Director David E. Talbert in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Story discusses his process in trying to keep the film current, his effort in making a culturally rich comedy, and the ways he fleshes out distinct character personalities while still maintaining the core structure of the story. The film tells the story of seven Black friends who reunite for a Juneteenth weekend getaway, only to find themselves trapped in a remote cabin with a twisted killer. Forced to play by the killer’s rules in a deadly game, the friends use their street smarts and knowledge of horror movies to help them stay alive- to mixed results. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/events/2023/august2023/theblackening_qna_0723.aspx

Taylor Mac’s 24-Decade History of Popular Music with Rob Epstein, Jeffrey Friedman, Taylor Mac and Ondi Timoner (Ep. 419) Jul 13, 2023

Taylor Mac's 24-Decade History of Popular Music

Directors Rob Epstein, Jeffrey Friedman and performer Taylor Mac discuss their new film, Taylor Mac’s 24-Decade History of Popular Music, with fellow Director Ondi Timoner in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, the filmmakers discuss including behind-the-scenes costuming and makeup to drive the narrative, the editing process of turning a 24-hour live show into a shortened recorded special, and telling a multilayered story within the confines of a live taped performance. The film captures the drag star’s exuberant, blatantly gay 24-hour musical performance, featuring skilled performers, creative costumes, and the American myth recounted through sailor's ditties, disco, and sugary pop numbers. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2023/August2023/0623_DocSeries_TaylorMac.aspx

Mending the Line with Joshua Caldwell and Bryan Woods (Ep. 418) Jul 07, 2023

Director Joshua Caldwell discusses his new film, Mending the Line, with fellow director Bryan Woods in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Caldwell discusses how his own passion for fly fishing informed the making of the movie, how his research into PTSD and feedback from veterans affected the script, and facing difficulties while shooting in the Montana wilderness. The film tells the story of Colter, a Marine who returns to a VA hospital in Montana after being wounded in Afghanistan. There he meets a Vietnam vet who teaches him fly fishing as a means of coming to terms with his physical and emotional trauma. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2023/August2023/MendingTheLine_QnA_0623.aspx

About My Father with Laura Terruso and Paul Weitz (Ep. 417) Jun 29, 2023

Director Laura Terruso discusses her new film, About My Father, with fellow director Paul Weitz in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Terruso discusses her personal connection to the film, how she portrays a character who is both funny and complex, and her experience working with a veteran actor on set. The film tells the story of a man who is encouraged to bring his immigrant father on a weekend get-together with his fiancée and her wealthy family. The eccentric gathering soon develops into a culture clash, allowing father and son to discover the true meaning of family. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2023/August2023/AboutMyFather_QnA_0623.aspx

The Boogeyman with Rob Savage and Parker Finn (Ep. 416) Jun 27, 2023

Director Rob Savage discusses his new film, The Boogeyman, with fellow director Parker Finn in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Savage discusses how he storyboards his visual language as inspired by shots from other movies, working with child actors on set, and designing the creature with the aim of capturing genuine primal childhood fears. Based on the short story by Stephen King, the film tells the story of a high school student reeling from the death of her mother. When a desperate patient of her psychiatrist father unexpectedly shows up at their home seeking help, he leaves behind a chilling paranormal creature that preys on families and feeds on the suffering of its victims. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2023/July2023/Boogeyman_QnA_0623.aspx

Flamin’ Hot with Eva Longoria and Patricia Cardoso (Ep. 415) Jun 26, 2023

Director Eva Longoria discusses her new film, Flamin' Hot, with fellow director Patricia Cardoso in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Longoria discusses securing the project as her feature directing debut, maintaining Chicano authenticity throughout the story, and how the visual language of the film informs the development of the main character. The film tells the true story of how a former Frito Lay janitor disrupted the food industry by channeling his Mexican heritage to turn Flamin' Hot Cheetos from a snack into an iconic global pop culture phenomenon. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2023/July2023/FlaminHot_QnA_0623.aspx

Art For Everybody with Miranda Yousef and Ondi Timoner (Ep. 414) Jun 22, 2023

Director Miranda Yousef discusses her new film, Art For Everybody, with fellow director Ondi Timoner in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Yousef discusses working with a vast array of archival material, navigating the true identity of Kinkade through accounts from friends and family, and applying her skills and expertise as an Editor in her debut as a feature-length documentary filmmaker. The film delivers a portrait of Thomas Kinkade, a complex man both celebrated and disparaged for his kitschy art style- and secretly plagued by demons. Following the discovery of a collection of unexpectedly dark paintings, an investigation is launched into the true personality under Kinkade's façade. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2023/July2023/Art4Everybody_DocSeries_0523.aspx

Sweetwater with Martin Guigui and Jeremy Kagan (Ep. 413) Jun 05, 2023

Director Martin Guigui discusses his new film, Sweetwater, with fellow director Jeremy Kagan in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Guigui discusses the challenges of maintaining a sense of historical accuracy, finding Globetrotter authenticity in his cast and implementing his vision of how basketball creates a level playing field. The film tells the story of how the game of basketball was changed forever when the New York Knicks took the initiative to integrate the team with the historic introduction of Harlem Globetrotters player, Nathaniel ‘Sweetwater’ Clifton. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2023/June2023/Sweetwater_QnA_0423-002.aspx

Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie with Davis Guggenheim and Ondi Timoner (Ep. 412) Jun 02, 2023

Director Davis Guggenheim discusses his new film, Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie, with fellow director Ondi Timoner in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Guggenheim discusses incorporating documentary, archival and scripted elements, making a movie about more than just Parkinson's disease, and overcoming expectations regarding a documentary about a famous individual. The film follows the actor, diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at the age of 29, as his public life is unspooled alongside his never-before-seen private journey, and explores what happens when an unwavering optimist confronts an incurable disease. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2023/June2023/STILL_AMJFMovie_DocSeries_0423.aspx

Space Oddity with Kyra Sedgwick and Bennet Miller (Ep. 411) May 17, 2023

Director Kyra Sedgwick discusses her new film, Space Oddity, with fellow director Bennett Miller in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, Sedgwick discusses discovering the film's locations and look, influences that affected the story's tone, and the movie as a love letter to earth. The film tells the story of Alex, who bewilders his family after he gives up on life on Earth and begins training for a one-way trip to Mars. But an unexpected romance may force him to choose between an uncertain journey to the stars or an even more uncertain journey of the heart. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2023/May2023/SpaceOddity_QnA_0423.aspx

John Wick: Chapter 4 with Chad Stahelski and Louis Leterrier (Ep. 410) May 17, 2023

Director Chad Stahelski discusses his new film, John Wick: Chapter 4, with fellow director Louis Leterrier in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Stahelski discusses the influence location scouting had on setpieces, the preparation required for stunts, and how his earlier work as a Second Unit Director and Stunt Coordinator informed his directorial style. The film finds John Wick forced to take his fight against the High Table across the globe as he seeks out the most powerful players in the underworld. With the price on his head ever increasing, he faces off against a new enemy with powerful alliances and forces that turn old friends into foes. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2023/May2023/JohnWickChapterFour_QnA_0423.aspx

Chantilly Bridge with Linda Yellen and Mary Harron (Ep. 409) May 16, 2023

Director Linda Yellen discusses her new film, Chantilly Bridge, with fellow director Mary Harron in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, Yellen discusses her use of improvisation in both Chantilly Lace and Chantilly Bridge, and utilizing footage from the original film to craft a memory piece and meditation on aging. Set 25 years after her groundbreaking Sundance hit, Chantilly Lace, the film follows a group of lifelong, steadfast friends who reunite and discuss important issues that impact all women. Yellen brings back the same actresses for a story that traverses old and new films alike as old friends deal with the trials and tribulations in their lives. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2023/May2023/ChantillyBridge_QnA_0423.aspx

A Good Person with Zach Braff and Zoe Lister-Jones (Ep. 408) May 16, 2023

Director Zach Braff discusses his new film, A Good Person, with fellow director Zoe Lister-Jones in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Braff discusses the personal inspirations for the film, the challenges in working with a tight schedule, and his desire to add comic relief to the story. The film tells the story of Allison, whose life falls apart following her involvement in a fatal accident. She is brought together with Daniel, a grief-stricken father who is also dealing with the aftermath of that incident. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2023/May2023/AGoodPerson_QnA_0323.aspx

Creating & Talking Tone with Your Team (Ep. 407) May 10, 2023

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

Wildflower with Matt Smukler and Will Speck (Ep. 406) Apr 24, 2023

Director Matt Smukler discusses his new film, Wildflower, with fellow director Will Speck in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Smukler spoke about how the project transitioned from a documentary to a narrative feature, the challenges of making the shift in format and selecting a cast resembling family. Based on a true story about his extended family that inspired a documentary of the same name, Smukler’s feature centers on Bea, the daughter of two intellectually disabled parents and a set of relatives that can't quite agree on the best way to help. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2023/May2023/Wildflower_QnA_0323.aspx

Creed III with Michael B. Jordan and Tim Miller (Ep. 405) Mar 09, 2023

Director Michael B. Jordan discusses his new film, Creed III, with fellow director Tim Miller in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Jordan discusses the challenge of directing himself, how the fight scenes were another language within the film, and how anime allowed the themes of the story to resonate. The film follows boxing champion Adonis Creed as he is forced to put his future on the line when a childhood friend and former boxing prodigy resurfaces after serving time in prison, eager to settle an old score and prove that he deserves his shot in the ring. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2023/April2023/Creed003_QnA_0323.aspx

Saint Omer with Alice Diop and Dee Rees (Ep. 404) Feb 03, 2023

Director Alice Diop discusses her new film, Saint Omer, with fellow director Dee Rees in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, Diop speaks about finding ways to expand the court room visually, how her personal experience of watching the trial informed her direction, and relying on intuition to lead her through the making of the film. Based on true events, the film tells the story of Rama, a successful author living in Paris, who travels to the northern town of Saint Omer to attend the trial of a young Senegalese women accused of murdering her baby daughter. Rama's plan to write a book about the case unravels when she is forced to reckon with memories of her own immigrant mother as well as her impending motherhood. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2023/March2023/GCS_SaintOmer_0123.aspx

Spoiler Alert with Michael Showalter and Charles Rogers (Ep. 403) Jan 27, 2023

Director Michael Showalter discusses his new film, Spoiler Alert, with fellow director Charles Rogers in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Showalter speaks about earning an emotional reaction to the film through technique, dealing with characters who use humor as a coping mechanism, and working with how an actor interprets a character naturally. Based on Michael Ausiello's 2017 memoir, Spoiler Alert: The Hero Dies, the film follows the final 11-months of Manhattan photographer Kit Cowan's life from his terminal cancer diagnosis to his death, told through the eyes of Ausiello, his spouse. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2023/February2023/1222_QnA_SpoilerAlert.aspx

Empire of Light with Sam Mendes and Karyn Kusama (Ep. 402) Jan 20, 2023

Director Sam Mendes discusses his new film, Empire of Light, with fellow director Karyn Kusama in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Mendes speaks about directing (recreating) scenes from his life, making films audiences can connect to, and relaying the cinematic experiences. Set on the South coast of England in the 1980s, the film follows Hilary, a lonely woman who works at a seaside movie palace and is engaged in a boring affair with her married boss, Donald. When Stephen, a young new theater employee arrives on the scene, Hilary senses something kindred in him and they fall into a tenuous romance. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2023/January2023/EmpireOfLight_QnA_1222.aspx

The Pale Blue Eye with Scott Cooper and David O. Russell (Ep. 401) Jan 12, 2023

Director Scott Cooper discusses his new film, The Pale Blue Eye, with fellow director David O. Russell in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Cooper speaks about his belief in the importance of restraint in period movies, his collaboration with Christian Bale, and what helps the audience give themselves over to a film. The film brings us the story of a veteran detective who is hired to delve into the murder of a West Point cadet, but finds himself stalled by the cadets' code of silence. In order to solve the mystery, he enlists the help of one of their own, a young Edgar Allen Poe. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2023/January2023/PaleBlueEye_QnA_1222.aspx

Avatar: The Way of Water with James Cameron and Guillermo Del Toro (Ep. 400) Dec 25, 2022

Director James Cameron discusses his new film, Avatar: The Way of Water, with fellow director Guillermo del Toro in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Cameron speaks about working with Sigourney Weaver to develop her unique character, the innovative tech necessary for the film (and its upcoming sequels) and the groundbreaking process of underwater performance capture. The long-awaited sequel to Cameron’s DGA Award-nominated feature, Avatar, The Way of Water is set a decade after the events of the first film and follows human-turned-Na’vi Jake Sully, who must find a safe haven for his family when old foes return to ravage their beautiful home and destroy their harmonious way of life. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2023/February2023/1222_QnA_Avatar.aspx

Babylon with Damien Chazelle and Taylor Hackford (Ep. 399) Dec 24, 2022

Director Damien Chazelle discusses his new film, Babylon, with fellow director Taylor Hackford in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Chazelle discusses the real-life figures who inspired the lead characters in the film, capturing the DNA of a "party movie" through the use of music, and crafting an atmosphere on set where life blends with art. The film chronicles the rise and fall, outsized ambition, and outrageous excess of multiple characters during Hollywood’s transition from silent to sound films in the late 1920s. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2023/February2023/1222_QnA_Babylon.aspx

The Whale with Darren Aronofsky and Greta Gerwig (Ep. 398) Dec 23, 2022

Director Darren Aronofsky discusses his new film, The Whale, with fellow director Greta Gerwig in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, Aronofsky discusses the motivation behind the film's 4:3 aspect ratio, the textual references between the play, his adaptation and the novel, Moby Dick, and his collaboration with lead actor Brendan Fraser. The film tells the story of Charlie, a reclusive English teacher whose guilt over abandoning his wife and baby daughter has led to a years-long eating disorder that now threatens his life. Faced with mortality, he attempts to make amends with the daughter he left behind. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2023/January2023/TheWhale_QnA_1222.aspx

White Noise with Noah Baumbach and Todd Field (Ep. 397) Dec 20, 2022

Director Noah Baumbach discusses his new film, White Noise, with fellow director Todd Field in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Baumbach speaks about working with his actors during the month of rehearsal, the benefits of working with frequent and new collaborators, and how offering direction that includes physicality can be helpful to actors. The film unveils the story of Jack Gladney, his wife Babette and their family, who must grapple with the universal mysteries of love, death, and happiness in an uncertain world after their lives are upended by a catastrophic train accident that spreads chemical waste over their town. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2023/January2023/WhiteNoise_QnA_1222.aspx

A Man Called Otto with Marc Forster and Taylor Hackford (Ep. 396) Dec 19, 2022

Director Marc Forster discusses his new film, A Man Called Otto, with fellow director Taylor Hackford in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Forster speaks about how he uses storyboards in his directorial process, his collaboration with Tom Hanks, and his approach to editing flashbacks in the film. The film tells the story of Otto, a cantankerous grouch who's given up following the death of his wife. When a new family moves in nearby, he meets his match in Marisol, a quick-witted young woman who challenges him to see life differently, leading to an unlikely friendship that turns his world around. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2023/January2023/AManCalledOtto_QnA_1222.aspx

Bones and All with Luca Guadagnino and John Krokidas (Ep. 395) Dec 14, 2022

Director Luca Guadagnino discusses his new film, Bones and All, with fellow director John Krokidas in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Guadagnino discusses working with frequent collaborators, his one month journey through the Midwest that prepared him to conceptualize the film, and making a film from the era rather than about the era. The film tells the story of Maren, a young woman on the margins of society, and Lee, a disenfranchised drifter, who embark on an odyssey through the backroads of America and their own cannibalistic natures. However, despite their best efforts all roads lead back to their terrifying pasts. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2023/January2023/BonesAndAll_QnA_1122.aspx

The Fire Within with Werner Herzog and Jeremy Kagan (Ep. 394) Dec 09, 2022

Director Werner Herzog discusses his new film, The Fire Within: A Requiem for Katia and Maurice Krafft, with fellow director Jeremy Kagan in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Herzog speaks about crafting the voiceover for the film during the edit, obtaining the groundbreaking footage shot by the two subjects, and modifying facts to resemble the truth. Screened as part of the DGA's Documentary Series, the film crafts a fitting memorial to volcanologists and filmmakers Maurice and Katia Krafft, who were killed while filming the eruption of Japan's Mount Unzen on June 3, 1991. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2023/January2023/TheFireWithin_DocSeries_1122.aspx

The Estate with Dean Craig and Alex Grossman (Ep. 393) Dec 07, 2022

Director Dean Craig discusses his new film, The Estate, with fellow director Alex Grossman in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Craig speaks about encouraging actors to bring ideas to their roles, the perks of directing your own material, and how he prefers making shot lists over storyboarding. In the film, two sisters are pitted against their greedy extended family members in a battle to win over their terminally ill, difficult to please Aunt, in hopes of becoming the beneficiaries of her wealth. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/December2022/TheEstate_QnA_1122.aspx

The Menu with Mark Mylod and Lorene Scafaria (Ep. 392) Dec 02, 2022

Director Mark Mylod discusses his new film, The Menu, with fellow director Lorene Scafaria in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, Mylod speaks about his approach to building the ensemble of actors, finding places to put the camera in a mainly one-location film, and handling the controlled chaos of as movie set. The film follows a young couple as they travel to a remote island to dine at an exclusive restaurant, only to find that the chef has prepared a few surprises along with the meal. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2023/January2023/Menu_QnA_1122.aspx

Bardo with Alejandro G. Iñárritu and Rodrigo García (Ep. 391) Dec 01, 2022

Director Alejandro G. Iñárritu discusses his new film, Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths, with fellow director Rodrigo García in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Iñárritu shares his thoughts on how fiction can elucidate truth, the four years of developing the script, and the joyful process of editing his own work. The film follows a renowned Mexican journalist and documentary filmmaker who is compelled to return to his native country, unaware that this simple trip will force him to grapple with intimate questions about identity, mortality, Mexican history, and what it means to be human in these peculiar times. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2023/January2023/Bardo_QnA_1122.aspx

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery with Rian Johnson and Phil Lord (Ep. 390) Nov 25, 2022

Director Rian Johnson discusses his new film, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, with fellow director Phil Lord in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Johnson talks about the movies that influenced the conception of Glass Onion, his process when working with his "family" of filmmaking collaborators, and how nostalgia for a specific genre can be an obstacle to making a film. The film follows southern detective Benoit Blanc on a billionaire's lavish Greek island at a yearly reunion of a disparate group of friends. When one guest turns up dead, everyone becomes a suspect and must peel away the layers of their motivations, secrets, and lies. This is a spoiler-free podcast. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2023/January2023/GlassOnion_QnA_1122.aspx

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever with Ryan Coogler and Tyler Perry (Ep. 389) Nov 24, 2022

Director Ryan Coogler discusses his new film, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, with fellow director Tyler Perry in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Coogler talks about how he approached the tribute to actor Chadwick Boseman after his passing, writing and directing from his worst fears, and staying tapped into his inner child when faced with challenging directing decisions on the film. The sequel to 2018's megahit Black Panther finds the people of Wakanda grieving the untimely death of King T'Challa and facing off against intervening world powers. However, when an advanced hidden nation threatens to destroy them, someone else must pick up the clawed gauntlet. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2023/January2023/BlackPantherWF_QnA_1122.aspx

The Fabelmans with Steven Spielberg and Paul Thomas Anderson (Ep. 388) Nov 23, 2022

Director Steven Spielberg discusses his new film, The Fabelmans, with fellow director Paul Thomas Anderson in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Spielberg discusses the development of the script with Tony Kushner, the process of directing Gabrielle LaBelle to play a version of himself, and the feeling of rediscovering his family through his camera. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2023/January2023/Fabelmans_QnA_1122.aspx

The Good Nurse with Tobias Lindholm and Scott Cooper (Ep. 387) Nov 22, 2022

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

She Said with Maria Schrader and R.J. Cutler (Ep. 386) Nov 15, 2022

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

Armageddon Time with James Gray and Matt Reeves (Ep. 385) Nov 11, 2022

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

Freedom on Fire: Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom with Evgeny Afineevsky and Raymond De Felitta (Ep. 384) Nov 11, 2022

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

Call Jane with Phyllis Nagy and Sarah Pirozek (Ep. 383) Nov 09, 2022

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

The Banshees of Inisherin with Martin McDonagh and Jeremy Kagan (Ep. 382) Nov 04, 2022

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

Till with Chinonye Chukwu and David Oyelowo (Ep. 381) Nov 03, 2022

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

Tár with Todd Field and Greta Gerwig (Ep. 380) Oct 28, 2022

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

Smile with Parker Finn and Zach Cregger (Ep. 379) Oct 26, 2022

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

Bros with Nicholas Stoller and Judd Apatow (Ep. 378) Oct 24, 2022

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

The Good House with Maya Forbes and Wallace Wolodarsky (Ep. 377) Oct 21, 2022

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

The Greatest Beer Run Ever with Peter Farrelly and Larry David (Ep. 376) Oct 14, 2022

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

Moonage Daydream with Brett Morgen and Ondi Timoner (Ep. 375) Oct 12, 2022

Director Brett Morgen discusses his new film, Moonage Daydream, with fellow director Ondi Timoner in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Morgen discusses the film's themes of transience, the careful process of mixing the film, and the method he selected the songs that ended up in the movie. Screened as part of the DGA's Documentary Series, Moonage Daydream is a cinematic odyssey exploring the creative and musical journey of David Bowie. This film is the first documentary ever sanctioned by the Bowie estate with access to the artist's archives and features never-before-seen footage and performances spanning Bowie's half-century career. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/November2022/MoonageDaydream_DocSeries_0922.aspx

Amsterdam with David O. Russell and Jon Avnet (Ep. 374) Oct 10, 2022

Director David O. Russell discusses his new film, Amsterdam, with fellow director Jon Avnet in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Russell speaks about setting the tone of the movie with his actors, capturing intimacy and immediacy with the camera, and how he personally connected with the story. Set in the 1930s, the film follows a doctor, a nurse, and a lawyer who witness a murder, become suspects themselves, and uncover one of the most secret plots in American history. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/November2022/Amsterdam_QnA_1022.aspx

Don’t Worry Darling with Olivia Wilde and Reed Morano (Ep. 373) Oct 06, 2022

Director Olivia Wilde discusses her new film, Don't Worry Darling, with fellow director Reed Morano in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, she speaks about reconfiguring the film's opening, melding the film's sound design and score, and guiding the film's ideas without sacrificing the entertainment value. The film follows couple Alice and Jack, who live in a utopian community for the workers of a top-secret project. But when cracks in her supposedly idyllic life begin to appear, Alice can't help questioning exactly what is really going on in this paradise. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/November2022/DontWorryDarling_QnA_0922.aspx

The Woman King with Gina Prince-Bythewood and Stan Lathan (Ep. 372) Oct 04, 2022

Director Gina Prince-Bythewood discusses her new film, The Woman King, with fellow director Stan Lathan in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Prince-Bythewood speaks about how she won the job, shooting the final battle in 11 days, and the grueling training process for the actors. Inspired by true events, the film follows general Nanisca, the Agojie's leader, as she prepares the next generation of recruits for a battle against an enemy determined to destroy their way of life. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/November2022/WomanKing_QnA_0922.aspx

God’s Country with Julian Higgins and Chloe Okuno (Ep. 371) Sep 30, 2022

Director Julian Higgins discusses his new film, God's Country, with fellow director Chloe Okuno in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Higgins discusses pulling off night exteriors on a small budget, the year hiatus during production, and the power of an impassioned letter. Based on a James Lee Burke's short story "Winter Light" and his own short film of the same name, Higgins' feature tells the story of a college professor who finds herself drawn into an escalating battle of wills after she confronts two hunters who claim they're just passing through. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/November2022/GodsCountry_QnA_0922.aspx

Gigi & Nate with Nick Hamm and Ben Lewin (Ep. 370) Sep 23, 2022

Director Nick Hamm discusses his new film, Gigi & Nate, with fellow director Ben Lewin in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Hamm speaks about why he decided to take on the project, his approach to the rehearsal process, and the effect of Covid-19 on the production. Based on true events, the film tells the story of Nate Gibson, a young man whose life is turned upside down after he suffers a near-fatal accident. Although moving forward seems impossible, he finds much needed hope with the assistance of Gigi, a curious and intelligent monkey trained to assist Nate with his basic needs. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/October2022/GigiAndNate_QnA_0922.aspx

Barbarian with Zach Cregger and David F. Sanberg (Ep. 369) Sep 16, 2022

Director Zach Cregger discusses his new film, Barbarian, with fellow director David F. Sanberg in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses creating a photoboard for the film with his cinematographer, shooting Detroit for Bulgaria, and pulling off the last scene in the film in only 40 minutes. The film tells the story of Tess, a young woman who arrives at her Airbnb late at night only to find that her rental has been mistakenly double-booked and a strange man is already staying there. Against her better judgment, she decides to stay the night, but soon discovers that there is much more to be afraid of in the house than the other guest. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/October2022/Barbarian_QnA_0922.aspx

Thirteen Lives with Ron Howard and Akiva Goldsman (Ep. 368) Sep 02, 2022

Director Ron Howard discusses his new film, Thirteen Lives, with fellow director Akiva Goldsman in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, Howard reveals how much of the stunts the actors performed, his thoughts on the future of theatrical film, and his favorite scene in the film. The film follows the miraculous story of the 2018 Tham Luang Nang Non rescue, in which an international team of divers was assembled to save a group of 12 young boys and their soccer coach after they became trapped in a system of flooded caves in Thailand. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/September2022/ThirteenLives_QnA_0822.aspx

Where the Crawdads Sing with Olivia Newman and Catherine Hardwicke (Ep. 367) Aug 26, 2022

Director Olivia Newman discusses her new film, Where the Crawdads Sing, with fellow director Catherine Hardwicke in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Newman reveals how she pitched the film to producers, discusses the difficulty of doing chemistry reads via Zoom, and talks about the necessity of being flexible as a director. Based on the best-selling novel, the film follows Kya, an abandoned girl raised in the marshland, who finds herself falsely accused of murder by a small town in North Carolina. When the town attempts to prosecute her, Kya must clear her name as the truth of what happened lies within the murky waters of the marsh. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/September2022/WhereTheCrawdadsSing_QnA_0722.aspx

Summering with James Ponsoldt and Ry Russo Young (Ep. 366) Aug 19, 2022

Director James Ponsoldt discusses his new film, Summering, with fellow director Ry Russo Young in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, they speak about why Ponsoldt wanted to make the film, his cinematic influences for the project, and how he helped the young actresses to function as a group and build chemistry. The film follows four best friends on the brink of starting middle school who struggle with the harsh truths of growing up as they realize their lives are about to change forever. On the last weekend of summer, they embark on a mysterious adventure. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/September2022/Summering_QnA_0722.aspx

A Life In Hollywood with George Stevens Jr. and Paul Thomas Anderson (Ep. 365) Aug 11, 2022

Director George Stevens, Jr. sat in conversation with Director Paul Thomas Anderson to discuss his career and upbringing with his father, DGA Past President George Stevens, Sr. The conversation follows the release of Stevens' memoir, My Place in the Sun: Life in the Golden Age of Hollywood and Washington in which Stevens reflects on the legacy of his father and that of his family in Hollywood and the Directors Guild of America. In the conversation, Stevens and Anderson talk about their shared Valley upbringing, Stevens' founding of the American Film Institute, and candid moments he recalls with his father as a kid.

¡Viva Maestro! with Theodore Braun and Ondi Timoner (Ep. 364) Aug 04, 2022

Director Theodore Braun discusses his new film, ¡Viva Maestro!, with fellow director Ondi Timoner in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Braun shares what drew him to the project, his approach to filming biographical documentaries, and how he captured the music of the film in Dolby Atmos. The film is a behind-the-scenes portrait of conductor and artistic director Gustavo Dudamel, following him around the world as his international tours are disrupted by deadly protests across his native Venezuela. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/August2022/VIVA_MAESTRO_DocSeries_0722.aspx

Father’s Day with Kivu Ruhorahoza and Alex Stapleton (Ep. 363) Jul 22, 2022

Director Kivu Ruhorahoza discusses his new film Father's Day, with fellow director Alex Stapleton at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Ruhorahoza discusses how the film examines masculinity in the country of Rwanda and his process with working with actors to reveal deeper layers within the characters. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/August2022/GCS_FathersDay_0622.aspx

My Cousin Vinny with Jonathan Lynn and Raymond De Felitta (Ep. 362) Jul 01, 2022

In a special anniversary discussion, Director Jonathan Lynn discusses his film, My Cousin Vinny, with fellow director Raymond de Felitta in a screening at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, hear Lynn discuss the improvised moments, the grueling shoots of the courtroom scenes, and the clever method used to get the shoot with the owl. The film tells the tale of Vinny, a wildly inexperienced New York lawyer who must save his teenage cousin and his friend from jail or worse after they are accused of murder in a backwater Alabama town. Complicating matters are Vinny's cranky fianceé, an uncompromising judge, and a smooth-talking district attorney. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/July2022/ERSP_AnniversarySeries_MyCousinVinny_0522.aspx

The Walk with Daniel Adams and Alejandro Brugués (Ep. 361) Jun 24, 2022

Director Daniel Adams discusses his new film, The Walk, with fellow director Alejandro Brugués in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, they speak about Adams' childhood connections to the story, what a really great performance is about, and making New Orleans look like 1970s Boston. The film weaves together three story threads as an Irish cop, his bigoted 17-year-old daughter and a young African American student and her father are caught up in the turbulent court-ordered forced integration of the Boston school system in 1974. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2022/July2022/TheWalk_QnA_0522.aspx

Top Gun: Maverick with Joseph Kosinski and Jason Reitman (Ep. 360) Jun 16, 2022

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

Downton Abbey: A New Era with Simon Curtis and Amy Holden Jones (Ep. 359) Jun 10, 2022

Director Simon Curtis discusses his new film, Downton Abbey: A New Era, with fellow director Amy Holden Jones in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, they speak about how Curtis made the film his own after the televsion show and the previous film and how he hopes the film will be perceived. Based on the popular television series and a follow-up to the 2019 feature film, A New Era reacquaints us with the Crawley family and their servants, as some venture to the South of France, while others remain behind to oversee the shooting of a film at their estate. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/July2022/DowntonAbbey_QnA_0522.aspx

The Devil You Know with Charles Murray and Matthew Cherry (Ep. 358) Jun 01, 2022

Director Charles Murray discusses his new film, The Devil You Know, with fellow director Matthew Cherry in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, they speak about how the film's premise developed over the years, his approach to casting Michael Ealy for the detective role, and his exploratory approach to directing actors. The film tells the story of Marcus, who after a lifetime of trouble is trying to turn his life around with the support of his loving family. When he discovers that one of his brothers may have been involved in a horrific crime, Marcus grapples with the limits of brotherhood and loyalty as he finds himself in the crosshairs of a seasoned but jaded detective. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/June2022/DevilUKNow_QnA_0422.aspx

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent with Tom Gormican and Scott Z. Burns (Ep. 357) May 19, 2022

Director Tom Gormican discusses his new film, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, with fellow director Scott Z. Burns in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation they speak about the letter that convinced Nicolas Cage to do the movie, directing the film from an Ipad in a hotel room, and the importance of music in a film with a constantly changing tone. The film stars Nicolas Cage as a fictionalized version of himself who is hired to attend the birthday of a superfan, who is actually a dangerous drug cartel kingpin. But when Cage is recruited by the CIA to help bring him down, he's forced to channel some of his most iconic on-screen characters. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/June2022/UnbearableWeight_QnA_0422.aspx

The Janes with Tia Lessin & Emma Pildes and Ondi Timoner (Ep. 356) May 13, 2022

Director Tia Lessin & Emma Pildes discuss their new film, The Janes, with fellow director Ondi Timoner in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. They talk about the origin of the project, give more context on the films central characters, share their thoughts on the future of Roe v. Wade. Screened as part of the DGA’s Documentary Series, the film tells the story of the Jane Collective, a group of women who used code names, blindfolds and safe houses in an underground service for women seeking abortions in the years before the Roe v. Wade decision. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/June2022/THE_JANES_DocSeries_0422.aspx

Drive My Car with Ryûsuke Hamaguchi and Victoria Hochberg (Ep. 355) Apr 29, 2022

Director Ryûsuke Hamaguchi discusses his new film, Drive My Car, with fellow director Victoria Hochberg in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. The conversation took place via Zoom and was translated by Aiko Hamaguchi. The film follows an aging widowed actor who receives an offer to direct a production of Uncle Vanya. During the production, he is forced to confront painful truths from his past with the help of the young woman assigned to chauffeur him. Join Mr. Hamaguchi as he shares his philosophy of what a director is and how he helps actors instinctively understand their characters. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://dga.org/Events/2022/May2022/GCS_DriveMyCar_0422.aspx

Everything Everywhere All at Once w/ Dan Kwan & Daniel Scheinert and Destin Daniel Cretton (Ep. 354) Apr 18, 2022

Directors Dan Kwan & Daniel Scheinert discuss their new film, Everything Everywhere All at Once, with fellow director Destin Daniel Cretton in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. When struggling laundromat owner Evelyn Wang finds out that only she can save the multiverse, she is swept into a dimension spanning adventure as she explores the other lives she could have led. Join Mr. Kwan and Mr. Scheinert as they speak about working with Michelle Yeoh, the films that inspired this film (The Matrix and Fight Club), and how twelve people completed the visual effects using After Effects. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/May2022/EverythingEverywhere_QnA_0422.aspx

Moonfall with Roland Emmerich and Anna Foerster (Ep. 353) Apr 11, 2022

Director Roland Emmerich discusses his new film, Moonfall, with fellow director Anna Foerster in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In a world on the brink of annihilation, two former astronauts team up with a conspiracy theorist to save humanity. Mr. Emmerich shares why Moonfall led him back to directing another disaster film, why production design led him to directing, how he copes with being in the edit. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/April2022/Moonfall_QnA_022219.aspx

Meet the Nominees Theatrical Feature Film Symposium 2022 - Part 2 of 2 (Ep. 352) Apr 01, 2022

Paul Thomas Anderson, Kenneth Branagh, Jane Campion, Steven Spielberg, and Denis Villeneuve engage in a conversation with moderator Jeremy Kagan for the 31st Annual DGA Meet the Nominees: Theatrical Feature Film Symposium. Part two finds the nominees discussing how they help actors find their characters, what they do when the shot just isn't working, and how they deal with fear. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: www.dga.org/Events/2022/April20…eatureFilm2022.aspx

Meet the Nominees Theatrical Feature Film Symposium 2022 - Part 1 of 2 (Ep. 351) Mar 25, 2022

Paul Thomas Anderson, Kenneth Branagh, Jane Campion, Steven Spielberg, and Denis Villeneuve engage in a conversation with moderator Jeremy Kagan for the 31st Annual DGA Meet the Nominees: Theatrical Feature Film Symposium. Part one finds the nominees discussing how they know they've "got the shot," where they like to sit on set, and how they prepare for production. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/April2022/MTN_TheatricalFeatureFilm2022.aspx

Jackass Forever with Jeff Tremaine and Spike Jonze (Ep. 350) Mar 03, 2022

Director Jeff Tremaine discusses his new film, Jackass Forever, with fellow director Spike Jonze in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. The original Jackass crew return after 11 years to push the envelope with another round of hilarious and absurd displays of comedy. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/April2022/JackAssForever_QnA_0222.aspx

Marry Me with Kat Coiro and Gillian Robespierre (Ep. 349) Feb 24, 2022

Director Kat Coiro discusses her new film, Marry Me, with fellow director Gillian Robespierre in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. When pop star Kat Valdez learns that her fiancé has been unfaithful seconds before their wedding in front of a global audience of fans, she decides to marry Charlie, a middle school math teacher and stranger in the crowd, instead. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/April2022/MarryMe_QnA_0222.aspx

The Tragedy of Macbeth with Joel Coen and Guillermo Del Toro (Ep. 348) Feb 04, 2022

Director Joel Coen discusses his new film, The Tragedy of Macbeth, with fellow director Guillermo del Toro in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. Based on the timeless work by William Shakespeare, the film reweaves the tale of the power-hungry Thane of Cawdor, who sets his sights on the Scottish throne. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/February2022/Macbeth_QnA_1221.aspx

Licorice Pizza with Paul Thomas Anderson and Jeremy Kagan (Ep. 347) Jan 28, 2022

Director Paul Thomas Anderson discusses his new film, Licorice Pizza, with fellow director Jeremy Kagan in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. Set in the early 1970s, the film follows Gary, a 15-year-old aspiring entrepreneur who falls in love with Alana, a 25-year-old yearbook photographer’s assistant, as they embark on a most unlikely romance in California’s San Fernando Valley. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/February2022/LicoricePizza_QnA_122119.aspx

Cyrano with Joe Wright and Sam Taylor-Johnson (Ep. 346) Jan 24, 2022

Director Joe Wright discusses his new film, Cyrano, with fellow director Sam Taylor-Johnson in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. Based on the play by Edmond Rostand, the film adds singing to the story of Cyrano de Bergerac, who can dazzle with a word or a sword but, convinced that his appearance makes such a romance impossible, cannot declare his love for his beautiful friend Roxanne. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/February2022/Cyrano_QnA_1221.aspx

The Unforgivable with Nora Fingscheidt and Suzi Yoonessi (Ep. 345) Jan 19, 2022

Director Nora Fingscheidt discusses her new film, The Unforgivable, with fellow director Suzi Yoonessi in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. The film tells the story of Ruth Slater, a woman recently released from prison after serving a sentence for a violent crime. As she attempts to re-enter a society that refuses to forgive her past, her only hope for redemption is finding the estranged younger sister she was forced to leave behind. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/January2022/Unforgivable_QnA_1221.aspx

Nightmare Alley with Guillermo del Toro and Tim Blake Nelson (Ep. 344) Jan 13, 2022

Director Guillermo del Toro discusses his new film, Nightmare Alley, with fellow director Tim Blake Nelson in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. Set in 1940s New York, the film weaves the tale of a down-on-his-luck hustler who teams up with a clairvoyant and her mentalist husband to scam the wealthy. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/January2022/NightmareAlley_QnA_1221.aspx

Bruised with Halle Berry and David E. Talbert (Ep. 343) Jan 11, 2022

Director Halle Berry discusses her new film, Bruised, with fellow director David E. Talbert in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. The film tells the story of mixed martial arts contestant Jackie Justice, who has failed at the one thing she's ever been good at - fighting. When the young son she abandoned years ago returns to her doorstep, Jackie must conquer her demons both inside and outside the cage. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/January2022/Bruised_QnA_1221.aspx

Belfast with Kenneth Branagh and Christopher Nolan (Ep. 342) Jan 06, 2022

Director Kenneth Branagh discusses his new film, Belfast, with fellow director Christopher Nolan in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. The semi-autobiographical tale follows a working-class family and their nine-year-old son during the late 1960s in the Northern Ireland capital, where political and religious clashes turn their world upside down and change their lives forever. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/January2022/Belfast_QnA_1221.aspx

West Side Story with Steven Spielberg and Damien Chazelle (Ep. 341) Dec 24, 2021

Director Steven Spielberg discusses his new film, West Side Story, with fellow director Damien Chazelle in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. The film retells the story of Tony and Maria, two teenagers from different ethnic backgrounds and rival gangs who fall in love in 1950s New York City. But tensions between their respective friends set them on a path toward tragedy. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/January2022/WestSideStory_QnA_1221.aspx

Being the Ricardos with Aaron Sorkin and David O. Russell (Ep. 340) Dec 23, 2021

Director Aaron Sorkin discusses his new film, Being the Ricardos, with fellow director David O. Russell in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. The film revisits the story of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz as their complex relationship is threatened by shocking personal accusations, a political smear and cultural taboos during one critical production week of their groundbreaking sitcom I Love Lucy. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/January2022/BeingTheRicardos_QnA_1221.aspx

Red Rocket with Sean Baker and Lizzie Borden (Ep. 339) Dec 23, 2021

Director Sean Baker discusses his new film, Red Rocket, with fellow director Lizzie Borden in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. The film follows Mikey, who after failing in his adult film career, comes home to a town that doesn’t want him back and clashes with his estranged wife and her family. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/January2022/RedRocket_QnA_122104.aspx

Ghostbusters: Afterlife with Jason Reitman and Eli Roth (Ep. 338) Dec 22, 2021

Director Jason Reitman discusses his new film, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, with fellow director Eli Roth in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. Set three decades after the original Ghostbusters, the film tells the story of a single mother and her two children who move to a small town in Oklahoma, where they discover their connection to the Ghostbusters and their grandfather’s secret legacy. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/January2022/GhostbustersAL_QnA_1121.aspx

C’mon C’mon with Mike Mills and Spike Jonze (Ep. 337) Dec 21, 2021

Director Mike Mills discusses his new film, C'mon C'mon, with fellow director Spike Jonze in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. The film tells the story of a man who forms a bond with his sister's son when they are thrown together on a cross-country trip. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/January2022/CmonCmon_QnA_1121.aspx

Red Notice with Rawson Marshall Thurber and Jaume Collet-Serra (Ep. 336) Dec 17, 2021

Director Rawson Marshall Thurber discusses his new film, Red Notice, with fellow director Jaume Collet-Serra in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. Starring Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds, and Gal Gadot, the film follows FBI profiler John Hartley, who is forced to partner with the world's greatest and most notorious art thieves on a daring heist. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/January2022/RedNotice_QnA_1121.aspx

A Hero with Asghar Farhadi and Ritesh Batra (Ep. 335) Dec 15, 2021

Director Asghar Farhadi discusses his new film, A Hero, with fellow director Ritesh Batra in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. The film tells the story of Rahim, a man imprisoned because of a debt he was unable to repay. When he receives a two-day leave, he is confronted with a crisis he would never have imagined. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/January2022/GCS_AHero_1120.aspx

Swan Song with Benjamin Cleary and Kari Skogland (Ep. 334) Dec 14, 2021

Director Benjamin Cleary discusses his new film, Swan Song, with fellow director Kari Skogland in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. The film follows a man who is diagnosed with a terminal illness as he considers whether to engage in an experimental trial that would allow him to shield his loved ones from grief. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/January2022/SwanSong_QnA_1121.aspx

Don’t Look Up with Adam McKay and Barry Jenkins (Ep. 333) Dec 13, 2021

Director Adam McKay discusses his new film, Don't Look Up, with fellow director Barry Jenkins in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. The film tells the story of two Michigan State astronomers who discover a planet-killing comet the size of Mount Everest is hurtling toward the Earth. With only six months until the comet makes impact, they embark on a media tour to try to get the world to take the situation seriously before it's too late. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/January2022/DontLookUp_QnA_1121.aspx

Violet with Justine Bateman and Aaron Schneider (Ep. 332) Dec 09, 2021

Director Justine Bateman discusses her new film, Violet, with fellow director Aaron Schneider in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. The film tells the story of a film executive named Violet who realizes that she has spent years letting fear drive her every decision and must learn to silence her relentlessly negative inner thoughts to live life show she wants. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/January2022/Violet_QnA_1121.aspx

Spencer with Pablo Larraín and Rebecca Miller (Ep. 331) Dec 02, 2021

Director Pablo Larraín discusses his new film, Spencer, with fellow director Rebecca Miller in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. Set years after the fairy-tale wedding of Princess Diana and Prince Charles, when the bliss has grown cold and rumors of affairs abound, the film picks up the true story on one Christmas holiday, as Diana wrestles with the pivotal decision of whether or not to leave. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/January2022/Spencer_QnA_1121.aspx

Hive with Blerta Basholli and Nicole Kassell (Ep. 330) Dec 01, 2021

Director Blerta Basholli discusses her new film, Hive, with fellow director Nicole Kassell in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. The film recounts the true story of Fahrije, a woman who pulls together the other widows in her patriarchal village to launch a business selling a local food product. Their newfound independence draws the hostility of the men in the village who condemn their efforts, sparking a feud that threatens their sovereignty and the financial future of their families. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2021/December2021/GCS_HIVE_1121.aspx

The First Wave with Matthew Heineman and Marc Levin (Ep. 329) Nov 23, 2021

Director Matthew Heinman discusses his new film, The First Wave, with fellow director Marc Levin in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. The film spotlights the everyday heroes inside one of New York's hardest hit hospital systems as they come together to fight one of the greatest threats the world has ever encountered. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2021/December2021/DocSeries_TheFirstWave_1121.aspx

Last Night in Soho with Edgar Wright and Phil Lord (Ep. 328) Nov 17, 2021

Director Edgar Wright discusses his new film, Last Night in Soho, with fellow director Phil Lord in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. The film follows an aspiring fashion designer who encounters an ambitious singer when she mysteriously travels to the 1960s, but their façade of glamour soon cracks into something much darker. Please note spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2021/December2021/LastNightSoho_QnA_1023.aspx

The Harder They Fall with Jeymes Samuel and Baz Luhrmann (Ep. 327) Nov 16, 2021

Director Jeymes Samuel discusses his new film, The Harder They Fall, with fellow director Baz Luhrmann in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. The film tells the story of an outlaw who reunites his old gang to track down and exact revenge on an enemy who is being released from prison. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2021/December2021/HarderTheyFall_QnA_1021.aspx

The Many Saints of Newark with Alan Taylor and Greg Mottola (Ep. 326) Nov 05, 2021

Director Alan Taylor discusses his new film, The Many Saints of Newark, with fellow director Greg Mottola in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. A prequel to the award-winning television series The Sopranos, the film follows a young Tony Soprano as he grows up in one of the most tumultuous eras in New Jersey history. As he idolizes his uncle Dickie Moltisanti, we see how the relationship influences his adolescence and contributes to his transformation into the all-powerful mob boss he will someday become. Please note spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2021/December2021/ManySaintsOfNewark_QnA_1021.aspx

Summer of Soul with Ahmir ”Questlove” Thompson and Amir Bar-Lev (Ep. 325) Nov 01, 2021

Director Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson discusses his new film, Summer of Soul (...Or When the Revolutioun Could Not Be Televised), with fellow director Amir Bar-Lev in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. The film shines a light on archival footage of The Harlem Cultural Festival, an epic event celebrating Black history, culture and fashion that took place in the summer of 1969. Standing as a testament to the healing power of music during times of unrest, the film includes concert performances by Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, Gladys Knight & the Pips, B.B. King and more. Please note spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2021/December2021/1021_DocSeries_SummerOfSoul.aspx

The Tender Bar with George Clooney and Jason Reitman (Ep. 324) Oct 27, 2021

Director George Clooney discusses his new film, The Tender Bar, with fellow director Jason Reitman in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. Adapted from a memoir of the same name, the film tells the story of J.R., a fatherless boy who hangs out with his bartender Uncle in a bar that caters to an assortment of quirky characters. As his mother struggles to provide her son with opportunities and move out of her begrudgingly supportive father’s home, J.R. begins to pursue his romantic and professional dreams. Please note spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: www.dga.org/Events/2021/Novembe…Bar_QnA_102101.aspx

Dune with Denis Villeneuve and Christopher Nolan (Ep. 323) Oct 22, 2021

Director Denis Villeneuve discusses his new film, Dune, with fellow director Christopher Nolan in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. An adaptation of Frank Herbert’s groundbreaking science fiction novel, the film follows the son of a noble family, who is entrusted with the protection of the most valuable asset and vital element in the universe. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2021/November2021/Dune_QnA_1021.aspx

7 Prisoners with Alexandre Moratto and Victoria Hochberg (Ep. 322) Oct 20, 2021

Director Alexandre Moratto discusses his new film, 7 Prisoners, with fellow director Victoria Hochberg in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. The film tells the story of 18-year-old Mateus, who accepts a job in far-away São Paulo to provide a better life for his family. Once there, Mateus rebels after discovering that he and the other young men are held as prisoners to “work off” their “travel expenses.” He is ultimately forced to choose between helping the very man who imprisoned him or risk his and his family’s future. Please note spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2021/November2021/GCS_7-Prisoners_0921.aspx

Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street with Marilyn Agrelo and Annetta Marion (Ep. 321) Oct 19, 2021

Director Marilyn Agrelo discusses her new film, Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street, with fellow director Annetta Marion in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. Inspired by the book by Michael Davis, Street Gang takes us inside the minds and hearts of the artists, writers, producers, and educators who created Sesame Street, revealing not only how these visionary creators changed our world, but also what it was like to be at the center of a cultural and social phenomenon. Please note spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2021/November2021/0921DocSeries_StreetGang_NY.aspx

Coda with Siân Heder and Suzi Yoonessi (Ep. 320) Oct 11, 2021

Director Siân Heder discusses her new film, Coda, with fellow director Suzi Yoonessi in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. The film follows Ruby, a Child of Deaf Adults who is the only hearing person in her deaf family. After the family fishing business is threatened, Ruby must choose between staying with her parents and leaving to pursue her love of music. Please note spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2021/November2021/CODA_QnA_092126.aspx

The Starling with Theodore Melfi and David E. Talbert (Ep. 319) Oct 07, 2021

Director Theodore Melfi discusses his new film, The Starling, with fellow director David E. Talbert in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the film, a feisty starling sets up a nest at the home of Lilly, who is grieving a recent loss. As she battles with and attempts to rid her home of the combative bird, Lilly rediscovers her capacity for growth and love. Please note spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2021/November2021/TheStarling_QnA_092125.aspx

The Card Counter with Paul Schrader and John Patrick Shanley (Ep. 318) Oct 05, 2021

Director Paul Schrader discusses his new film, The Card Counter, with fellow director John Patrick Shanley in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. The film weaves the story of an ex-military interrogator turned gambler, who is haunted by the ghosts of his past decisions. When he is approached by a vulnerable and angry young man seeking revenge against a mutual enemy from their past, he sees a chance for salvation, but risks a fall back into dark territory. Please note spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2021/October2021/CardCounter_QnA_092112.aspx

Dear Evan Hansen with Stephen Chbosky and Peter Hedges (Ep. 317) Sep 30, 2021

Director Stephen Chbosky discusses his new film, Dear Evan Hansen, with fellow director Paul Hedges in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. An adaptation of the award-winning Broadway musical, the film presents the story of a high school senior with a social anxiety disorder, who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance after the suicide of a fellow classmate. Please note spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2021/November2021/DearEvanHansen_QnA_092112.aspx

Queenpins with Aron Gaudet & Gita Pullapilly and Cindy Chupack (Ep. 316) Sep 28, 2021

Directors Aron Gaudet & Gita Pullapilly discuss their new film, Queenpins, with fellow director Cindy Chupack in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. Inspired by a true story, the film is about a bored and frustrated suburban homemaker, who hatches an illegal coupon club scheme with her best pal to scam millions from mega-corporations and deliver deals to fellow coupon clippers. Please note spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2021/October2021/Queenpins_QnA_092111.aspx

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings with Destin Daniel Cretton and Jon M. Chu (Ep. 315) Sep 27, 2021

Director Destin Daniel Cretton discusses his new film, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, with fellow director Jon M. Chu in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. The film welcomes a new superhero into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, telling the story of a martial arts master who must confront the past he thought he'd left behind when he is drawn in to the web of the mysterious Ten Rings organization. Please note spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2021/October2021/ShangChi_QnA_092105.aspx

Reminiscence with Lisa Joy and J.J. Abrams (Ep. 314) Sep 17, 2021

Director Lisa Joy discusses her new film, Reminiscence, with fellow director J.J. Abrams in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. The film tells the story of Nick, a futuristic private investigator who helps his clients access lost memories. When an alluring new client named Mae disappears, Nick becomes obsessed with finding her and uncovers a violent conspiracy. Please note spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: www.dga.org/Events/2021/October…nce_QnA_082129.aspx

Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain with Morgan Neville and Ondi Timoner (Ep. 313) Sep 14, 2021

Director Morgan Neville discusses his new film, Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain, with fellow director Ondi Timoner in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. The film reveals how Bourdain went from chef at an obscure New York restaurant to a bestselling author, world traveler, Emmy-winning television writer and producer, and one of the most notorious and beloved figures in the food world and beyond. Please note spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2021/October2021/LA_DocSeries_RoadRunner.aspx

Respect with Liesl Tommy and Radha Blank (Ep. 312) Sep 03, 2021

Director Liesl Tommy discusses his new film, Respect, with fellow director Radha Blank in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. The film follows the remarkable life of the “Queen of soul” Aretha Franklin, from her early days singing in her father's church choir to becoming a legendary international musical superstar. Please note spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2021/September2021/Respect_QnA_0821.aspx

Stillwater with Tom McCarthy and Scott Cooper (Ep. 311) Aug 26, 2021

Director Tom McCarthy discusses his new film, Stillwater, with fellow director Scott Cooper in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. The film tells the story of Bill, an unemployed oil-rig roughneck who flies to Marseille to visit his estranged daughter Allison, who is imprisoned for a murder she claims she did not commit. Bill embarks on a mission to exonerate Allison despite language barriers, cultural differences and a complicated legal system. Please note spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2021/September2021/StillWater_QnA_0821.aspx

Night of the Kings with Philippe Lacôte and Alex Stapleton (Ep. 310) Aug 12, 2021

Director Philippe Lacôte discusses his new film, Night of the Kings, with fellow director Alex Stapleton in a virtual Q&A. Set in Ivory Coast’s MACA Prison — an institute ruled by its inmates — the film tells the story of an ailing inmate king who assigns a young new prisoner to entertain the population with stories, but the ritual storyteller must keep the tales going all night long or forfeit his own life. Please note spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2021/September2021/GCS_NightoftheKings_0721.aspx

False Positive with John Lee and Sarah-Violet Bliss (Ep. 309) Jul 22, 2021

Director John Lee discusses his new documentary film, False Positive, with fellow director Sarah-Violet Bliss in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. The film tells the story of Lucy and Adrian, a couple attempting to conceive who find a dream doctor in the illustrious Dr. Ingle. But after becoming pregnant with a healthy baby girl, Lucy begins to notices something sinister through Hindle's gleaming charm. Please note spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2021/August2021/FalsePositive_QnA_062127.aspx

The Craft of the Director with Barry Jenkins (Ep. 308) Jul 02, 2021

Director Barry Jenkins participates in a conversation with DGA President Thomas Schlamme on Jenkins' filmography, drawing examples from Medicine for Melancholy, Moonlight, If Beale Street Could Talk, and The Underground Railroad.

The Boy from Medellín with Matthew Heineman and Ondi Timoner (Ep. 307) Jul 02, 2021

Director Matthew Heineman discusses his new documentary film, The Boy from Medellín, with fellow director Ondi Timoner in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. The film provides an immersive look at a dramatic week in the life of international superstar J Balvin. As he prepares for his sold out stadium concert in his hometown of Medellín, Colombia, public pressure and political unrest grow around him forcing him to reflect on how he will use his voice.

In the Heights with Jon M. Chu and Nisha Ganatra (Ep. 306) Jun 28, 2021

Director Jon M. Chu discusses his new film, In the Heights, with fellow director Nisha Ganatra in a spoiler-filled Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. The film tells the story of a likeable bodega owner named Usnavi in the tight-knit community of Washington Heights, NY, who saves every penny from his daily grind as he hopes for a better life. But when he inherits a fortune, Usnavi discovers he has mixed feelings about closing his store and retiring.

Golden Arm with Maureen Bharoocha and Lucia Aniello (Ep. 305) Jun 17, 2021

Director Maureen Bharoocha discusses her new film, Golden Arm, with fellow director Lucia Aniello in a spoiler-filled Q&A at the DGA theater. The film tells the story of Melanie, a nice girl baker who must trade whisks for barbells after her best friend Danny ropes her into taking her spot at the National Ladies Arm Wrestling Championship.

Meet the Nominees Theatrical Feature Film Symposium 2021 - Part 3 of 3 (Ep. 304) May 19, 2021

Listen to Chloé Zhao, Lee Isaac Chung, Emerald Fennell, David Fincher, and Aaron Sorkin continue their conversation with moderator Jeremy Kagan for the 30th Annual DGA Meet the Nominees: Theatrical Feature Film Symposium on their nominated films. Part three wraps up the discussion as the nominees talk about working with assistant directors, the last images of their film, and how they handle pressure.

Meet the Nominees Theatrical Feature Film Symposium 2021 - Part 2 of 3 (Ep. 303) May 10, 2021

Listen to Chloé Zhao, Lee Isaac Chung, Emerald Fennell, David Fincher, and Aaron Sorkin continue their conversation with moderator Jeremy Kagan for the 30th Annual DGA Meet the Nominees: Theatrical Feature Film Symposium on their nominated films. Part two finds the nominees discussing actors: tailoring the right approach to an actor’s working style, the importance of establishing confidence in their key collaborators, and readjusting performance to fit the film.

Meet the Nominees Theatrical Feature Film Symposium 2021 - Part 1 of 3 (Ep. 302) Apr 30, 2021

Chloé Zhao, Lee Isaac Chung, Emerald Fennell, David Fincher, and Aaron Sorkin engage in a conversation with moderator Jeremy Kagan for the 30th Annual DGA Meet the Nominees: Theatrical Feature Film Symposium. Part one finds the nominees discussing advice they've gotten from other directors, how they prepare for the first day on a shoot, and where they like to position themselves on set.

I Carry You With Me with Director Heidi Ewing and Rodrigo Garcia (Ep. 301) Apr 16, 2021

Director Heidi Ewing discusses her new film, I Carry You with Me, with fellow director Rodrigo García in a spoiler-filled virtual Q&A. The film tells the story of Iván, a young aspiring chef in Mexico who is working to support the mother of his child. Iván begins an affair with a handsome teacher, who unlike Iván is out as a gay man. After their relationship comes to light, Iván makes the painful decision to cross the border to advance his culinary career, promising his son and newfound love he will return.

The High Note with Director Nisha Ganatra and Laura Terruso (Ep. 300) Apr 16, 2021

Director Nisha Gantra discusses her new film, The High Note, with fellow director Laura Terruso in a spoiler-filled virtual Q&A. The film tells the story of Maggie, the overworked personal assistant to superstar singer Grace Davis. When Grace's manager presents her with a choice that could alter the course of her career, Maggie and Grace come up with a plan that could change both of their lives forever.

Barb & Star Go to Vista Del Mar with Director Josh Greenbaum and Guillermo Del Toro (Ep. 299) Apr 08, 2021

Director Josh Greenbaum discusses his new film, Barb & Star Go to Vista Del Mar, with fellow director Guillermo del Toro in a spoiler-filled virtual Q&A. The film tells the story of best friends Barb and Star, who leave their small Midwestern town for the first time to vacation in Vista Del Mar, Florida and soon find themselves tangled up in adventure, love, and a villain’s evil plot to murder the entire town.

Our Friend with Director Gabriela Cowperthwaite and Maryam Keshavarz (Ep. 298) Apr 06, 2021

Director Gabriela Cowperthwaite discusses her new film, Our Friend, with fellow director Maryam Keshavarz in a spoiler-filled virtual Q&A. The film tells the inspiring true story of Matt and Nicole Teague, whose lives are upended after Nicole is diagnosed with terminal cancer. As Matt's duties become increasingly overwhelming, the couple's best friend makes a huge sacrifice to stay with his friends and lend a hand.

Greyhound with Director Aaron Schneider and Justine Bateman (Ep. 297) Mar 30, 2021

Director Aaron Schneider discusses his new film, Greyhound, with fellow director Justine Bateman in a spoiler-filled virtual Q&A. The film follows a WWII Navy officer on his first war-time command assignment: defending an Allied merchant ship convoy through the Atlantic. When the convoy comes under attack by a German submarine wolfpack, the officer must battle the enemy, the elements and his own doubts to see the mission through.

American Skin with Director Nate Parker and Jeff Byrd (Ep. 296) Mar 27, 2021

Director Nate Parker discusses his new film, American Skin, with fellow director Jeff Byrd in a spoiler-filled virtual Q&A. Mr. Parker also stars in the film as a Marine veteran and school janitor, who is trying to mend his relationship with his son after a divorce. When his son is killed during a routine traffic stop and the police officer is acquitted, he takes matters into his own hands.

Antebellum with Director Gerard Bush & Christopher Renz and Tiller Russell (Ep. 295) Mar 24, 2021

Directors Gerard Bush & Christopher Renz discuss their new film, Antebellum, with fellow director Tiller Russell in a spoiler-filled virtual Q&A. The film tells the story of Veronica, a renowned sociologist who must escape a terrifying reality that threatens her life and freedom.

Wander Darkly with Director Tara Miele and Rachel Lee Goldenberg (Ep. 294) Mar 23, 2021

Director Tara Miele discusses her new film, Wander Darkly, with fellow director Rachel Lee Goldenberg in a spoiler-filled virtual Q&A. The film follows a couple who, shortly after becoming parents, experience a disaster that takes them on a surreal and disorienting journey through both their past and an uncertain future.

The Forty-Year-Old Version with Director Radha Blank and Liesl Tommy (Ep. 293) Mar 19, 2021

Director Radha Blank discusses her new film, The Forty-Year-Old Version, with fellow director Liesl Tommy in a spoiler-filled virtual Q&A. Ms. Blank also stars in the film as Radha, a down-on-her-luck New York City playwright who is desperate for a breakthrough before 40.

Judas and the Black Messiah with Director Shaka King and Taylor Hackford (Ep. 292) Mar 18, 2021

Director Shaka King discusses his new film, Judas and the Black Messiah, with fellow director Taylor Hackford in a spoiler-filled virtual Q&A. The film tells the true story of William O’Neal, a career thief who is conscripted by the FBI to infiltrate the Illinois Black Panther Party and surveil their charismatic leader, Chairman Fred Hampton.

Charm City Kings with Director Ángel Manuel Soto and Derek Cianfrance (Ep. 291) Mar 17, 2021

Director Ángel Manuel Soto discusses his new film, Charm City Kings, with fellow director Derek Cianfrance in a spoiler-filled virtual Q&A. The film tells the story of fourteen-year-old Mouse, who desperately wants to join the Midnight Clique. When the Midnight Clique’s leader takes Mouse under his wing, the lure of revving his own dirt bike skids him toward a road past the straight and narrow.

I’m Your Woman with Director Julia Hart and Tayarisha Poe (Ep. 290) Mar 15, 2021

Director Julia Hart discusses her new film, I'm Your Woman, with fellow director Tayarisha Poe in a spoiler-filled virtual Q&A. Set in the 1970s, Hart’s film tells the story of Jean, a woman who is forced to go on the run after her professional thief husband betrays his partners, sending her and her baby on a dangerous journey.

Cherry with Directors Anthony and Joe Russo and Paris Barclay (Ep. 289) Mar 11, 2021

Director Anthony and Joe Russo discuss their new film, Cherry, with fellow director Paris Barclay in a spoiler-filled virtual Q&A. The film tells the story of Cherry, a college dropout with only one solid thing in his life -- his true love, Emily -- who drifted into becoming an army medic in Iraq. After he returns from the war with post-traumatic stress disorder and his drug addiction puts him into debt, Cherry resorts to becoming a serial bank robber.

Falling with Director Viggo Mortensen and Matt Ross (Ep. 288) Mar 10, 2021

Director Viggo Mortensen discusses his new film, Falling, with fellow director Matt Ross in a spoiler-filled virtual Q&A. The film follows John, a gay man who lives with his partner and their adopted daughter in Southern California. When he is visited by his aging conservative father, who is searching for a place to retire, their two very different worlds collide.

Land with Director Robin Wright and Amy Redford (Ep. 287) Mar 04, 2021

Director Robin Wright discusses her new film, Land, with fellow director Amy Redford in a spoiler-filled virtual Q&A. The film also stars Ms. Wright as Edee, a woman who finds herself unable to stay connected to the world she once knew after suffering immense personal tragedy. She soon decides to retreat to the magnificent but unforgiving wilds of the Rockies and teach herself how to survive.

Mank with Director David Fincher and Aaron Sorkin (Ep. 286) Mar 02, 2021

Director David Fincher discusses his new film, Mank, with fellow director Aaron Sorkin in a spoiler-filled virtual Q&A. In the film, 24-year-old prodigy Orson Welles hires Herman J. Mankiewicz, a scathing social critic and alcoholic screenwriter, to write the screenplay for his masterpiece, Citizen Kane.

The United States vs. Billie Holiday with Director Lee Daniels and Michael Schultz (Ep. 285) Mar 02, 2021

Director Lee Daniels discusses his new film, The United States vs. Billie Holiday, with fellow director Michael Schultz in a spoiler-filled virtual Q&A. The film follows the career of legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday as she is targeted by the Federal Department of Narcotics with an undercover sting operation led by Black Federal Agent Jimmy Fletcher, with whom she had a tumultuous affair.

Kajillionaire with Director Miranda July and Greta Gerwig (Ep. 284) Feb 26, 2021

Director Miranda July discusses her new film, Kajillionaire, with fellow director Greta Gerwg in a spoiler-filled virtual Q&A. The film follows two con artists who have spent 26 years training their only daughter to swindle, scam, and steal at every opportunity. During a desperate, hastily conceived heist, they charm a stranger into joining their next scam, only to have their entire world turned upside down.

Malcolm & Marie with Director Sam Levinson and Derek Cianfrance (Ep. 283) Feb 24, 2021

Director Sam Levinson discusses his new film, Malcolm & Marie, with fellow director Derek Cianfrance in a spoiler-filled virtual Q&A. The film takes place as Malcolm returns home with his girlfriend Marie following a celebratory movie premiere. Their evening soon takes a turn as revelations about their relationships begin to surface, testing the strength of their love.

Never Rarely Sometimes Always with Director Eliza Hittman and Greta Gerwig (Ep. 282) Feb 23, 2021

Director Eliza Hittman discusses her new film, Never Rarely Sometimes Always, with fellow director Greta Gerwig in a spoiler-filled virtual Q&A. The film tells the story of Autumn and Skylar, cousins and inseparable best friends who are navigating adolescence in rural Pennsylvania. When Autumn finds herself pregnant and hemmed in by conservative legislation, the duo board a bus bound for New York to find the help she needs.

The White Tiger with Director Ramin Bahrani and Scott Cooper (Ep. 281) Feb 22, 2021

Director Ramin Bahrani discusses his new film, The White Tiger, with fellow director Scott Cooper in a spoiler-filled virtual Q&A. Based on a bestselling novel, the film follows the rise of a poor Indian villager who wrangles his way into a job as a driver for a wealthy couple who have just returned from America. After a cruel betrayal, he rebels against a rigged and unequal system to rise up and become a new kind of master

Burden with Director Andrew Heckler and Reinaldo Marcus Green (Ep. 280) Feb 22, 2021

Director Andrew Heckler discusses his new film, Burden, with fellow director Reinaldo Marcus Green in a spoiler-filled virtual Q&A.The film tells the true story an orphan raised within the Ku Klux Klan, who eventually becomes a local Grand Dragon. After his girlfriend persuades him to leave, the Klan seeks him out for vengeance, and a black congregation led by a benevolent reverend take him and his family in.

News of the World with Director Paul Greengrass and John Madden (Ep. 279) Feb 19, 2021

Director Paul Greengrass discusses his new film, News of the World, with fellow director John Madden in a spoiler-filled virtual Q&A. Set five years after the end of the Civil War, the film follows a veteran who sets out to return a 10-year-old girl to her family after she is taken by the Kiowa people. Their journey across the harsh plains of Texas soon turns into a fight for survival as the traveling companions encounter danger at every turn.

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom with Director George C. Wolfe and Bill Condon (Ep. 278) Feb 17, 2021

Director George C. Wolfe discusses his new film, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, with fellow director George C. Wolfe in a spoiler-filled virtual Q&A. Based on August Wilson’s Tony Award-winning play, the film captures the tensions and temperatures that rise over the course of an afternoon recording session in 1920s Chicago with the legendary “Mother of the Blues,” Ma Rainey.

Palmer with Director Fisher Stevens and Kenneth Lonergan (Ep. 277) Feb 16, 2021

Director Fisher Stevens discusses his new film, Palmer, with fellow director Kenneth Lonergan in a spoiler-filled virtual Q&A. The film tells the story of former high-school football star Eddie Palmer, who has returned to his Louisiana hometown to rebuild his life after 12 years in prison.

The Trial of The Chicago 7 with Director Aaron Sorkin and David Fincher (Ep. 276) Feb 12, 2021

Director Aaron Sorkin discusses his new film, The Trial of the Chicago 7, with fellow director David Fincher in a spoiler-filled virtual Q&A. The film recounts the infamous and unfair trial of seven political activists after a peaceful protest turned into a violent clash with the police at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

The Little Things with Director John Lee Hancock and Karyn Kusama (Ep. 275) Feb 08, 2021

Director John Lee Hancock discusses his new film, The Little Things, with fellow director Karyn Kusama in a spoiler-filled virtual Q&A. The film follows Deputy Sheriff Joe "Deke" Deacon, who joins forces with Sgt. Jim Baxter to search for a serial killer terrorizing Los Angeles. The investigation uncovers disturbing secrets from Deacon’s past that could threaten more than the case.

The Craft of the Director with Bong Joon Ho (Ep. 274) Feb 05, 2021

Director Bong Joon Ho participates in a conversation with Rian Johnson on Director Bong's beginnings in the industry, how his early life informs his voice, and what guides him in his collaboration with actors. Director Bong discusses his directing process drawing examples from Parasite, Memories of a Murder, Mother, The Host, and Snowpiercer.

One Night in Miami with Director Regina King and Barry Jenkins (Ep. 273) Feb 01, 2021

Director Regina King discusses her new film, One Night in Miami, with fellow director Barry Jenkins in a spoiler-filled virtual Q&A. Newly-crowned Heavyweight Boxing Champion of the World Cassius Clay gathers with activist Malcolm X, singer Sam Cooke and actor/athlete Jim Brown — for an historic evening where they shared their thoughts about the social pressures brought on by their celebrity and moving the country forward to equality and empowerment for all black people.

Da 5 Bloods with Director Spike Lee and Kevin Willmott (Ep. 272) Jan 26, 2021

Director Spike Lee discusses his new film, Da 5 Bloods, with fellow director Kevin Willmott in a spoiler-filled virtual Q&A. The film follows four African-American veterans, who battle the forces of both man and nature when they return to Vietnam, seeking the remains of their fallen squad leader and the gold fortune he helped them hide.

Borat Subsequent Moviefilm with Director Jason Woliner and Phil Lord (Ep. 271) Jan 22, 2021

Director Jason Woliner discusses his new film, Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, with fellow director Phil Lord in a spoiler-filled virtual Q&A. Released from prison for bringing shame to his country, Kazakh funnyman Borat risks life and limb when he returns to America with his 15-year-old daughter.

On the Rocks with Director Sofia Coppola and Alexander Payne (Ep. 270) Jan 20, 2021

Director Sofia Coppola discusses her new film, On the Rocks, with fellow director Alexander Payne in a spoiler-filled virtual Q&A. In the film, a young mother reconnects with her larger-than-life playboy father on an adventure through New York.

The Midnight Sky with Director George Clooney and Scott Cooper (Ep. 269) Jan 13, 2021

Director George Clooney discusses his new film, The Midnight Sky, with fellow director Scott Cooper in a spoiler-filled virtual Q&A. In this post-apocalyptic tale, a lonely scientist in the Arctic races to stop astronauts from returning home to Earth after a mysterious global catastrophe has occurred.

Spotlight on Director Beth McCarthy-Miller (Ep. 268) Jan 08, 2021

Director Beth McCarthy-Miller participates in a conversation with Shanta Fripp and Sarah Brooke on McCarthy-Miller's career as a filmmaker. She shares details from behind the scenes of her career including directing live television titles such as Saturday Night Live (for 11 years), the Super Bowl, The Sound of Music Live and half-hour comedies like 30 Rock, Veep, Modern Family, and Bob Hearts Abishola.

Spotlight on Director Julie Dash (Ep. 267) Dec 21, 2020

Director Julie Dash participates in a conversation with Melina Matsoukas on Dash's career as a filmmaker. She shares details from behind the scenes of her films (Daughters of the Dust, Travel Notes of Geechee Girl, The Rosa Parks Story) and talks about her desire to present narratives with authenticity.

The Craft of the Director with Spike Lee (Ep. 266) Nov 25, 2020

Director Spike Lee participates in a conversation with John Turturro on Lee's early life and influences, his philosophy as a creative, and his beloved Brooklyn. Mr. Lee discusses his directing process using examples from Do the Right Thing, Mo Better Blues, Crooklyn, and Malcolm X.

The Craft of the Director with Ang Lee (Ep. 265) Nov 13, 2020

Director Ang Lee engages in an in-depth conversation with Jeremy Kagan about his filmography and his philosophy regarding craft. Mr. Lee discusses his directing process using examples from Brokeback Mountain, Lust, Caution, and Life of Pi.

The Craft of the Director with Ava Duvernay (Ep. 264) Oct 30, 2020

Director Ava Duvernay engages in an in-depth conversation with Alex Stapleton about her filmography and her philosophy regarding craft. Ms. Duvernay discusses her directing process using examples from When They See Us, Selma, and Queen Sugar.

The Craft of the Director with Mimi Leder (Ep. 263) Oct 05, 2020

Director Mimi Leder engages in an in-depth conversation with Jeremy Kagan about her filmography and the lessons she's learned over her career. Ms. Leder discusses her directing process using examples from The Leftovers, On the Basis of Sex, and The Peacemaker.

The Craft of the Director with Judd Apatow (Ep. 262) Sep 02, 2020

Director Judd Apatow engages in an in-depth conversation with Jeremy Kagan about his filmography and the lessons he's learned over his career. The two discussed his philosophy on directing comedies, the difficulty of cutting scenes from his movies, and how he is able to bring his features in on budget.

A Conversation with Episodic Television Directors (Ep. 261) Aug 05, 2020

Michelle MacLaren, David Nutter, Ken Whittingham, and Jessica Yu, participated in a lively conversation moderated by DGA Past President Paris Barclay, where they delved into who and what inspires them to continue topping themselves artistically on series such as The Morning Show, Game of Thrones, Atypical, Fosse/Verdon and Station 19. Topics of discussion included who they admired when first stating out, what keeps them going during the COVID-19 pandemic-inspired production hiatus and how they expect their work and their process might change in the future.

A Conversation with the Women Behind Watchmen (Ep. 260) Jul 10, 2020

This episode features an exclusive panel discussion with the directing team of the HBO limited series, Watchmen, presented by the DGA Eastern Directors Council’s Focus on Women Committee. Director Nicole Kassell, Director Steph Green, Actor Regina King, Producer/UPM Karen Lee Wacker, and 1st ADs Keri Bruno and Kayse Goodell met to discuss their experiences of crafting Watchmen in a conversation moderated by Kassell and DGA Fourth Vice President Laura Belsey.

The Craft of the Director with Ron Howard Part 2 (Ep. 259) Jun 12, 2020

Director Ron Howard engages in an in-depth conversation with Jeremy Kagan about his filmography and the lessons he's learned over his career. The two discussed how blocking can improve a scene that lacks vigor, technical and craft-oriented concerns of A Beautiful Mind, and Apollo 13, and why Mr. Howard hates shooting endings.

The Craft of the Director with Ron Howard Part 1 (Ep. 258) May 29, 2020

Director Ron Howard engages in an in-depth conversation with Jeremy Kagan about his filmography and the lessons he's learned over his career. The two discussed building relationships with collaborators, when he knows he's got the right shot, and directing difficult scenes in movies like Cocoon.

Hillary with Nanette Burstein and Rebecca Cammisa (Ep. 257) Apr 10, 2020

Director Nanette Burstein discusses her new documentary film, Hillary, with fellow director Rebecca Cammisa. Over four episodes, the series uses never-before seen footage from Hillary Rodham Clinton's historic presidential campaign in 2016, weaving together biographical chapters of her life to reveal how she became one of most admired and vilified women in the world.

The Invisible Man with Leigh Whannell and David F. Sandberg (Ep. 256) Apr 03, 2020

Director Leigh Whannell discusses his new film, The Invisible Man, with fellow director David F. Sandberg. A modern update to the classic sci-fi-thriller, the film tells the story of Cecilia, who begins to suspect that the suicide of her abusive ex - a wealthy and brilliant scientist - was a hoax. As a series of eerie coincidences begin to threaten the lives of those she loves, Cecilia must convince others that she is being hunted by someone nobody can see.

Emma with Autumn de Wilde and Mike Mills (Ep. 255) Mar 27, 2020

Director Autumn de Wilde discusses her new film, Emma, with fellow director Mike Mills. Adapted from the Jane Austen novel, the film tells the story of Emma Woodhouse, a well-meaning but selfish young woman who meddles in the love lives of her friends while venturing through her won romantic missteps in a small town in 1800s England.

Fantasy Island with Jeff Wadlow and Christopher Landon (Ep. 254) Mar 20, 2020

Director Jeff Wadlow discusses his new film, Fantasy Island, with fellow director Christopher Landon. Set on the mythical tropical resort where dreams can come true, the film shifts into nightmare territory as the guests of the enigmatic Mr. Roarke must solve the island's mystery in order to escape with their lives.

Downhill with Nat Faxon & Jim Rash and Jenna Ricker (Ep. 253) Mar 13, 2020

Director Nat Faxon & Jim Rash discusses their new film, Downhill, with fellow director Jenna Ricker. Inspired by Ruben Östlund's 2014 feature Force Majeure, Downhill follows a married couple who are forced to reevaluate their relationship after barely escaping an avalanche during a family ski vacation in the Alps. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2020/April2020/Downhill_QnA_0220.aspx

Premature with Rashaad Ernesto Green and Dawn Wilkinson (Ep. 252) Mar 06, 2020

Director Rashaad Ernesto Green discusses his new film, Premature, with fellow director Dawn Wilkinson. Set in a hot summer in Harlem, Green's film tells the story of 17-year-old poet Ayanna who is drawn into a relationship with Isaiah, a young music producer who moves to the city just as Ayanna is about to leave for college. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2020/April2020/Premature_QnA_0220.aspx

Meet the Nominees Theatrical Feature Film Symposium 2020 - Part 3 of 3 (Ep. 251) Feb 28, 2020

Sam Mendes, Bong Joon Ho, Martin Scorsese, Quentin Tarantino, and Taika Waititi engage in a conversation with Jeremy Kagan for the 29th Annual DGA Meet the Nominees: Theatrical Feature Film Symposium on their nominated films. Part three shares the nominees' thoughts on working with actors and the lessons they learned on their movie.

Meet the Nominees Theatrical Feature Film Symposium 2020 - Part 2 of 3 (Ep. 250) Feb 21, 2020

Sam Mendes, Bong Joon Ho, Martin Scorsese, Quentin Tarantino, and Taika Waititi engage in a conversation moderated by Jeremy Kagan for the 29th Annual DGA Meet the Nominees: Theatrical Feature Film Symposium on their nominated films. Part two shares the nominees' thoughts on dealing with anxiety, how they tackle pre-production issues, and the language they use to adjust an actor's performance.

Meet the Nominees Theatrical Feature Film Symposium 2020 - Part 1 of 3 (Ep. 249) Feb 14, 2020

Sam Mendes, Bong Joon Ho, Martin Scorsese, Quentin Tarantino, and Taika Waititi engage in a conversation moderated by Jeremy Kagan for the 29th Annual DGA Meet the Nominees: Theatrical Feature Film Symposium on their nominated films. Part one shares the nominees' thoughts on where they like to be on set when directing and share details about shooting the openings and closings of their film.

Three Christs with Jon Avnet and Rodrigo García (Ep. 248) Feb 13, 2020

Director Jon Avnet discusses his new film, Three Christs, with fellow director Rodrigo García. The film follows a Michigan psychiatrist as he treats three paranoid schizophrenic patients, each of whom believes that he is Jesus Christ. Please note spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2020/March2020/JonAvnet_discusses_ThreeChrists_QnA_0120.aspx

Pain and Glory with Pedro Almódovar and Kenneth Lonergan (Ep. 247) Jan 10, 2020

Director Pedro Almodóvar discusses his new film, Pain and Glory, with fellow director Kenneth Lonergan. This deeply personal film from Spain tells the story of Salvador Mallo, a depressed director who is thinking of leaving filmmaking because of chronic health problems. A series of encounters, both real and remembered, leads Mallo to reflect on the choices he's made. Please note spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2019/Dec2019/GCS_PainYGlory_0919.aspx

Atlantics with Mati Diop and Michael Almereyda (Ep. 246) Jan 10, 2020

Director Mati Diop discusses her new film, Atlantics, with fellow director Michael Almereyda. Set in the outskirts of Dakar on Senegal's Atlantic coast, the film tells the story of a young woman who is in love with a construction worker, but is already promised to another man. After the construction worker is lost at sea and the devastated woman prepares to go through with her original wedding, strange things begin to happen that may thwart her plans. Please note spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2019/Dec2019/GCS_Atlantics_1019.aspx

Richard Jewell with Clint Eastwood and Scott Cooper (Ep. 245) Jan 03, 2020

Director Clint Eastwood discusses his new film, Richard Jewell, with fellow director Scott Cooper. The film tells the true story of Jewell, an American security guard who saved thousands of lives from an exploding bomb at the 1996 Olympics. But his life starts to unravel when he becomes the FBI's prime suspect in the bombing attempt and is vilified by press and public alike. Please note spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2020/Feb2020/RichardJewell_QnA_1219.aspx

Just Mercy with Destin Daniel Cretton and Anna Boden (Ep. 244) Jan 03, 2020

Director Destin Daniel Cretton discusses his new film, Just Mercy, with fellow director Anna Boden. Based on a true story, the film follows young lawyer Bryan Stevenson's effort to overturn the murder conviction of Walter McMillian, who was sentenced to die for the murder of an 18-year-old girl despite ample evidence proving his innocence. Please note spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2020/Feb2020/JustMercy_QnA_1219.aspx

1917 with Sam Mendes and Ed Zwick (Ep. 243) Dec 20, 2019

Director Sam Mendes discusses his new film, 1917, with fellow director Ed Zwick. The film follows two young privates fighting with British forces during the First World War. They are given the impossible mission of delivering a message into enemy territory to prevent 1600 men, including one of the soldier's brothers from walking into a deadly trap. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2020/Feb2020/1917_QnA_1219.aspx

Uncut Gems With Josh and Benny Safdie and Kenneth Lonergan (Ep. 242) Dec 20, 2019

Directors Josh and Benny Safdie discuss their new film, Uncut Gems, with fellow director Kenneth Lonergan. The film stars Adam Sandler as Howard, a charismatic New Yorker who is always on the lookout for the next big score. His latest scheme is a precarious high-wire act, balancing business, family, and encroaching adversaries on all sides in his relentless pursuit of the ultimate win. Please note spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2020/Jan2020/UncutGems_QnA_1219.aspx

Knives Out with Rian Johnson and Denis Villeneuve (Ep. 241) Dec 20, 2019

Director Rian Johnson discusses his new film, Knives Out, with fellow director Denis Villeneuve. The film is a whodunit, following debonair detective Benoit Blanc's investigation of the death of renowned crime novelist Harlan Thrombey. With suspects aplenty in Thrombey's dysfunctional family and devoted staff, Blanc must wade through a sea of red herrings to uncover the truth. Please note spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2020/Jan2020/KnivesOut_QnA_1119.aspx

Harriet with Kasi Lemmons and Rick Famuyiwa (Ep. 240) Dec 13, 2019

Director Kasi Lemmons discusses her new film, Harriet, with fellow director Rick Famuyiwa. The film tells the extraordinary true story of Harriet Tubman, an enslaved person who escaped her captors. After finding liberty in the North, Tubman then risked her freedom and her life to return to the South, and relied upon her courage, ingenuity and tenacity to free hundreds of others and change the course of history. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2020/Jan2020/Harriet_QnA_1119.aspx

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood with Marielle Heller and Tamara Jenkins (Ep. 239) Dec 13, 2019

Director Marielle Heller discusses her new film, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, with fellow director Tamara Jenkins. The film retells the story of the real-life friendship between television icon Fred Rogers and journalist Tom Junod. The story fictionalizes Juno as a skeptical writer named Lloyd Vogel, who is assigned to do a story on Mr. Rogers. Vogel is ultimately swayed as Rogers' kindness triumphs over his cynicism and he learns about empathy and decency from America's most beloved neighbor. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2020/Jan2020/ABeautifulDayintheNeighborhood_QnA_1119.aspx

Ford v Ferrari with James Mangold and Doug Liman (Ep. 238) Dec 13, 2019

Director James Mangold discusses his new film, Ford v Ferrari, with fellow director Doug Liman. The film follows American car designer Carroll Shelby and driver Ken Miles who battled corporate interference, the laws of physics and their own personal demons to build a revolutionary race car for Ford and challenge Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2020/Jan2020/FordVFerrari_QnA_1119.aspx

Bombshell with Jay Roach and Leslye Headland (Ep. 237) Dec 06, 2019

Director Jay Roach discusses his new film, Bombshell, with fellow director Leslye Headland. Based on the real-life scandal, the film follows the group of women at Fox News who exposed the toxic atmosphere of harassment at the network and took down CEO Roger Ailes. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2020/Jan2020/Bombshell_QnA_1119.aspx

Dark Waters with Todd Haynes and Gus Van Sant (Ep. 236) Dec 06, 2019

Director Todd Haynes discusses his new film, Dark Waters, with fellow director Gus Van Sant. Inspired by true events, the film tells the story of an environmental defense attorney who uncovers a dark secret hidden by one of the world's largest corporations and risks his own career and family to bring justice to a community dangerously exposed for decades to deadly chemicals. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2020/Jan2020/DarkWaters_QnA_1119.aspx

The Report with Scott Z. Burns and David Mackenzie (Ep. 235) Dec 06, 2019

Director Scott Z. Burns discusses his new film, The Report, with fellow director David Mackenzie. The film tells the true story of Senate staffer Daniel Jones, who was tasked by his boss, Senator Dianne Feinstein, to lead an investigation of the CIA's Detention and Interrogation Program created in the aftermath of 9/11. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2020/Jan2020/TheReport_QnA_1119.aspx

Marriage Story with Noah Baumbach and Ben Stiller (Ep. 234) Nov 26, 2019

Director Noah Baumbach discusses his new film, Marriage Story, with fellow director Ben Stiller. The film stars Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson as a stage director and an actor who are struggling through a coast-to-coast divorce that pushes them to their personal and creative extremes. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2019/Dec2019/MarriageStory_QnA_1119.aspx

Honey Boy with Alma Har’el and Boaz Yakin (Ep. 233) Nov 20, 2019

Director Alma Har'el discusses her new film, Honey Boy, with fellow director Boaz Yakin. Starring Shia LaBeouf in a story inspired by his own real-life childhood, the film follows a young actor into early adulthood as he navigates a difficult relationship with his father and struggles to deal with his mental health. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2020/Jan2020/HoneyBoy_AlmaHarel_QnA_1119.aspx

Motherless Brooklyn with Edward Norton and Mike Binder (Ep. 232) Nov 20, 2019

Director Edward Norton discusses his new film, Motherless Brooklyn, with fellow director Mike Binder. Based on the novel by JOnathan Lethem, the film follows Lionel Essrog, a private detective with Tourette's syndrome who uncovers a web of corruption in 1950s New York while investigating the murder of his mentor. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2019/Dec2019/MotherlessBrooklyn_QnA_1119.aspx

Queen & Slim with Melina Matsoukas and M. Night Shyamalan (Ep. 231) Nov 15, 2019

Director Melina Matsoukas discusses her new film, Queen & Slim, with fellow director M. Night Shyamalan. The film follows Queen and Slim, whose first date takes an unexpected turn when they are pulled over for a minor traffic violation. After the situation escalates and Slim shoot the police officers in self-defense, the couple become unwitting outlaws and a viral symbol of trauma, terror and pain for people all over the country. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2019/Dec2019/QueenSlim_QnA_1119.aspx

Citizen K with Alex Gibney and Matthew Heineman (Ep. 230) Nov 15, 2019

Director Alex Gibney discusses his film, Citizen K, with fellow director Matthew Heineman. Photographed on location in the UK, Russia and Germany, the documentary follows Mikhail Khodorkovsky, one of the richest men in Russia who became known as the world-famous dissident "Citizen K" when he was imprisoned after a series of theatrical trials orchestrated by Vladimir Putin. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2019/Dec2019/NYDocSeries_CitizenK.aspx

Little Women with Greta Gerwig and Rian Johnson (Ep. 229) Nov 08, 2019

Director Greta Gerwig discusses her new film, Little Women, with fellow director Rian Johnson. Based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott, the film follows four sisters in America—Amy, Jo, Beth and Meg—as they come of age in the aftermath of the Civil War. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2019/Dec2019/LittleWomen_QnA_1119.aspx

Jojo Rabbit with Taika Waititi and Paul Downs Colaizzo (Ep. 228) Nov 08, 2019

Director Taika Waititi discusses his new film, Jojo Rabbit, with fellow director Paul Downs Colaizzo. Set during the waning days of World War II, the film tells the story of Jojo, a young boy whose only friend is an imaginary and idiotic projection of Adolf Hitler. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2019/Dec2019/JojoRabbit_QnA_1019.aspx

The King with David Michôd and Neil Burger (Ep. 227) Nov 08, 2019

Director David Michôd discusses his new film, The King, with fellow director Neil Burger. The film stars Timothée Chalamet as Prince Hal, who had turned his back on royal life to live among the people until the death of his tyrannical father. Now, crowned King Henry V, the young ruler is forced to embrace the world he had previously tried to escape. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2019/Dec2019/TheKing_QnA_1019.aspx

The Lighthouse with Robert Eggers and Rian Johnson (Episode 226) Nov 01, 2019

Director Robert Eggers discusses his new film, The Lighthouse, with fellow director Rian Johnson. Set in 1980s New England, the film tells the hallucinatory story of a grizzled veteran seaman and a novice lighthouse keeper who are thrown together on a harsh assignment. As isolation and alcohol being to eat at their sanity, they become threatened by their own nightmares. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2019/Dec2019/Lighthouse_QnA_1019.aspx

Pavarotti with Ron Howard and Ondi Timoner (Episode 225) Nov 01, 2019

Director Ron Howard discusses his new film, Pavarotti, with fellow director Ondi Timoner. The film examines the life and career of famed opera tenor Luciano Pavarotti. Featuring never-before-seen footage, concert performances and intimate interviews, the film takes an in-depth look at the lasting legacy of the musical icon affectionately dubbed "The People's Tenor." See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2019/Nov2019/LA_DocSeries_Pavarotti1019.aspx

The Irishman with Martin Scorsese and Spike Lee (Episode 224) Oct 25, 2019

Director Martin Scorsese discusses his new film, The Irishman, with fellow director Spike Lee. The film follows Frank Sheeran, a retired WWII veteran and former mob hitman, as he reflects on the moments that defined his career as a figure in organized crime, especially his role in the 1975 disappearance and murder of Teamsters President Jimmy Hoffa. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2019/Nov2019/Irishman_QnA_1019.aspx

The Current War - Director’s Cut with Alfonso Gomez-Rejon and Jonathan Mostow(Episode 223) Oct 25, 2019

Director Alfonso Gomez-Rejon discusses his new film, The Current War: Director's Cut, with fellow director Jonathan Mostow. The film reveals how electricity titans Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse engaged in a battle of technology and ideas to determine whether direct current or alternating current would power the modern world. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2019/Nov2019/CurrentWar_QnA_1019.aspx

Blade Runner: The Final Cut with Director Ridley Scott and Jon Favreau (Episode 222) Oct 18, 2019

As part of a special celebration for the grand re-opening of the DGA’s brand new, state-of-the-art theater in Los Angeles, Director Ridley Scott discussed his 1982 sc-fi classic, Blade Runner. Scott’s final cut version of the film was shown with Dolby Vision picture and Dolby Atmos sound. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2019/Nov2019/LA-TheaterReOpeningCelebration_091921.aspx

Joker with Director Todd Phillips and Ivan Reitman (Episode 221) Oct 18, 2019

Director Todd Phillips discusses his new film, Joker, with fellow director Ivan Reitman. Starring Joaquin Phoenix, the film examines the slow descent into madness of the man who would become Batman’s arch nemesis. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2019/Nov2019/Joker_QnA_1019.aspx

Ad Astra with Director James Gray and Damien Chazelle (Episode 220) Oct 11, 2019

Director James Gray discusses his new film, Ad Astra, with fellow director Damien Chazelle (First Man). The film stars Brad Pitt as a near-future astronaut who makes a daring voyage to discover the truth about his father (Tommy Lee Jones) who disappeared on a deep space mission 30 year prior. The journey will unravel a mystery that challenges the nature of human existence and threatens the survival of our planet. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2019/Nov2019/JamesGrayAD_ASTRA_QnA_0919.aspx

Downton Abbey with Director Michael Engler and Ritesh Batra (Episode 219) Oct 11, 2019

Director Michael Engler discusses his film, Downton Abbey, with fellow director Ritesh Batra. The film continues the story from the popular British show, as both the hosts and the help prepare for a royal visit from the King and Queen of England. Scandal, romance and intrigue will leave the future of Downton hanging in the balance. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2019/Nov2019/DowntonAbbey_QnA_0919.aspx

Hustlers with Lorene Scafaria and Adam McKay (Ep. 218) Sep 24, 2019

Director Lorene Scafaria discusses her film, Hustlers, with fellow director Adam McKay. Inspired by a true story, the film stars Jennifer Lopez and Constance Wu as two former strip club employees who join forces to turn the tables on their Wall Street clients. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2019/Nov2019/Hustlers_QnA_0919.aspx

Official Secrets with Gavin Hood and Phillip Noyce (Ep. 217) Sep 13, 2019

Director Gavin Hood discusses his film, Official Secrets, with fellow director Phillip Noyce. The film tells the true story of Katharine Gun, a British intelligence specialist who leaked information to the press about an illegal NSA spy operation designed to collect compromising information on UN members and blackmail them into sanctioning 2003 invasion of Iraq. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2019/Oct2019/GavinHoodDiscussesOfficialSecrets_QnA_0919.aspx

Blinded by the Light with Gurinder Chadha and Catherine Hardwicke (Ep. 216) Aug 28, 2019

Director Gurinder Chadha discusses her film, Blinded by the Light, with fellow director Catherine Hardwicke. The film tells the story of Javed, a British teen of Pakistani descent growing up in 1987 England amidst the racial and economic turmoil of the Thatcher era. He writes poetry to escape the intolerance of his hometown and the inflexibility of his traditional father, but when a classmate introduces him to the music of Bruce Springsteen, "The Boss," his world is turned upside down. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2019/Sept2019/BlindedByTheLight_QnA_0819.aspx

Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood with Quentin Tarantino and Paul Thomas Anderson (Ep. 215) Aug 23, 2019

Director Quentin Tarantino discusses his film, Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood, with fellow director Paul Thomas Anderson. Set in Los Angeles during the waning years of Hollywood's Golden Age, the film weaves together multiple storylines, following fading television actor Rick Dalton, his stunt double Cliff Booth, and his neighbor Sharon Tate during the months leading up to one fateful night in August 1969. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2019/Oct2019/Tarantino_OnceUponATimeInHollywood_QnA_0919.aspx

The Kitchen with Andrea Berloff and Lisa Cholodenko (Ep. 214) Aug 16, 2019

Director Andrea Berloff discusses her film, The Kitchen, with fellow director Lisa Cholodenko. The film tells the story of three Hell's Kitchen housewives whose mobster husbands are sent to prison by the FBI in 1978. Forces to take matters into their own hands, the women prove to be unexpectedly adept at mob life -- running the gangs and taking out the competition. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2019/Sept2019/TheKitchen_QnA_0819.aspx

Sword of Trust with Lynn Shelton and Jake Kasdan (Ep. 213) Aug 09, 2019

Director Lynn Shelton discusses her film, Sword of Trust, with fellow director Jake Kasdan. The film tells the story of Cynthia, who learns that her inheritance from her deceased grandfather is an antique sword that he believed was proof that the South won the Civil War. To sell the sword, Cynthia and her friend Mary team up with a cantankerous pawnshop owner and his man-child employee, who've discovered there's a market for the relic. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2019/Sept2019/SwordOfTrust_QnA_0719.aspx

The Lion King with Jon Favreau and Sam Raimi (Ep. 212) Jul 31, 2019

Director Jon Favreau discusses his film, The Lion King, with fellow director Sam Raimi. A photorealistic remake of the 1994 animated film, the film follows lion prince Simba, the son of King Mufasa of Pride Rock. When Mufasa's death at the hands of his brother Scar results in SImba's exile (and Scar's ascension to the throne), Simba must make new friends, grow up and battle Scar to take back what is rightfully his. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2019/Sept2019/LionKing_QnA_0719.aspx

The Cold Blue with Erik Nelson and Sandra Luckow (Ep. 211) Jul 12, 2019

Director Erik Nelson discusses her film, The Cold Blue, with fellow director Sandra Luckow. The film uses newly restored 4K footage and outtakes from DGA and Oscar-winning director William Wyler's 1944 documentary about the European air war during WWII, The Memphis Belle: A Story of a Flying Fortress, as well as narration from surviving B-17 pilots to pay tribute to both Wyler and the men of the Eighth Air Force. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2019/August2019/NYDocSeries_TheColdBlue.aspx

A Dog’s Journey with Gail Mancuso and Anne Fletcher (Ep. 210) Jun 28, 2019

Director Gail Mancuso discusses her film, A Dog's Journey, with fellow director Anne Fletcher. In the sequel to Lasse Hallström's 2017 feature, A Dog's Purpose, the film brings back the continually reincarnated dog and follows his adventures through multiple lives filled with love, friendship and devotion to his human family. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2019/July2019/A_Dogs_Journey_QnA_0619.aspx

Trial by Fire with Edward Zwick and Max Winkler (Ep. 209) Jun 21, 2019

Director Edward Zwick discusses his film, Trial by Fire, with fellow director Max Winkler. The film tells the tragic and true story of Cameron Todd Willingham, who was convicted of an arson-related triple homicide in 1992. During his 12 years on death row, he forms an unlikely bond with Elizabeth Gilbert, a Houston playwright who battles with the state to expose suppressed evidence that could save him. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2019/July2019/TrialByFire_QnA_0519.aspx

Booksmart with Olivia Wilde and Nicole Holofcener (Ep. 208) Jun 07, 2019

Director Olivia Wilde discusses her film, Booksmart, with fellow director Nicole Holofcener. The film follows, Molly and Amy, two overachieving high school seniors who try to make up for their all work and no play attitude by cramming four years' worth of partying into the night before graduation. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2019/July2019/Booksmart_QnA_0619.aspx

Wine Country with Amy Poehler and Nisha Ganatra (Ep. 207) Jun 07, 2019

Director Amy Poehler discusses her film, Wine Country, with fellow director Nisha Ganatra. The film tells the story of six longtime friends who take a scenic Napa getaway to relax and reconnect during a 50th birthday celebration. But when the alcohol flows, tensions from the past boil over and the women begin questioning their friendships and futures. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2019/July2019/WineCountry_QnA_0519.aspx

Long Shot with Jonathan Levine and Ruben Fleischer (Ep. 206) May 31, 2019

Director Jonathan Levine discusses his film, Long Shot, with fellow director Ruben Fleischer. The film tells the childhood crush, Charlotte, now one of the most influential women in the world. After Fred is hired to be a speechwriter on Charlotte's Presidential campaign, sparks fly and their chemistry leads to a romance, even though on the surface the two have nothing in common See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2019/June2019/LongShot_QnA_0519.aspx

Breakthrough with Roxann Dawson and Allan Arkush (Ep. 205) May 31, 2019

Director Roxann Dawson discusses her film, Breakthrough, with fellow director Allan Arkush. The film tells the true story of how all hope seemed lost after Smith's adopted son, John, fell into an icy Missouri lake and afterwards lay lifeless in a hospital. Even in the face of every scientific prediction and medical case history, Smith's refusal to give up and steadfast belief inspired those around her to continue to pray for John's recovery. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2019/June2019/Breakthrough_QnA_0419.aspx

Little with Tina Gordon and Tina Mabry (Ep. 204) May 24, 2019

Director Tina Gordon discusses his film, Little, with fellow director Tina Mabry. The film tells the story of tech mogul Jordan Sanders, who awakens one morning in her 13-year-old body. With only her long-suffering assistant in on the secret and do-or-die presentation on the line, Jordan must find a way to navigate through her new situation and learn how her ruthless approach to life affects the people around her. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2019/June2019/TinaGordon_Little_QnA_0419.aspx

The Best of Enemies with Robin Bissell and Hart Bochner (Ep. 203) May 17, 2019

Director Robin Bissell discusses his film, The Best of Enemies, with fellow director Hart Bochner. The film tells the true story of how civil rights activist Ann Atwater and Exalted Cyclops of the Ku Klux Klan C.P. Ellis came together to co-chair a community summit on the desegregation of schools in Durham, North Carolina during the summer of 1971, and how the events that unfolded would change their lives forever. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2019/June2019/BestOfEnemies_QnA_0419.aspx

Avengers: Endgame with Anthony & Joe Russo and Todd Holland (Ep. 202) May 08, 2019

Directors Anthony & Joe Russo discuss their film, Avengers: Endgame, with fellow director Todd Holland. The film takes place directly after the events of the previous film, Avengers: Infinity War, and follows the superhero team and their allies as they assemble one final time to undo Thanos' destruction and restore their devastated universe. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2019/June2019/AvengersEG_QnA_0519.aspx

The Great Buster with Peter Bogdanovich and Chuck Workman (Ep. 201) May 03, 2019

Director Peter Bogdanovich discusses his film, The Great Buster, with fellow director Chuck Workman. The film chronicles the life and works of the influential filmmaker and comedian Buster Keaton. Interspersed with interviews with collaborators, filmmakers, performers and friends, the film examines Keaton's career as the director, writer, producer and star of his own films; as well as the loss of artistic independence and career decline that marked his later years. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2019/May2019/0419-DocSeries_GreatBuster.aspx

The Highwaymen with John Lee Hancock and Lawrence Kasdan (Ep. 200) Apr 18, 2019

Director John Lee Hancock discusses his film, The Highwaymen, with fellow director Lawrence Kasdan. The film concentrates on the other side of the Bonnie and Clyde saga, telling their true story of Frank Hamer and Maney Gault – former Texas Rangers who are coaxed out of retirement to end the Barrow gang’s murderous run when even the full force of the FBI isn’t enough to capture the nation’s most notorious criminals. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2019/May2019/Highwaymen_QnA_0419.aspx

The Science of Laughter - An Evening with the Directing Team from The Big Bang Theory (Ep. 199) Apr 12, 2019

Director Beth McCarthy-Miller moderates The Science of Laughter: An Evening with the Directing Team from The Big Bang Theory featuring Director Mark Cendrowski, Director/Line Producer Kristy Cecil, Director/Editor Peter Chakos, Director/Associate Director Gay Linvill, Director/2nd AD Nikki Lorre and Director/1st AD Anthony Rich. The discussion covers a variety of topics including the demands of single vs multi-camera shows, the benefits of working on a show with such a long-running history, and the scenes that terrified the directors when they read the script. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2019/April2019/BigBangTheory-_Event_0219.aspx

The Brink with Alison Klayman and Kristi Jacobson (Ep. 198) Apr 05, 2019

Director Alison Klayman discusses her film, The Brink, with fellow director Kristi Jacobson. The film follows political consultant and former Trump administration chief strategist Steve Bannon on his global mission to spread extreme nationalism, tracking his moves through the 2018 American mid-term elections and shedding light on his efforts to mobilize and unify far right parties around the world. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2019/May2019/NYDocSeries_TheBrink.aspx

Triple Frontier with J.C. Chandor and Tony Gilroy (Ep. 197) Apr 01, 2019

Director J.C. Chandor discusses his film, Triple Frontier, with fellow director Tony Gilroy. The film tells the story of five former Special Forces operatives who reunite to rob a cocaine cartel boss in a sparsely populated multi-border zone of South America. When events take an unexpected turn and threaten to spiral out of control, their skills, their loyalties, and their morals are pushed to a breaking point in an epic battle for survival. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2019/May2019/TripleFrontier_QnA_0319.aspx

Mapplethorpe with Ondi Timoner and Maria Burton (Ep. 196) Mar 22, 2019

Director Robert Mapplethorpe discusses his film, Mapplethorpe, with fellow director Maria Burton. The film follows iconic photographer Robert Mapplethorpe -- whose portraits, still lifes and chronicles of New York City's underground BDSM scene inspired censorship debates throughout the 1980s and remain touchstones of 20th century photography -- from his rise to fame in the 1970s to his untimely death in 1989. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2019/April2019/Mapplethorpe_QnA_0319.aspx

Fighting with My Family with Stephen Merchant and Rawson Marshall Thurber (Ep. 195) Mar 15, 2019

Director Stephen Merchant discusses his film, Fighting With My Family, with fellow director Rawson Marshall Thurber. Based on the true story of wrestling superstar Saraya "Paige" Bevis, who grew up in a tight-knit wrestling family that earned their living traveling around England performing. When Paige earns a spot in the highly WWE training program, she must find the courage to leaver her family and face this new world alone. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2019/April2019/FightingWithMyFamily_QnA_0219.aspx

Escape Room with Adam Robitel and Christopher Landon (Ep. 194) Mar 08, 2019

Director Adam Robitel discusses his film, Escape Room, with fellow director Christopher Landon. Capturing the cultural zeitgeist of puzzle-box escape rooms, the film follows a group of adventurous game players vying to win $10,000 by cracking a series of puzzles in a mysterious building. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2019/March2019/EscapeRoom_QnA_0119.aspx

Meet the Nominees Movies for Television and Limited Series Symposium 2019 (Ep. 193) Mar 01, 2019

Ben Stiller (Escape at Dannemora), David Leveaux (Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert), Alex Rudzinski(Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert), and Jean-Marc Vallee (Sharp Objects) participate in the Meet the Nominees: Movies for Television and Limited Series Symposium. Nominees Cary Joji Fukunaga (Maniac) and Barry Levinson (Paterno)were not available to participate. The discussion covers a variety of topics including the director's approaches to casting, locations, and working with actors.

Meet the Nominees Feature Film Symposium 2019 - Part 3 of 3 (Ep. 192) Feb 22, 2019

Jeremy Kagan moderates the 28th Annual DGA Meet the Nominees: Feature Film Symposium featuring Bradley Cooper, Alfonso Cuarón, Peter Farrelly, Spike Lee, and Adam McKay on their nominated films. Part three shares the nominees' thoughts on directing actors and knowing when you’ve gotten the performance. Highlights include Peter Farrelly commending his directorial team for helping him keep things moving, Adam Mckay sharing his amorphous directorial process, and Alfonso Cuarón sharing why you can't trust dailies and can only judge a moment in context.

Meet the Nominees Feature Film Symposium 2019 - Part 2 of 3 (Ep. 191) Feb 15, 2019

Jeremy Kagan moderates the 28th Annual DGA Meet the Nominees: Feature Film Symposium featuring Bradley Cooper, Alfonso Cuarón, Peter Farrelly, Spike Lee, and Adam McKay on their nominated films. Part two shares the nominees' thoughts on casting. Highlights include how Peter Farrelly convinced Viggo Mortensen to take on the role of Tony Lip, why Alfonso Cuarón doesn't believe in directing kids, and how Bradley Cooper fared years ago during an audition for Spike Lee.

Meet the Nominees Feature Film Symposium 2019 - Part 1 of 3 (Ep. 190) Feb 08, 2019

Jeremy Kagan moderates the 28th Annual DGA Meet the Nominees: Feature Film Symposium featuring Bradley Cooper, Alfonso Cuarón, Peter Farrelly, Spike Lee, and Adam McKay on their nominated films. Topics for part one include the nominees' thoughts on the night before the shoot and how they handle the immense pressure that comes with directing a film.

London Fields, The Director’s Cut with Matthew Cullen and Florian Henckel Von Donnersmarck (Ep. 189) Jan 25, 2019

Director Matthew Miguel Cullen discusses his film, London Fields, The Director's Cut, with fellow director Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck. The film weaves the tale of Nicola Six, a femme-fatale who ensnares three men into a love affair. The twist: she knows that one of these men will ultimately become her murderer. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2019/Jan2019/LondonFields_QnA_1218.aspx

Dumplin’ with Anne Fletcher and Adam Shankman (Ep. 188) Jan 18, 2019

Director Anne Fletcher discusses her film, Dumplin', with fellow director Adam Shankman. The film tells the story of Willowdean "Dumplin'" Dickson, a plus-size teenager living in the shadow of her former beauty queen mother. To prove a point about measuring up and fitting in, Dumplin' signs up for her mom's Miss Teen Bluebonnet pageant. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2019/Feb2019/Dumplin_QnA_1218.aspx

Ben Is Back with Peter Hedges and Craig Johnson (Ep. 187) Jan 11, 2019

Director Peter Hedges discusses his film, Ben is Back, with fellow director Craig Johnson. The film tells the story of Ben Burns, a young man who unexpectedly returns home on Christmas Eve after spending time in a treatment center following a heroin overdose. While his mother is happy to see her son returned, she is worried about his ability to remain clean and ready to do everything in her power to keep him and the rest of her family safe. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2019/Feb2019/BenisBack_QnA_1218.aspx

Vice with Adam McKay and Gus Van Sant (Ep. 186) Jan 04, 2019

Director Adam McKay discusses his film, Vice, with fellow director Gus Van Sant. Inspired by true events, the film follows Dick Cheney as he moves from being a Washington insider and a bureaucrat to George W. Bush's Vice President and one of the most powerful men in the world, creating policies that changed the country and world in ways that are still felt today. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2019/Feb2019/VICE_QnA_1218.aspx

Vox Lux with Brady Corbet and John Krokidas (Ep. 185) Jan 04, 2019

Director Brady Corbet discusses his film, Vox Lux, with fellow director John Krokidas. The film tells the story of Celeste, a young singer who had a meteoric rise to fame after she survived a violent tragedy as a teenager and captured the nation's attention when she sang at the memorial service. Years later, the now superstar celebrity must deal with the aftermath of a scandalous incident which could derail her career. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2019/Feb2019/VoxLux_QnA_1218.aspx

Bird Box with Susanne Bier and Alison Maclean (Ep. 184) Dec 21, 2018

Director Susanne Bier discusses her film, Bird Box, with fellow director Alison Maclean. Based on the novel by Josh Malerman, the film takes place in a world where an unseen force has decimated Earth's human population, and the only thing the survivors know for sure is if you see it, you die. Against these odds a woman and her children attempt a perilous journey though the woods and down a river to find sanctuary, but in order to stay alive, they must complete the trip while blindfolded. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2019/Feb2019/BirdBox_QnA_1218.aspx

On the Basis of Sex with Mimi Leder and Sacha Gervasi (Ep. 183) Dec 21, 2018

Director Mimi Leder discusses her film, On the Basis of Sex, with fellow director Sacha Gervasi. Inspired by the true story of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the film weaves together her career as an attorney fighting for equal rights with her storybook romance with her husband, Martin Ginsburg, and her life as a new mother. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2019/Feb2019/OntheBasisofSex_QnA_1218.aspx

Destroyer with Karyn Kusama and Christopher Nolan (Ep. 182) Dec 14, 2018

Director Karyn Kusama discusses her film, Destroyer, with fellow director Christopher Nolan. The film stars Nicole Kidman as LAPD detective Erin Bell, whose undercover assignment when she was a young cop - the infiltration of a gang in the California desert - ended tragically. When the leader of that gang re-emerges years later, she seeks to finally lay to rest her personal demons from that case. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2019/Jan2019/Destroyer_QnA_1218.aspx

Mary Poppins Returns with Rob Marshall and Ron Howard (Ep. 181) Dec 14, 2018

Director Rob Marshall discusses his film, Mary Poppins Returns, with fellow director Ron Howard. Drawn from the Mary Poppins stories by P.L. Travers, the film takes place in depression-era London during the 1930s, where the adult Jane and Michael Banks find themselves in need of Mary Poppins' magical abilities once again after the family suffers a devastating loss. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2019/Jan2019/MaryPoppinsReturns_QnA_1218.aspx

Unlovable with Suzi Yoonessi and Alethea Jones (Ep. 180) Dec 07, 2018

Director Suzi Yoonessi discusses her film, Unlovable, with fellow director Alethea Jones. The film tells the story of Joy, a woman who joins a 12-step program to take control of her sex and love addiction after losing her boyfriend and her job and surviving a suicide attempt. After seeking help, she finds a sponsor and discovers the beauty of platonic friendship when she begins making music with a socially inept musician named Jim. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2019/Jan2019/Unlovable_QnA_1118.aspx

The Girl in The Spider’s Web with Fede Alvarez and Sam Raimi (Ep. 179) Nov 30, 2018

Director Fede Alvarez discusses his film, The Girl in the Spider's Web, with fellow director Sam Raimi. Based on the best-selling novels by David Lagercrantz, the film follows Lisbeth Salander as she hacks a computer program that can access nuclear weapons across the globe. Soon she and journalist Mikael Blomkvist find themselves caught in a web of spies, cybercriminals and corrupt government officials. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2019/Jan2019/GirlInSpidersWeb_QnA_1118.aspx

Green Book with Peter Farrelly and Dan Gilroy (Ep. 178) Nov 30, 2018

Director Peter Farrelly discusses his film, Green Book, with fellow director Dan Gilroy. The film tells the true story of Tony Lip, an Italian-America bouncer from the Bronx who is hired to drive Dr. Don Shirley, a world-class African-American pianist on a concert tour from Manhattan to the Deep South in 1962. During the trip, they must rely on "The Green Book" to guide them to the few establishments that were safe for African-Americans. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2019/Jan2019/GreenBook_QnA_1118.aspx

The Front Runner with Jason Reitman and Jon Avnet (Ep. 177) Nov 21, 2018

Director Jason Reitman discusses his film, The Front Runner, with fellow director Jon Avnet. The film follows the true story of Senator Gary Hart who was considered the front runner for the 1988 Democratic presidential nomination until an extramarrital relationship sidelined his campaign. He was forced to drop out of the race as tabloid and political journalism began to merge -- a phenomenon that would leave a lasting impact on American politics. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2019/Jan2019/FrontRunner_QnA_1118.aspx

If Beale Street Could Talk with Barry Jenkins and Paul Thomas Anderson (Ep. 176) Nov 21, 2018

Director Barry Jenkins discusses his film, If Beale Street Could Talk, with fellow director Paul Thomas Anderson. Based on the acclaimed novel by James Baldwin, the film tells the story of Tish, a Harlem woman who strives to prove the innocence of her fiance while pregnant with their first-born child. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2019/Jan2019/BealeStreet_QnA_1118.aspx

Outlaw King with David Mackenzie and Jeremy Saulnier (Ep. 175) Nov 16, 2018

Director David Mackenzie discusses his film, Outlaw King, with fellow director Jeremy Saulnier. The film follows legendary warrior Robert the Bruce, who claims the throne in 14th-century Scotland and leads a band of outlaws in an uprising as they attempt to win back the crown from English rule. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2018/Dec2018/OutlawKing_QnA_1118.aspx

Widows with Steve McQueen and Dee Rees (Ep. 174) Nov 16, 2018

Director Steve McQueen discusses his film, Widows, with fellow director Dee Rees. Set in Chicago, the film stars Viola Davis as Veronica, who is widowed after her husband is killed by police following an armed robbery attempt. Veronica soon joins forces with three other widows to enact a heist that her husband had been planning. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2019/Jan2019/Widows_QnA_1118.aspx

Roma with Alfonso Cuarón and Alejándro G. Iñárritu (Ep. 173) Nov 16, 2018

Director Alfonso Cuarón discusses his film, Roma, with fellow director Alejándro G. Iñárritu. Set in the early 1970s, the film recalls Mr. Cuarón's own upbringing in the middle-class neighborhood of Roma in Mexico City, and serves as a love letter to the women who raised him during a time of domestic strife and social hierarchy. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2018/Dec2018/Roma_QnA_1118.aspx

At Eternity’s Gate with Julian Schnabel and Lee Daniels (Ep. 172) Nov 09, 2018

Director Julian Schnabel discusses his film, At Eternity's Gate, with fellow director Lee Daniels. The film is a journey inside the world and mind of the tortured artist who, despite skepticism, ridicule and illness, created some of the world's most beloved and stunning works. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2018/Dec2018/AtEternitysGate_QnA_1118.aspx

A Private War with Matthew Heineman and Jeremy Kagan (Ep. 171) Nov 09, 2018

Director Matthew Heineman discusses his film, A Private War, with fellow director Jeremy Kagan. Based on Arash Amel's Vanity Fair article "Marie Colvin's Private War," the film follows the extraordinary life of celebrated war correspondent Marie Colvin, whose fearless desire to give voice to the voiceless and show the true cost of war drove her to the front lines of conflicts all across the globe. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2018/Dec2018/APrivateWar_QnA_1018.aspx

Boy Erased with Joel Edgerton and Gavin O’Connor (Ep. 170) Nov 02, 2018

Director Joel Edgerton discusses his film, Boy Erased, with fellow director Gavin O'Connor. Based on the memoir of the same name by Garrard Conley, the film tells the true coming of age and coming out story of Jared, who is viciously outed to his parents. Pressured into attending a church-supported gay conversion program, he butts heads with its head therapist and begins to find his own voice and accept his true self. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2018/Dec2018/BoyErased_QnA_1018.aspx

The Hate U Give with George Tillman Jr. and Greg Berlanti (Ep. 169) Nov 02, 2018

Director George Tillman Jr. discusses his film, The Hate U Give, with fellow director Greg Berlanti. Based on the best-selling young adult novel by Angie Thomas, the film tells the story of Starr Carter, a sixteen-year-old African-American girl who witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer and faces pressure from her community. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2018/Dec2018/HateUGive_QnA_1018.aspx

22 July with Paul Greengrass and Brian Helgeland (Ep. 168) Nov 02, 2018

Director Paul Greengrass discusses his film, 22 July, with fellow director Brian Helgeland. The film dramatizes the true story of Norway's worst terrorist attack, following the survivors and grieving families as they rally the country for justice and healing. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2018/Dec2018/22July_QnA_1018.aspx

Itzhak with Alison Chernick and Robert Weide (Ep. 167) Oct 26, 2018

Director Alison Chernick discusses her film, Itzhak, with fellow director Robert Weide. The film follows celebrated violinist Itzhak Perlman, looking beyond his performances to see the polio survivor whose parents emigrated from Poland to Israel, and the young man who struggled to be taken seriously as a music student when schools saw only his disability. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2018/Dec2018/DocSeries_Itzhak.aspx

Beautiful Boy with Felix Van Groeningen and Mike Mills (Ep. 166) Oct 26, 2018

Director Felix Van Groeningen discusses his film, Beautiful Boy, with fellow director Mike Mills. Based on the pair of memoirs by father and son David and Nic Sheff, the film chronicles the heartbreak experienced by a family coping with addiction over many years -- including survival, relapse, and recovery. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2018/Nov2018/BeautifulBoy_QnA_1018.aspx

Mid90s with Jonah Hill and Bennett Miller (Ep. 165) Oct 19, 2018

Director Jonah Hill discusses his film, Mid90s, with fellow director Bennett Miller. The film follows thirteen-year-old Stevie, who spends summer in 90s-era LA navigating between his troubled home life and a group of new friends that he meets at a Motor Avenue skate shop. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2018/Dec2018/Mid90s_QnA_1018.aspx

A Star Is Born with Bradley Cooper and Jason Bateman (Ep. 164) Oct 19, 2018

Director Bradley Cooper discusses his film, A Star is Born, with fellow director Jason Bateman. The film features Cooper as a seasoned musician who falls in love with a struggling singer and actress named Ally, played by Lady Gaga. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2018/Nov2018/AStarIsBorn_QnA_1018.aspx

Bad Times at The El Royale with Drew Goddard and Matt Reeves (Ep. 163) Oct 12, 2018

Director Drew Goddard discusses his film, Bad Times at the El Royale, with fellow director Matt Reeves. The film follows seven strangers who meet at Lake Tahoe's El Royale, a rundown hotel with a dark past. As secrets come out and lives are entangled over the course of one night, everyone will have a last shot at redemption. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2018/Nov2018/BadTimes_QnA_1018.aspx

First Man with Damien Chazelle and Darren Aronofsky (Ep. 162) Oct 12, 2018

Director Damien Chazelle discusses his film, First Man, with fellow director Darren Aronofsky. The film tells the riveting stories of NASA's mission to land the first human being on the moon, and of Neil Armstrong, the astronaut chosen to make the one small step for man and giant leap for mankind on July 20, 1969. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2018/Nov2018/FIRSTMAN_QnA_1018.aspx

Private Life with Tamara Jenkins and Mike White (Ep. 161) Oct 05, 2018

Director Tamara Jenkins discusses her film, Private Life, with fellow director Mike White. The film stars Kathryn Hahn and Paul Giamatti as a couple struggling to conceive who undergo multiple fertility therapies. But the process of trying to add to their family challenges their relationship with each other as they descend deeper and deeper into the world of assisted reproduction and domestic adoption. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2018/Nov2018/PrivateLife_QnA_0918.aspx

Life Itself with Dan Fogelman and Ron Howard (Ep. 160) Oct 05, 2018

Director Dan Fogelman discusses his film, Life Itself, with fellow director Ron Howard. The film centers on the story of a young New York couple who experience unexpected twists in their journey from their college romance to marriage and the birth of their first child, creating reverberations that echo across continents and through lifetimes. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2018/Nov2018/LifeItself_QnA_0918.aspx

White Boy Rick with Yann Demange and John Singleton (Ep. 159) Sep 28, 2018

Director Yann Demange discusses his film, White Boy Rick, with fellow director John Singleton. Set during the height of the crack epidemic and the War on Drugs in 1980s Detroit, the film tells the true story of Rick Wershe, Jr., a teenager who was convinced by federal agents to become an undercover drug informant in exchange for keeping his gun dealing father out prison. Seduced by the lure of easy money, he gets in too deep and becomes a notorious drug dealer himself. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2018/Nov2018/WhiteBoyRick_QnA_0918.aspx

The Land of Steady Habits with Nicole Holofcener and Greg Mottola (Ep. 158) Sep 28, 2018

Director Nicole Holofcener discusses her film, The Land of Steady Habits, with fellow director Greg Mottola. The film tells the story of Anders Hill, a man who feels trapped in the wealthy enclave of Westport, Connecticut. Seeking to renew his lust for life, he quits his job in finance and leaves his wife and family, but is quickly confronted with the harsh reality of his choices. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2018/Nov2018/LandOHabits_QnA_0918.aspx

Colette with Wash Westmoreland and Scott McGehee (Ep. 157) Sep 21, 2018

Director Wash Westmoreland discusses his film, Colette, with fellow director Scott McGehee. Set in the dawn of 20th century, the film tells the story of Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette, a talented young writer who moves from her childhood home to Paris after she weds a writer known commonly as "Willy." Convinced by Willy to ghostwrite for him, Colette pens a bestselling semi-autobiographical novel that becomes a cultural sensation and spawns sequels. But her fight to regain creative ownership drives her to overcome societal constraints and challenge gender roles. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2018/Nov2018/Colette_QnA_0918.aspx

Blaze with Ethan Hawke and John Patrick Shanley (Ep. 156) Sep 21, 2018

Director Ethan Hawke discusses his film, Blaze, with fellow director John Patrick Shanley. Adapted from Sybil Rosen's memoir, Living in the Woods in a Tree: Remembering Blaze, the film tells the story of Blaze Foley, a songwriting legend of the Texas outlaw music movement that spawned superstars like Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2018/Oct2018/Blaze_QnA_0918.aspx

Kin with The Baker Brothers and James Ponsoldt (Ep. 155) Sep 14, 2018

Directors Jonathan Baker and Josh Baker discusses their film, Kin, with fellow director James Ponsoldt. Based on the Baker brothers' 2014 short film Bag Man, the film tells the story of an ex-con named Jimmy and his adopted teenage brother Eli, who are forced to flee their home after Jimmy lands in trouble with a local crime boss. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2018/Oct2018/Kin_QnA_0918.aspx

An LA Minute with Daniel Adams and Bill Fishman (Ep. 154) Sep 14, 2018

Director Daniel Adams discusses his film, An LA Minute, with fellow director Bill Fishman. In a satirical look at fame, the film tells the story of Ted Gold, a former Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist who gave up being a serious writer to cash in by penning trashy bestsellers, His world is shaken when he meets Velocity, a young beautiful and homeless performance artist, whose passion and integrity inspires him to follow her example. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2018/Oct2018/AnLAMinute_QnA_0818.aspx

Shock and Awe with Rob Reiner and Jeremy Kagan (Ep. 153) Aug 31, 2018

Director Rob Reiner discusses his film, Shock and Awe, with fellow director Jeremy Kagan. Based on a true story, the film takes us back to the time after 9/11 when the Bush-Cheney administration claimed that then-President of Iraq Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction, during their push to ramp up support for the invasion of Iraq. However, journalists at the Knight-Ridder news agency were skeptical of the evidence and stayed in pursuit of the real story while their colleagues mistakenly fed the American people news based on faulty and fabricated intelligence. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2018/Sept2018/ShocknAwe_QnA_0818.aspx

The King with Eugene Jarecki and Marilyn Agrelo (Ep. 152) Aug 28, 2018

Director Eugene Jarecki discusses his film, The King, with fellow director Marilyn Agrelo. The King explores the legacy of Elvis Presley forty years after his death by taking viewers on a musical road trip across America in his 1963 Rolls Royce during the 2016 presidential election. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2018/Sept2018/NYDocSeries_TheKing.aspx

Crazy Rich Asians with Jon M. Chu and Jon Turteltaub (Ep. 151) Aug 24, 2018

Director Jon M. Chu discusses his film, Crazy Rich Asians, with fellow director Jon Turteltaub. Adapted from the bestselling novel by Kevin Kwan, the film tells the story of Rachel, an American-born Chinese professor, who travels to Singapore to accompany her boyfriend Nick to his best friend's wedding. She soon discovers that Nick is from a family so wealthy that he is considered one of the most eligible bachelors in Asia, which puts a target on Rachel's back as she meets his family and attempts to navigate his ultra-rarefied social class. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2018/Oct2018/0818_QnA_CrazyRichAsians.aspx

BlacKkKlansman with Spike Lee and John Singleton (Ep. 150) Aug 17, 2018

Director Spike Lee discusses his film, BlacKkKlansman, with fellow director John Singleton. Set in the early 1970s amid the ongoing struggle for civil rights, the film tells the true story of Ron Stallworth, the first African-American detective on the Colorado Springs Police Department. Ron's arrival is greeted with skepticism and open hostility by the department's rank and file, but he soon makes a name for himself with a dangerous undercover mission to infiltrate and expose the Ku Klux Klan. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2018/Oct2018/BlacKkKlansman_QnA_0818.aspx

Skyscraper with Rawson Marshall Thurber and Joe Carnahan (Ep. 149) Aug 10, 2018

Director Rawson Marshall Thurber discusses his film, Skyscraper, with fellow director Joe Carnahan. The film tells the story of Will Sawyer, a U.S. war veteran who now assesses security for skyscrapers. When the tallest building in the world is set ablaze, Will finds himself framed for the crime of arson. Now he must use all his skills to both clear his name and rescue his family who are trapped inside the burning structure. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2018/Sept2018/Skyscraper_QnA_0718.aspx

Boundaries with Shana Feste and Jake Kasdan (Ep. 148) Aug 03, 2018

Director Shana Feste discusses her film, Boundaries, with fellow director Jake Kasdan. The film tells the story of Laura, a single mother who always puts the needs of others before her own. When her pot-dealing, carefree father Jack is kicked out of yet another nursing home, Laura agrees to drive him to Los Angeles to live with her sister Jojo. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2018/Aug2018/Boundaries_QnA_0618.aspx

Generation Wealth with Lauren Greenfield and Marina Zenovich (Ep. 147) Jul 27, 2018

Director Lauren Greenfield discusses her film, Generation Wealth, with fellow director Marina Zenovich. The film continues Ms. Greenfield's examination of wealth culture and the pathologies that have created the richest society the world has ever seen by examining materialism, celebrity culture, and social status.

En El Septimo Dia with Jim McKay and Rebecca Miller (Ep. 146) Jul 20, 2018

Director Jim McKay discusses his film with fellow director Rebecca Miller. The film examines the plight of undocumented immigrants by focusing in on a pivotal week in the life of Jose, a delivery man who works long hours six days a week trying to survive and make it in America.

Hal with Amy Scott and Chuck Workman (Ep. 145) Jun 29, 2018

Director Amy Scott discusses her film with fellow director Chuck Workman. Set against the backdrop of "New Hollywood" in the 1970s, the film celebrates the life and work of director Hal Ashby whose filmography includes Coming Home, Harold and Maude, Shampoo, and Being There. Ashby's obsessive genius but uncompromising nature became an archetypal story of art versus industry.

Super Troopers 2 with Jay Chandrasekhar and John Hamburg (Ep. 144) Jun 22, 2018

Director Jay Chandrasekhar discusses his film with fellow director John Hamburg. The long anticipated follow-up to the 2001 cult comedy Super Troopers continues the story of the wacky Vermont Highway Patrol officers who were fired for their shenanigans in the first film.

First Reformed with Paul Schrader and John Patrick Shanley (Ep. 143) Jun 15, 2018

Director Paul Schrader discusses his film with fellow director John Patrick Shanley. The film tells the story of Reverend Ernst Toller, a former military chaplain who is now the parish pastor of a small dutch reform church in upstate New York. Stuggling with the death of his son who he encouraged to enlist in the armed forces, he finds his faith further challenged after a pregnant parishoner asks him to counsel her husband, a radical environmentalist who doesn't want to bring a child into a world he believes is doomed.

Outside In with Lynn Shelton and Ava DuVernay (Ep. 142) Jun 08, 2018

Director Lynn Shelton discusses her film with fellow director Ava DuVernay. The film follows Chris, a 38-year-old ex-con who is finally granted parole after twenty years behind bars, largely due to the tireless advocacy and support of his high-school teacher, Carol. After the two are reunited, Carol begins to realize Chris' feelings for her have turned romantic, a situation complicated by the fact she is married with a teenage daughter, who has also befriended the awkward parolee.

A Quiet Place with John Krasinski and Doug Liman (Ep. 141) Jun 01, 2018

Director John Krasinski discusses his film with fellow director Doug Liman. Set in a very near future when most of Earth's population has been eradicated, the film follows a family survivors forced to live in silence as they hide from savage extraterrestrial creatures that hunt exclusively by sound.

Tully with Jason Reitman and Karyn Kusama (Ep. 140) May 24, 2018

Director Jason Reitman discusses his film with fellow director Karyn Kusama. The film stars Charlize Theron as a New York suburban mom whose life is slowly being drained away by the challenges of raising two kids and a newborn. When she is sent help in the form of a gifted night nanny named Tully, she is at first hesitant to accept the assistance but comes to form a unique bond with the thoughtful and surprising young woman.

An Evening with Director Randal Kleiser (Ep. 139) May 18, 2018

Director Randal Kleiser discusses his film Grease along with several others including The Blue Lagoon, White Fang, and Big Top Pee-Wee with moderator Jeremy Kagan. After a special 4k restoration screening of Grease at the DGA theater, Kleiser and speaks in-depth about the film and his career as a director.

All I Wish with Susan Walter and Maria Burton (Ep. 138) May 07, 2018

Director Susan Walter discusses her film with fellow director Maria Burton. The film tells the story of Senna, a clothing designer whose life seems to be spiraling out of control until she unexpectedly meets Adam, her perfect match, at her 46th birthday party. Expecting never to meet again, the two serendipitously reunite at her 47th birthday party and Senna's life begins to flourish.

The Miracle Season with Sean McNamara and Helen Hunt (Ep. 137) Apr 26, 2018

Director Sean McNamara discusses his film with fellow director Helen Hunt. Based on a true story, the film follows a high school volleyball team and their coach, who overcome their grief after the sudden death of their star player and band together in hopes of winning the state championship.

You Were Never Really Here with Lynne Ramsay and Maggie Greenwald (Ep. 136) Apr 13, 2018

Director Lynne Ramsay discusses her film with fellow director Maggie Greenwald. The film tells the story of a traumatized veteran who tracks down missing girls for a living. When he takes the case of finding the daughter of a rising politician who's running for the Senate, he uncovers a conspiracy that may lead to his awakening or his death.

Under Cover - An Evening with Directing Team from The Americans (Ep. 135) Apr 09, 2018

David McCoy Barrett moderates the Under Cover: An Evening with the Directing Team from The Americans featuring Actor/Directors Noah Emmerich, Director/Executive Producer Christopher Long, UPM/Executive Producer Mary Rae Thewlis, UPM/Co-Producer Tyson Bidner, and 1st AD Charlie Foster The discussion covers a variety of topics including working with "the J's" (aka Showrunners Joe Weisberg and Joel Fields), the challenges of budgeting a period spy series shooting New York for Washington D.C., and how Rhys and Emmerich made the transition from acting to directing.

Augie with James Keach and Lynne Littman (Ep. 134) Mar 23, 2018

Director James Keach discusses his film with fellow director Lynne Littman. The film tells the inspirational story of Augie Nieto, a fitness industry luminary, who is diagnosed with ALS in 2005. Today, he takes on ALS with his wife Lynne, leading the race to a cure in the fight to save his own life and the lives of millions.

Freak Show with Trudie Styler and Ira Sachs (Ep. 133) Mar 09, 2018

Director Trudie Styler discusses her debut film with fellow director Ira Sachs. The film tells the story of Billy Bloom, a confident and flamboyant teen newly relocated to an ultra-conservative high school in the deep South. After suffering persecution and bullying, he decides to wear his inner freak with pride and run for homecoming queen.

Meet the Nominees Movies for TV and Mini-Series Symposium 2018 (Ep. 132) Mar 02, 2018

Mike Robe moderates the Meet the Nominees: Movies for Television and Mini-Series Symposium featuring Kyra Segwick and Jean-Marc Vallee. Nominees Scott Frank, the director of Godless, Barry Levinson, the director of Wizard of Lies, and George C. Wolfe the director of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks were not available to participate. The discussion covers a variety of topics including Vallee's challenging 90-day schedule and Sedgwick's nuanced take of a small story.

Meet the Nominees Feature Film Symposium 2018 - Part 3 of 3 (Ep. 131) Feb 23, 2018

Jeremy Kagan moderates the 27th Annual DGA Meet the Nominees: Feature Film Symposium featuring Guillermo del Toro, Greta Gerwig, Martin McDonagh, Christopher Nolan, and Jordan Peele on their nominated films. Topics for part three include the nominees discussing how the nominees deal with unexpected and their best and worst days of directing.

Meet the Nominees Feature Film Symposium 2018 - Part 2 of 3 (Ep. 130) Feb 16, 2018

Jeremy Kagan moderates the 27th Annual DGA Meet the Nominees: Feature Film Symposium featuring Guillermo del Toro, Greta Gerwig, Martin McDonagh, Christopher Nolan, and Jordan Peele on their nominated films. Topics for part two include the nominees discussing casting and the rehearsal process.

Meet the Nominees Feature Film Symposium 2018 - Part 1 of 3 (Ep. 129) Feb 09, 2018

Jeremy Kagan moderates the 27th Annual DGA Meet the Nominees: Feature Film Symposium featuring Guillermo del Toro, Greta Gerwig, Martin McDonagh, Christopher Nolan, and Jordan Peele on their nominated films. Topics for part one include the nominees' thoughts on how writing and directing intersect and how each of them approached the opening scene of their films.

Hostiles with Scott Cooper and Peter Landesman (Ep. 128) Feb 01, 2018

Director Scott Cooper discusses his new film, Hostiles, with fellow Director Peter Landesman. Set in 1892, the film stars Christian Bale as a U.S. Cavalry officer who reluctantly agrees to escort a dying Cheyenne war chief and his family on a harrowing journey through dangerous Comanche territory to their tribal lands in Montana.

All the Money in the World with Ridley Scott and Michael Mann (Ep. 127) Jan 25, 2018

Director Ridley Scott discusses his new film, All the Money in the World, with fellow Director Michael Mann. The film tells the true story of the kidnapping of 16-year-old John Paul Getty III and the desperate attempt by his mother Gail Harris to convince his billionaire grandfather J. Paul Getty to pay the ransom.

LBJ with Rob Reiner and Thomas Schlamme (Ep. 126) Jan 11, 2018

Director Rob Reiner discusses his new film, LBJ, with DGA President Thomas Schlamme. The films charts the life of Lyndon B. Johnson from his young days in West Texas to becoming Senator John F. Kennedy's running mate after losing the 1960 Democratic presidential nomination. Sidelined after the election, the once powerful Senate Majority Leader finds himself and the world changed after Kennedy is assassinated and he is thrust into the presidency.

I, Tonya with Craig Gillespie and Tom McCarthy (Ep. 125) Jan 04, 2018

Director Craig Gillespie discusses his new film, I, Tonya, with fellow Director Tom McCarthy. Based on unbelievable, but true events, the film follows figure skater Tonya Harding as she goes from being the first American woman to complete a triple axel in competition to criminal suspect and pariah.

The Post with Steven Spielberg and Patty Jenkins (Ep. 124) Dec 28, 2017

Director Steven Spielberg discusses his new film, The Post, with fellow Director Patty Jenkins. The film tells the true story of Katherine Graham, the first female publisher of the Washington Post, and editor Ben Bradlee who risked their careers and their freedom when they decided to report on the classified Pentagon Papers, a collection of documents released by Daniel Ellsberg revealing government secrets that spanned three decades.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi with Rian Johnson and Spike Jonze (Ep. 123) Dec 19, 2017

Director Rian Johnson discusses his new film, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, with fellow Director Spike Jonze. As the eight installment of the blockbuster franchise, the film continues the events of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, as Rey develops her Force abilities with a reluctant Luke Skywalker while Finn, General Leia Organa and the resistance continue their battle against Kylo Ren and the First Order.

The Disaster Artist with James Franco and Paul Haggis (Ep. 122) Dec 18, 2017

Director James Franco discusses his new film, The Disaster Artist, with fellow Director Paul Haggis. The film dramatizes the making of writer/director Tommy Wiseau's The Room -- one of the most infamous films in Hollywood history that is often referred to as "the Citizen Kane of bad movies."

The Shape of Water with Guillermo del Toro and Baz Luhrmann (Ep. 121) Dec 14, 2017

Director Guillermo del Toro discusses his new film, The Shape of Water, with fellow Director Baz Luhrmann. Set against the backdrop of Cold War-era America, the film tells the story of Elisa, a mute, isolated woman who works as a janitor in a high-security government laboratory. When she discovers the lab's classified secret -- an intelligent scaled being from South America that lives in a water tank -- she develops a unique bond with it and learns that its fate lies in the hands of a marine biologist and hostile government agent.

Phantom Thread with Paul Thomas Anderson and Rian Johnson (Ep. 120) Dec 13, 2017

Director Paul Thomas Anderson discusses his new film, Phantom Thread, with fellow Director Rian Johnson. The film stars Daniel Day-Lewis as Reynolds Woodcock, a tailor whose distinctive style makes him the center of British fashion in 1950s post-war London . His status as a confirmed bachelor is upended when he meets Alma, a young, strong-willed woman who soon becomes a fixture in his life as his muse and lover.

Downsizing with Alexander Payne and Taylor Hackford (Ep. 119 ) Dec 12, 2017

Director Alexander Payne discusses his new film, Downsizing, with fellow Director Taylor Hackford. The film follows Paul and his wife Audrey, who make the life-altering decision to shrink themselves to five inches tall, using a newly-discovered process created as a solution to overpopulation. After Paul undergoes the procedure, he finds that there's more to existence when there's less of him.

Mayhem with Joe Lynch and Joe Carnahan (Ep. 118) Dec 11, 2017

Director Joe Lynch discusses his new film, Mayhem, with fellow Director Joe Carnahan. The film tells the story of Derek Cho, an attorney who is unjustly fired after being framed by a co-worker. But when a strange virus that makes people act out their worst impulses infects the law office, Derek is forced to fight for his job and his life.

Roman J. Israel, Esq. with Dan Gilroy and Jeremy Kagan (Ep. 117) Dec 05, 2017

Director Dan Gilroy discusses his new film, Roman J. Israel, Esq, with fellow Director Jeremy Kagan. Denzel Washington stars in this story about a driven attorney whose life is upended when he is recruited to join a firm by cutthroat lawyer George Pierce and begins a friendship with young equal rights champion Maya Alston. As a turbulent series of events ensues Israel's lifelong and career-defining activism is tested.

Mudbound with Dee Rees and Mira Nair (Ep. 116) Dec 01, 2017

Director Dee Rees discusses her new film, Mudbound, with fellow Director Mira Nair. The film tells an epic story of two families -- one black and one white -- who are forced to confront the realities of life in the American South. Though pitted against one another by a ruthless social hierarchy and bound together by the shared farmland of the Mississippi Delta, the families' lives are changed when sons from both families forge an uneasy friendship over their shared experience during World War II.

No Stone Unturned with Alex Gibney and Marc Levin (Ep. 115) Nov 30, 2017

Director Alex Gibney discusses his new film, No Stone Unturned, with fellow Director Marc Levin. The film reviews the events of the evening of June 18, 1994 when six men were gunned down and five others wounded in a pub in Northern Ireland that was frequented mainly by Catholics. The families of the victims were promised justice, but 20 years later they still don't know who killed their loved ones. The documentary reopens the mysterious unsolved case with its allegations of massive collusion between British security forces and Loyalist killers.

Darkest Hour with Joe Wright and Matt Reeves (Ep. 114) Nov 28, 2017

Director Joe Wright discusses his new film, Darkest Hour, with fellow Director Matt Reeves. Set during the early days of World War II, the film tells the story of how Winston Churchill wrestled with the decision of whether to negotiate with Adolf Hitler or continue to fight against incredible odds, with full knowledge that the fate of Western Europe would hang in the balance.

Wonder with Stephen Chbosky and Jason Reitman (Ep. 113) Nov 27, 2017

Director Stephen Chbosky discusses his new film, Wonder, with fellow Director Jason Reitman. Based on the New York Times bestselling novel, the film tells the inspiring story of August Pullman, a young boy born with facial differences who becomes the most unlikely of heroes when he enters the local fifth grade in his brave journey to just be treated as an ordinary kid.

Molly’s Game with Aaron Sorkin and John Gatins (Ep. 112) Nov 17, 2017

Director Aaron Sorkin discusses his new film, Molly's Game, with fellow Director John Gatins. The film tells the true story of Molly Bloom, an Olympic-class skier, who ran the world's most exclusive high-stakes poker game for a decade for such players as Hollywood royalty, sports stars, business titans, and finally, unbeknownst to her, the Russian mob.

Lady Bird with Greta Gerwig and Spike Jonze (Ep. 111) Nov 17, 2017

Director Greta Gerwig discusses her new film, Lady Bird, with fellow Director Spike Jonze. The film follows Christine "Lady Bird" McPherson and her relationship with her wildly loving, strong-willed mother, who works tirelessly to keep her family afloat after Lady Bird's father loses his job. The film looks at both the humor and pathos in the turbulent bond between mother and daughter.

Last Flag Flying with Richard Linklater and Andrew Davis (Ep. 110) Nov 16, 2017

Director Richard Linklater discusses his new film, Last Flag Flying, with fellow Director Andrew Davis. The film tells the story of former Navy Corps medic Richard "Doc" Shepherd, who enlists his war buddies from three decades ago to go on a road trip to bury his son. As they travel up the East Coast to Shepherd's home in New Hampshire, they try to come to terms with the shared memories of the war that continues to shape their lives.

Thank You for Your Service with Jason Hall and Bradley Cooper (Ep. 109) Nov 10, 2017

Director Jason Hall discusses his new film, Thank You for Your Service, with fellow Director Bradley Cooper. The film tells the story of four U.S. soldiers who try to cope with their return stateside after a tour in Iraq. As they struggle to readjust to civilian life, lingering memories and wounds sustained in the war threaten to destroy them long after they've left the battlefield.

The Man From Earth: Holocene with Richard Schenkman and Larry Brand (Ep. 108) Nov 10, 2017

Director The Man From Earth: Holocene discusses his new film, The Man From Earth: Holocene, with fellow Director Larry Brand. The sequel to his 2007 feature The Man From Earth, the film continues the story of John Oldman, a 14,000 year-old being comfortably hiding in plain sight as a college professor in northern California. When four students discover his secret, his existence comes crashing down, putting his life in grave danger and potentially shaking the foundations of humankind.

The Foreigner with Martin Campbell and Michael Apted (Ep. 106) Nov 09, 2017

Director Martin Campbell discusses his new film, The Foreigner, with fellow Director Michael Apted. The film stars Jackie Chan as a London businessman who embarks on a revenge-fueled vendetta after his teenage daughter is killed in a terrorist attack.

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri with Martin McDonagh and Niki Caro (Ep. 107) Nov 09, 2017

Director Martin McDonagh discusses his new film, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, with fellow Director Niki Caro. The film stars Frances McDormand as Mildred Hayes, a woman frustrated by the fact that months after her daughter's violent murder, no progress has been made in the case. Infuriated by the lackluster effort by the local police, she commissions three billboards leading into her town with messages aimed at Ebbing's revered chief of police thereby setting off a battle of wills with the police force and the local community.

So B. It with Stephen Gyllenhaal and Michael Apted (Ep. 105) Nov 08, 2017

Director Stephen Gyllenhaal discusses his new film, So B. It, with fellow Director Michael Apted. The film tells the story of Heidi, a precocious 12 year-old whose mother has only 22 words in her entire vocabulary. But when a new word pops out of her mother's mouth, Heidi is propelled on a solo journey to discover who she is and where she and her childlike mother came from.

Goodbye Christopher Robin with Simon Curtis and Bob Balaban (Ep. 104) Nov 03, 2017

Director Simon Curtis discusses his new film, Goodbye Christopher Robin, with fellow Director Bob Balaban. The film offers a glimpse into the relationship between children's author A.A. Milne and his son Christopher Robin, whose toys inspired the Winnie the Pooh stories. As the books became an international success in England after the First World War, Milne's family grapples with the cost of fame.

Marshall with Reginald Hudlin and Jeff Byrd (Ep. 103) Nov 02, 2017

Director Reginald Hudlin discusses his new film, Marshall, with fellow Director Jeff Byrd. The film tells the story of a young Thurgood Marshall as he faces one of his greatest challenges as a lawyer for the NAACP: defending a black chauffer accused of assault and attempted murder by a white socialite.

Wonderstruck with Todd Haynes and Dan Gilroy (Ep. 102) Nov 01, 2017

Director Todd Haynes discusses his new film, Wonderstruck, with fellow Director Dan Gilroy. The film tells the dual stories of Ben and Rose, two children living 50 years apart who both feel something missing from their lives. As each sets out on their separate quests, their stories unfold with mesmerizing symmetry.

The Meyerowitz Stories with Noah Baumbach and Brian De Palma (Ep. 101) Oct 31, 2017

Director Noah Baumbach discusses his new film, The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected), with fellow Director Brian de Palma. Starring Adam Sandler, Ben Stiller, and Elizabeth Marvel, the film tells the emotional tale of three adult siblings who converge in New York to attend an event dedicated to their strong-willed artist father. While there, they must deal with both his fading legacy and the long shadow he has cast over their lives.

Breathe with Andy Serkis and Matt Reeves (Ep. 100) Oct 26, 2017

Director Andy Serkis discusses his new film, Breathe, with fellow Director Matt Reeves. The film tells the inspiring true story of Robin and Diana Cavendish, who are determined to live their lives to the fullest after Robin is confined to a hospital bed by polio at the age of 28 and given only a few months to live.

Episode 99: Let It Fall: Los Angeles 1982-1992 with John Ridley and Sam Pollard Oct 24, 2017

Director John Ridley discusses his new film, Let it Fall: Los Angeles 1982-1992, with fellow Director Sam Pollard. In a reexamination of the 1992 Los Angeles riots, the film traces the roots of the uprising back to a decade before the first match was lit. Weaving in first-hand accounts from Los Angeles residents of all ethnic backgrounds and classes, the film covers the explosion of anger and the fear in the streets during the aftermath of the Rodney King verdict from the perspectives of the witnesses.

Episode 98: The Florida Project with Sean Baker and Paul Schrader Oct 19, 2017

Director Sean Baker discusses his new film, The Florida Project, with fellow Director Paul Schrader. Set in a downtrodden hotel complex on the outskirts of Disney World, the film tracks one summer in the life of the precocious six-year-old Moonee, who finds mischief and adventure with her playmates as they spend their days nearly unfettered by adult supervision.

Episode 97: Battle of the Sexes with Valerie Faris & Jonathan Dayton and Nicole Holofcener Oct 17, 2017

Director Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton discusses his new film, Battle of the Sexes, with fellow Director Nicole Holofcener. Set against the backdrop of the sexual revolution and the rise of the women's movement, the film tells the story of the historic 1973 tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs.

Episode 96: Brad’s Status with Mike White and Miguel Arteta Oct 13, 2017

Director Mike White discusses his new film, Brad's Status, with fellow Director Miguel Arteta. Starring Ben Stiller, the comedic drama tells the story of Brad, whose comfortable life in suburban California isn't quite what he imagined during his glory days in college.

Episode 95: Blade Runner 2049 with Denis Villeneuve and Rian Johnson Oct 12, 2017

Director Denis Villeneuve discusses his new film, Blade Runner 2049, with fellow Director Rian Johnson. Picking up thirty years after the events of Ridley Scott's classic Blade Runner, the film follows K, an LAPD officer, who discovers a long-buried secret that could plunge what is left of society into chaos.

Episode 94: First They Killed My Father with Angelina Jolie and Jeremy Kagan Oct 06, 2017

Director Angelina Jolie discusses her new film, First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers, with fellow Director Jeremy Kagan. Based on a memoir by human rights activist Loung Ung, the film recounts the Cambodian genocide of the 1970s through the eyes of a five-year-old girl as she embarks on a harrowing quest for survival during the Khmer Rouge's four-year reign terror.

Episode 93: Rebel In the Rye with Danny Strong and Richard Shepard Oct 05, 2017

Director Danny Strong discusses his new film, Rebel in the Rye, with fellow Director Richard Shepard. The film shines a light on the life of legendary author J.D. Salinger, detailing his relationship with socialite Oona O'Neill, his experiences in World War II, and the writing process for his best-known novel, The Catcher in the Rye.

Episode 92: The Heart of Nuba with Kenneth A. Carlson and Chuck Workman Sep 28, 2017

Director Kenneth A. Carlson discusses his new film, The Heart of Nuba, with fellow Director Chuck Workman. The film covers the work of Dr. Tom Catena, who treats as many as 400 patients a day at Mother of Mercy Hospital as the region is bombed relentlessly by war criminal Omar Al Bashir.

Episode 91: Shot with Jeremy Kagan and Mick Jackson Sep 21, 2017

Director Jeremy Kagan discusses his new film, Shot, with fellow Director Mick Jackson. The drama follows the immediate aftermath of a shooting as the victim, his wife and the emergency medical personnel fight for his life in the critical first hour. The film simultaneously shows the experiences of the teen shooter as he tries to avoid the consequences of his actions.

Episode 90: mother! with Darren Aronofsky and William Friedkin Sep 20, 2017

Director Darren Aronofsky discusses his new film, mother!, with fellow Director William Friedkin. The film tells the story of a young woman whose seemingly idyllic life is thrown into disarray when her husband invites strangers who claim to be fans of his work into their home. The film stars Jennifer Lawrence and Javier Bardem alongside Michelle Pfeiffer and Ed Harris.

Episode 89: Unlocked with Michael Apted and Martin Campbell Sep 14, 2017

Director Michael Apted discusses his new film, Unlocked, with fellow Director Martin Campbell. The film follows CIA agent Alice Racine, who is forced to live in London as a caseworker after failing to apprehend the terrorist behind an attack in Paris that claimed dozens of live. When she is unexpectedly called back into action by a mentor, she discovers an even greater threat in the form of a lethal biological attack.

Episode 88: Crown Heights with Matt Ruskin and Gavin O’Connor Sep 07, 2017

Director Matt Ruskin discusses his new film, Crown Heights, with fellow Director Gavin O'Connor. The film tells the true story of Colin Warner, a man wrongfully convicted of murder in 1980s Brooklyn. Convinced of his innocence, Colin's childhood friend, Carl King, spends the next two decades fighting for Colin's freedom and exposing the injustice of his incarceration.

Episode 87: Tower with Keith Maitland and Ondi Timoner Sep 01, 2017

Director Keith Maitland discusses his new film, Tower, with fellow Director Ondi Timoner. Told through archival footage combined with animation, the film recalls August 1st, 1966 when a gunman opened fire from the top floor of the iconic University of Texas tower.

Episode 86: To The Bone with Marti Noxon and Rick Rosenthal Aug 24, 2017

Director Marti Noxon discusses her new film, To The Bone, with fellow Director Rick Rosenthal. The drama tells the story of Ellen, a 20-year-old anorexic who has failed at various recovery programs in the past. Desperate for a solution, her family sends her to a group home led by a non-traditional doctor, whose rules force Ellen to truly confront her addiction in order to find a path to survival.

Episode 85: Landline with Gillian Robespierre and Marielle Heller Aug 17, 2017

Director Gillian Robespierre discusses her new film, Landline, with fellow Director Marielle Heller. The film tells the story of two sisters in 1990s New York City who suspect their father may be having an affair. They set out to discover the truth without tipping off their mother.

Episode 84: Detroit with Kathryn Bigelow and Paris Barclay Aug 10, 2017

Director Kathryn Bigelow discusses her new film, Detroit, with fellow Director Paris Barclay. The film recounts what happened when misconduct by those charged with upholding the law resulted in the beating of several innocent people and the deaths of three unarmed black men.

Episode 83: My Journey Through French Cinema with Bertrand Tavernier and Chuck Workman Aug 03, 2017

Director Bertrand Tavernier discusses his new film, My Journey Through French Cinema, with fellow Director Chuck Workman. The film follows Mr. Tavernier's half-century-long love affair with film that began when he was just a boy. Supported by his formidable knowledge on the subject, he details both the giants of his native cinema as well as some frequently overlooked contributors in a film of both personal and historical observations.

Episode 82: War for the Planet of the Apes with Matt Reeves and Drew Goddard Jul 27, 2017

Director Matt Reeves discusses his new film, War for the Planet of the Apes, with fellow Director Drew Goddard. The third installment in the Planet of the Apes franchise reboot finds Caesar leading a colony of apes who are forced into a struggle with an army of humans who want to destroy them.

Episode 81: Baby Driver with Edgar Wright and Christopher Nolan Jul 20, 2017

Director Edgar Wright discusses his new film, Baby Driver, with fellow Director Christopher Nolan. The film tells the story of a young getaway driver named Baby who meets the girl of his dream. Hoping to leave his criminal life behind, he is coerced into one last getaway job. But when things go awry, all of his skills will be put to the test if he has any hope of survival.

Episode 80: All Eyez On Me with Benny Boom and Jeff Byrd Jul 13, 2017

Director Benny Boom discusses his new film, All Eyez on Me, with fellow Director Jeff Byrd. The film tells the story of Tupac Shakur, the prolific rapper, actor, poet and activist. The feature film charts his meteoric rise and ultimate transformation into a cultural icon before his untimely death at the age of 25.

Episode 79: The King’s Choice with Erik Poppe and Victoria Hochberg Jun 29, 2017

Director Erik Poppe discusses his new film, The King's Choice, with fellow Director Victoria Hochberg. The film tells the story of King Haakon VII during three days in 1940 when he faced a moral decision about whether or not to cooperate with the invading German Army. Although outnumbered and facing almost certain defeat, Norwegians, following their King's choice, broke all rules of international diplomacy and warfare. This screening was a part of the DGA's Global Cinema Series. Erik Poppe's previous film Hawaii, Oslo, was the inaugural film of this series when it started in 2004.

Episode 78: Wakefield with Robin Swicord and Lesli Linka Glatter Jun 23, 2017

Director Robin Swicord discusses her new film Wakefield with fellow Director Lesli Linka Glatter. Wakefield was adapted from an E.L. Doctorow short story about a suburban lawyer with a loving wife and family. Though outwardly successful and happy, his inner feelings of suffocation lead Howard to snap and disappear without a trace. Hiding in his own garage attic, he survives by scavenging at night and spends his time secretly observing the lives of his wife, children and neighbors.

Episode 77: Wonder Woman with Patty Jenkins and Richard Donner Jun 16, 2017

Director Patty Jenkins discusses her new film Wonder Woman with fellow Director Richard Donner. The film tells the story of Diana, princess of the Amazons, who travels on an adventure after an American pilot suddenly crashes on the shore of her island and tells of a war to end all wars raging in Europe. Convinced she can stop the threat, she leaves home to fulfill her destiny.

Episode 76: City of Ghosts with Matthew Heineman and Chuck Workman Jun 08, 2017

Director Matthew Heineman discusses his new film City of Ghosts with fellow Director Chuck Workman. The film tells the story of the Syrian citizen journalist collective, Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently, who banded together to reveal the truth about the ISIS occupation of the city of Raqqa.

Episode 75: The Drowning with Bette Gordon and Maggie Greenwald Jun 01, 2017

Director Bette Gordon discusses her new film The Drowning with fellow Director Maggie Greenwald. The film follows child psychologist Tom Seymour who spots a young man trying to commit suicide by jumping off a pier. After rescuing him from the water, Tom realizes he and the young man have met before and their present situation is no mere coincidence.

Episode 74: Aftermath with Elliott Lester and Gregory Plotkin May 25, 2017

Director Elliott Lester discusses his new film, Aftermath, with fellow Director Gregory Plotkin. Inspired by actual events, the film tells a story of guilt and revenge when a devastating plane crash causes two men's lives to be inseparably bound together.

Episode 73: Salt and Fire with Werner Herzog and Kevin Smith May 18, 2017

Director Werner Herzog discusses his film, Salt and Fire, and prolific career with fellow director Kevin Smith. The film follows a scientific delegation who, after being tasked by the U.N. with investigating an ecogical disaster in South America, is kidnapped by the CEO of the Corporation responsible for the problem.

Episode 72: The Promise with Terry George and Tony Gilroy May 11, 2017

Director Terry George discusses his new film The Promise with fellow Director Tony Gilroy. The film tells the story of a love triangle between Mikael, a brilliant medical student, Ana, a dance instructor, and Chris, an American photojournalist during the waning days of the Ottoman Empire and during the Armenian genocide.

Episode 71: The Lost City of Z with James Gray and Matt Reeves May 04, 2017

Director James Gray discusses his new film, The Lost City of Z, with fellow director Matt Reeves. The film tells the incredible true story of Col. Percival Fawcett, a British explorer who discovers evidence of an advanced civilization deep in the Amazonian jungle in the early 20th century. Though ridiculed by his peers, Fawcett and his followers return to the jungle in an attempt to prove his case.

Episode 70: The Discovery with Charlie McDowell and Zal Batmanglij Apr 13, 2017

Director Charlie McDowell discusses his new film, The Discovery, with fellow director Zal Batmanglij. The film examines the near future where a doctor discovers scientific evidence of an afterlife, an announcement that causes people to commit suicide in droves. While people search for meaning in the life they inhabit, the doctor's son falls for a troubled woman.

Episode 69: The Zookeeper’s Wife with Niki Caro and Lesli Linka Glatter Apr 06, 2017

Director Niki Caro discusses her film The Zookeeper's Wife with fellow director Lesli Linka Glatter. The film stars Jessica Chastain as Antonina Zabinska, who runs the Warsaw Zoo alongside her husband Jan in 1939. When their peaceful lives are threatened after their zoo is razed during the German occupation of Poland, the Zabinskis find themselves creating elaborate plans to save hundreds of Jews from the Warsaw Ghetto.

Episode 68: Fist Fight with Richie Keen and Seth Gordon Mar 23, 2017

Director Richie Keen discusses his film Fist Fight with fellow director Seth Gordon. The film follows Andy (by Charlie Day), a high school teacher who is challenged to a fight by another high school teacher Ron (played by Ice Cube) after Andy inadvertently gets Ron fired.

Episode 67: Logan with James Mangold and Gavin O’Connor Mar 16, 2017

Director James Mangold discusses his new film, Logan, with Director Gavin O'Connor. The film tells the story of Logan as he cares for his ailing friend, Professor X. They are approached by a young mutant who is being pursued by a villain connected to Logan's past and must rise again to protect an innocent.

Episode 66: Meet the Nominees Documentary Symposium Mar 09, 2017

James Moll moderates the Meet the Nominees: Documentary Symposium featuring Otto Bell, Ezra Edelman, Josh Kriegman, and Roger Ross Williams on their nominated films. Nominees Raoul Peck, the director of I Am Not Your Negro and Elyse Steinberg, the co-director of Weiner were not available to participate. The discussion covers a variety of topics including editing and interacting with the subjects of their films.

Episode 65: Meet the Nominees Feature Film Symposium: Part 3 of 3 Mar 02, 2017

Jeremy Kagan moderates the 26th Annual DGA Meet the Nominees: Feature Film Symposium featuring Damien Chazelle, Garth Davis, Barry Jenkins, Kenneth Lonergan, and Denis Villeneuve on their nominated films. Topics for part three include the nominees' approach to pivotal scenes within each film and how they deal with the pressures of directing.

Episode 64: Meet the Nominees Feature Film Symposium: Part 2 of 3 Feb 23, 2017

Jeremy Kagan moderates the 26th Annual DGA Meet the Nominees: Feature Film Symposium featuring Damien Chazelle, Garth Davis, Barry Jenkins, Kenneth Lonergan, and Denis Villeneuve on their nominated films. Topics for part two include how the nominees' approach casting and found the right actor for each films' pivotal roles.

Episode 63: Meet the Nominees Feature Film Symposium: Part 1 of 3 Feb 16, 2017

Jeremy Kagan moderates the 26th Annual DGA Meet the Nominees: Feature Film Symposium featuring Damien Chazelle, Garth Davis, Barry Jenkins, Kenneth Lonergan, and Denis Villeneuve on their nominated films. Topics for part one include the nominees' thoughts on the challenging stage of editing and how each of their films portray time.

Episode 62: The Salesman with Asghar Farhadi and Victoria Hochberg Jan 31, 2017

Director Asghar Farhadi discusses his new film, The Salesman, with fellow director Victoria Hochberg. The film follows a young couple as they rent a new apartment from a fellow performer in a local production of Death of a Salesman, unaware that the previous tenant allegedly pursued a career in prostitution. The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language film of 2017.

Episode 61: 20th Century Women with Mike Mills and Marc Webb Jan 26, 2017

Director Mike Mills discusses his new film, 20th Century Women, with Marc Webb. Loosely based on his own childhood, the film follows Dorothea, a single mother raising her adolescent son in Santa Barbara, CA during the cultural revolution of late 1970s. To help steer him through the chaos, Dorothea calls on the help of a punk photographer, a mellow handyman, and her son's best friend to serve as role models.

Episode 60: Patriots Day with Peter Berg and Ed Zwick Jan 19, 2017

Director Peter Berg discusses his new film, Patriots Day, with Edward Zwick. The film tells the story of the Boston Marathon bombings of April 15, 2013. The film weaves together the stories of the heroic first responders and investigators who raced against the clock to hunt down the bombers before they could strike again.

Episode 59: The Founder with John Lee Hancock and Jonathan Mostow Jan 17, 2017

Director John Lee Hancock discusses his new film, The Founder, with Jonathan Mostow. The film tells the story of Ray Kroc, a floundering Illinois salesman, who connects with Mac and Dick McDonald, two brothers running a burger operation in southern California in the 1950s. When Kroc realizes the franchise possibilities, he maneuvers himself into a position to buy them out and create a fast-food empire which would eventually become McDonald's.

Episode 58: Lion with Garth Davis and James Ponsoldt Jan 13, 2017

Director Garth Davis discusses his new film, Lion, with James Ponsoldt. Based on the nonfiction book A Long Way Home, Lion tells the incredible story of Saroo Brierly, a five-year-old boy who gets lost on a train hundreds of miles away from his family. After surviving on the streets of Calcutta, he is eventually adopted by an Australian couple. Twenty-five years later, Saroo uses Google Earth to reunite with his family in India. Mr. Davis was nominated for the DGA Awards for Outstanding Directorial Achievement for Feature Film, as well as, Outstanding Directorial Achievement of a First-Time Feature Film Director for directing this film.

Episode 57: Hidden Figures with Theodore Melfi and John Patrick Shanley Jan 10, 2017

Director Theodore Melfi discusses his new film, Hidden Figures, with John Patrick Shanley. Based on the nonfiction book of the same name, the film tells the story of Katharine Johnson, Mary Jackson, and Dorothy Vaughan, three African-American female mathematicians who were the brains behind the launch that sent astronaut John Glenn into orbit around the Earth and safely back home.

Episode 56: Silence with Martin Scorsese and Alexander Payne Jan 05, 2017

Director Martin Scorsese discusses his new film, Silence, with Alexander Payne. Based on a novel by Shusaku Endo, the film follows two Jesuit missionaries who travel to Japan, where Christianity is outlawed, in search of their missing mentor.

Episode 55: The Comedian with Taylor Hackford and David O. Russell Jan 03, 2017

Director Taylor Hackford discusses his new film, The Comedian, with fellow director David O. Russell. The film stars Robert De Niro as Jackie Burke, a comedian on the downside of his career whose efforts at reinvention are stymied because his fans only want to see him as the television character he once played. After an incident with an audience members gets him sentenced to community service, he finds inspiration in the daughter of a sleazy Florida real estate mogul.

Episode 54: La La Land with Damien Chazelle and Jon Favreau Dec 30, 2016

Director Damien Chazelle discusses his new film, La La Land, with fellow director Jon Favreau. Set in modern-day Los Angeles, the film tells the story of an aspiring actress and a jazz musician who embark on a whirlwind romance as they struggle to make ends meet and find success in a city known for crushing hopes and breaking hearts. Mr. Chazelle was nominated for the DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Feature Film in 2016 for directing this film.

Episode 53: Gold with Stephen Gaghan and Sam Esmail Dec 28, 2016

Director Stephen Gaghan discusses his new film, Gold, with fellow director Sam Esmail. Based on true events, the film tells the story of a businessman who teams up with a geologist to search for gold deep in the uncharted jungles of Indonesia. After making the find of the century, their operation draws the unwanted attention of both the FBI and the Indonesian military.

Episode 52: Rogue One - A Star Wars Story With Gareth Edwards And Chris Miller Dec 23, 2016

Director Gareth Edwards discusses his new film and the latest installment in the Star Wars saga, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. The film takes place just before the first Star Wars film (Episode IV: A New Hope), and tells the story of a small group of rebel soldiers and their desperate gambit to capture the plans for the under-construction Death Star.

Episode 51: Julieta with Pedro Almodovar and Jonathan Demme Dec 22, 2016

Famed Spanish Director Pedro Almodóvar discusses his newest film, Julieta. The film tells the story of a middle-aged woman who tries to reconnect with her estranged daughter who deserted her 12 years earlier after the death of their respective husband and father. Almodóvar’s 20th feature explores the complexity of fate, guilt, the mystery that leads us to erase people we love from our lives as if they had never existed, and a mother’s struggle to survive uncertainty. The director speaks in English and Spanish, with a translator.

Episode 50: Rules Don’t Apply with Warren Beatty and Robert Benjamin Dec 20, 2016

Director Warren Beatty discusses his new film, Rules Don't Apply, with Robert Benjamin. Set during the Golden Age of Hollywood, the film tells the story a young, aspiring actress under contract by Howard Hughes who develops an attraction for her driver. Their mutual attraction violates Hughes' rule that no employee may have a relationship with a contract actress.

Episode 49: Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk with Ang Lee and Robert Weide Dec 15, 2016

Director Ang Lee discusses his new film, Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk, with Robert Weide. The film tells the story of Billy Lynn, a 19-year-old Army Private who is hailed as a hero in the US after a battle in Iraq. Brought home for a victory tour culminating in a spectacular halftime show at the Thanksgiving Day football game, Lynn experiences a series of flashbacks that reveal what really happened to his squad.

Episode 48: Nocturnal Animals with Tom Ford and Lee Daniels Dec 14, 2016

Director Tom Ford discusses his new film, Nocturnal Animals, with Lee Daniels. A Los Angeles art dealer whose seemingly idyllic life is disturbed by the arrival of a manuscript written and dedicated to her by her ex-husband. As Susan reads and is drawn deeper into the story, its themes force her to examine her past and confront disturbing truths about her present.

Episode 47: Miss Sloane with John Madden and Jeremy Kagan Dec 13, 2016

Director John Madden discusses his new film, Miss Sloane, with Jeremy Kagan. Elizabeth Sloane, a brilliant and ruthless lobbyist, is put to the test when she comes against one of the most influential powers in Washington D.C.

Episode 46: Fences with Denzel Washington and Bennett Miller Dec 08, 2016

Director Denzel Washington discusses his new film, Fences, with Bennett Miller. Set in the 1950s, Fences follows the story of a former baseball player who struggles to come to grips with his current situation and hold his family together when events threaten to tear it apart.

Episode 45: Bleed for This with Ben Younger and Tod WiIlliams Dec 06, 2016

Director Ben Younger discusses his new film, Bleed for This, with Tod Williams. Based on a true story, the film stars Miles Teller as Vinny Pazienza, a junior champion boxer forced to relinquish his title after breaking his neck in a serious accident. Determined to regain his crown, he and his trainer defied medical orders to make a return to the sport he loved.

Episode 44: Loving with Jeff Nichols and James Gray Dec 01, 2016

Director Jeff Nichols discusses his new film, Loving, with James Gray. The film tells the true story of Richard and Mildred Loving, an interracial couple who marry in Washington, D.C. in the late 1950s. When they are arrested and imprisoned in their hometown in Virginia, where their marriage was illegal at the time, they pursue a civil rights case, Loving v. Virginia, which is ultimately decided by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Episode 43: Neruda with Pablo Larraín and Victoria Hochberg Nov 29, 2016

Director Pablo Larraín discusses his new film, Neruda, with Victoria Hochberg. The film tells the story of the 1948 manhunt for the poet and politician Pablo Neruda, who is forced underground and into a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse with an ambitious police inspector when Communism is outlawed in Chile. The film is Chile's official submission for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

Episode 42: Manchester by the Sea with Kenneth Lonergan and Bob Balaban Nov 22, 2016

Director Kenneth Lonergan discusses his new film, Manchester by the Sea, with Bob Balaban. The film tells the story of a Boston janitor who becomes the sole guardian of his 16-year-old nephew after the sudden death of his brother. He reluctantly returns to his hometown and attempts to deal with the life and family he had left behind. Mr. Lonergan was nominated for the DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Feature Film for 2016 for directing this film.

Episode 41: Miss Sharon Jones! with Barbara Kopple and Shari Springer Berman Nov 22, 2016

Director Barbara Kopple discusses her new film, Miss Sharon Jones!, with Shari Springer Berman. The film follows the R&B and soul singer Sharon Jones during the most challenging year of her life when she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer just before the release of her album, Give the People What They Want.

Episode 40: Hacksaw Ridge with Mel Gibson and John Polson Nov 17, 2016

Director Mel Gibson discusses his new film, Hacksaw Ridge, with John Polson. The film follows the remarkable story of Desmond T. Doss, a World War II army medic, who saved 75 soldiers from the front lines of Battle of Okinawa without ever firing a single shot.

Episode 39: American Pastoral with Ewan McGregor and Mike Mills Nov 15, 2016

Director Ewan McGregor discusses his new film, American Pastoral, with Mike Mills. Based on the 1997 novel by Phillip Roth, the film centers on Seymour "Swede" Levov, a successful businessman who lives an idyllic life with his wife and daughter. When a stunning act of violence is blamed on Swede's missing daughter, he must confront the consequences of her political activism as he searches for her.

Episode 38: The Birth of A Nation with Nate Parker and Jeffrey Byrd Nov 10, 2016

Director Nate Parker discusses his new film, The Birth of a Nation, with Jeffrey Byrd. The film tells the true story of Nat Turner: a literate slave living on a Virginia plantation in the early 1800s who is forced to preach obedience to other slaves. When Turner witnesses atrocities committed against other slaves, he orchestrates an uprising in the hopes of leading his people to freedom. Mr. Parker was nominated for the DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement of a First-Time Feature Film Director for 2016 for directing this film.

Episode 37: Command and Control with Robert Kenner and Chuck Workman Nov 08, 2016

Director Robert Kenner discusses his new film, Command and Control, with Chuck Workman. The film chronicles the nine-hour ordeal that occurred at an Arkansas missile complex in September 1980. After a worker drops a socket and accidentally punctures the fuel tank of an intercontinental ballistic missile, drastic measures must be taken to avoid a deadly nuclear explosion.

Episode 36: Denial with Mick Jackson and Jeremy Kagan Nov 03, 2016

Director Mick Jackson discusses his new film, Denial, with Jeremy Kagan. Based on the book History on Trial: My Day in Court with a Holocaust Denier, the film follows Deborah Lipstadt's court battle against David Irving, who sues her for libel when she declared him a Holocaust denier.

Episode 35: Solitary with Kristi Jacobson and Nanette Burstein Oct 27, 2016

Director Kristi Jacobson discusses her new documentary, Solitary, with Nanette Burstein. With unprecedented access, the film takes a disturbing look at one of the most controversial aspects of America’s modern prison-industrial-complex: solitary confinement.

Episode 34 Silver Skies with Rosemary Rodriguez and Arthur Seidelman Oct 20, 2016

Director Rosemary Rodriguez discusses her new film, Silver Skies, with director Arthur Allan Seidelman. The film follows a group of eccentric retirees who find their lives turned upside down when they learn that their beloved apartment complex is being converted to condominiums.

Episode 33: Norman Lear: Just Another Version Of You with Heidi Ewing, Norman Lear, & Chuck Workman Oct 13, 2016

Director Heidi Ewing discusses her new film with Rachel Grady, Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You, with Director Chuck Workman and its subject Norman Lear. The documentary paints a dynamic portrait of the influential creator, writer, and producer, exploring his work and achievements through shows such as All in the Family, Maude, Good Times, The Jeffersons.

Episode 32: Deepwater Horizon with Peter Berg and Nick Cassevettes Oct 06, 2016

Director Peter Berg discusses his new film, Deepwater Horizon, with Director Nick Cassevetes. The film follows the true events around the explosion of the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig on April 20, 2010.

Episode 31: Queen Of Katwe with Mira Nair and Ava DuVernay Sep 22, 2016

Director Mira Nair discusses her new film, Queen of Katwe, with Director Ava DuVernay. The film tells the true story of Phiona Mutesi, a young woman who overcomes her impoverished circumstance to become an international chess champion.

Episode 30: Star Trek Beyond with Justin Lin and Joe Russo Aug 04, 2016

Director Justin Lin discusses his new film, Star Trek Beyond, with Director Joe Russo. The film finds the crew of the Starship Enterprise crash-landed on an unknown planet with a formidable foe seeking to destroy them and much more.

Episode 29: Life, Animated with Roger Ross Williams and Robert Weide Jul 07, 2016

Director Roger Ross Williams discusses his new film, Life, Animated, with Director Robert Weide. The film follows the coming of age story of Owen Suskind, who was unable to speak for years as a child. Owen and his family eventually discovered a way to communicate using the classic Disney animated movies Owen loved to watch.

Episode 28: All Things Must Pass with Colin Hanks and Jeremy Kagan Jun 24, 2016

Director Colin Hanks discusses his new film, All Things Must Pass, with Director Jeremy Kagan. The film charts the rise and fall of Tower Records, founded by Russ Solomon. From humble beginnings, Tower Records grew to become one of the music industry's most iconic retail stores.

Episode 27: The Craft Of Director with David O. Russell Jun 16, 2016

Director David O. Russell engages in an in-depth discussion with Jeremy Kagan about his filmography, including Three Kings, Silver Linings Playbook, and American Hustle. Topics include thinking of a film's structure in terms of "waves" (10:00), auditioning Christian Bale for the role played by Spike Jonze in Three Kings (18:00), beginning every day on a shoot with a team "huddle" (35:00), and rehearsing a fight scene from The Fighter with Amy Adams at a Whole Foods at 10 o'clock at night (53:00).

Episode 26: Maggie’s Plan with Rebecca Miller and Robert Benton Jun 02, 2016

Director Rebecca Miller discusses her new film, Maggie's Plan, with Director Robert Benton. The film follows the story of a young woman, whose plan to raise her child as a single mother gets derailed when she falls for a married anthropologist. Though after she marries him, she eventually falls out of love and decides to reunite him with his former wife.

Episode 25: Last Days In The Desert with Rodrigo García and Scott Derrickson May 26, 2016

Director Rodrigo García discusses his new film, Last Days in the Desert, with Director Scott Derrickson. The film tells the story of Jesus' struggle against the Devil over the fate of a family in crisis.

Episode 24: Mother’s Day with Garry Marshall and Robert B. Weide May 19, 2016

Director Garry Marshall discusses his new film, Mother's Day, with Director Robert B. Weide. The film features a star-studded ensemble in a set of intertwining stories about motherhood.

Episode 23: Money Monster with Jodie Foster and Michael Apted May 12, 2016

Director Jodie Foster discusses her new film, Money Monster, with Director Michael Apted. The film follows the explosive situation that develops when an irate investor hijacks the live studio broadcast of a Wall Street Guru's television show after losing everything on a stock tip.

Episode 22: Visual History Interview with James Burrows conducted by Michael Lembeck May 05, 2016

Director and Sitcom Legend James Burrows discusses his life and career in highlights pulled from his DGA Visual History interview. Topics include growing up as the son of Broadway writer/director Abe Burrows (Guys & Dolls), training on The Bob Newhart Show and The Mary Tyler Moore Show (10:00), his role as the Director on pilot episodes including Will & Grace (19:00), the development and casting of Cheers (24:00), and how he works with actors through the week of making a new episode of a show (39:00).

Episode 21: Elvis & Nixon with Liza Johnson and Bette Gordon Apr 28, 2016

Director Liza Johnson discusses her new film, Elvis & Nixon, with Director Bette Gordon. The film gives a fictionalized account of what might have happened in an unusual meeting between Elvis Presley and President Richard Nixon in the White House, forever immortalized in an iconic photograph in the National Archives.

Episode 20: The Jungle Book with Jon Favreau and Donald Petrie Apr 21, 2016

Director Jon Favreau discusses his new film, The Jungle Book, with Director Donald Petrie. The film retells the classic Rudyard Kipling tale about a boy named Mowgli, who is raised by wolves in an Indian jungle.

Episode 19: I Saw The Light with Marc Abraham And Peyton Reed Apr 14, 2016

Director Marc Abraham discusses his new film, I Saw the Light, with Director Peyton Reed. The film tells the story of legendary country-western singer and songwriter Hank Williams, played by Tom Hiddleston. Despite Williams' singular talent, fame and addiction have a tragic effect on his life and personal relationships.

Episode 18: The Invitation with Karyn Kusama and Gil Kenan Apr 07, 2016

Director Karyn Kusama discusses her new film, The Invitation, with Director Gil Kenan. The film tells the story of an estranged couple who reunite at a dinner party following the death of their son. As the party continues, it becomes clear that something mysterious and terrifying may be going on.

Episode 17: Visual History With Miloš Forman conducted by Daniel Algrant Mar 31, 2016

Director Miloš Forman discusses his life and early career in highlights pulled from his Visual History interview. Topics include his early life and attending film school in Prague (6:00), the Soviet government's banning of his satire The Fireman's Ball (12:00), the DGA's role in his avoiding deportation back to the Eastern block (18:00), the "hooks" in many of his films that inspired his directorial approach (23:00), the importance of casting in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (26:00), and creating the musical sequences in Amadeus (41:00).

Episode 16: Midnight Special with Jeff Nichols And Jonathan Levine Mar 24, 2016

Director Jeff Nichols discusses his new film, Midnight Special, with Director Jonathan Levine. The film tells the story of a father and his young son who are forced to go on the run after the world learns that the boy possesses mysterious powers.

Episode 15: Mustang with Deniz Gamze Ergüven And John Krokidas Mar 10, 2016

Director Deniz Gamze Ergüven discusses her new film, Mustang, with Director John Krokidas. The film follows five teenaged Turkish sisters whose lives are changed after an afternoon of innocent beach play with some male classmates is reported as illicit by a neighbor.

Episode 14: The Danish Girl with Tom Hooper and Michael Apted Mar 03, 2016

Director Tom Hooper discusses his latest film, The Danish Girl, with Director Michael Apted. The film follows Lili Elbe and her journey as a transgender pioneer during the early 20th century.

Episode 13: DGA Meet the Nominees 2016 Feature Film Symposium Part 3 of 3 Feb 25, 2016

Jeremy Kagan moderates the 25th Annual DGA Meet the Nominees: Feature Film Symposium featuring Alejandro G. Iñárritu, Tom McCarthy, Adam McKay, George Miller, and Ridley Scott on their nominated films. Topics for part three include how the nominees staged particularly complicated scenes and discoveries they made during the editorial process.

Episode 12: DGA Meet the Nominees 2016 Feature Film Symposium Part 2 of 3 Feb 18, 2016

Jeremy Kagan moderates the 25th Annual DGA Meet the Nominees: Feature Film Symposium featuring Alejandro G. Iñárritu, Tom McCarthy, Adam McKay, George Miller, and Ridley Scott on their nominated films. Topics for part two include how the nominees solved unexpected problems and were willing to explore "happy accidents" that occurred during filming.

Episode 11: DGA Meet the Nominees Feature Film Symposium: Part 1 of 3 Feb 12, 2016

Jeremy Kagan moderates the 25th Annual DGA Meet the Nominees: Feature Film Symposium featuring Alejandro G. Iñárritu , Tom McCarthy, Adam McKay, George Miller, and Ridley Scott on their nominated films. Topics for part one include advice that the nominees took to heart in their careers and anecdotes about the casting process.

Episode 10: Concussion with Peter Landesman and Boaz Yakin Feb 04, 2016

Director Peter Landesman speaks about his latest film, Concussion, with Director Boaz Yakin. The film follows forensic pathologist Dr. Bennett Omalu who discovers a football-related brain trauma called CTE and his efforts to fight for the truth to be known despite the influence of the NFL.

Episode 9: Carol with Todd Haynes and Kelly Reichardt Jan 28, 2016

Director Todd Haynes discusses his latest film, Carol, about two women from different worlds who find themselves in the midst of a love affair, with Director Kelly Reichardt.

Episode 8: Spotlight with Tom McCarthy and Jonathan Levine Jan 21, 2016

Director Tom McCarthy discusses his latest film, Spotlight, about the team of investigators from the Boston Globe who uncovered a decades-long cover up of child molestation within the Boston Catholic Archdiocese, with fellow director Jonathan Levine.

Episode 7: The Big Short With Adam McKay and Paul Thomas Anderson Jan 15, 2016

Director Adam McKay discusses his newest film, The Big Short about the 2008 financial collapse, based on the book by Michael Lewis, with fellow director Paul Thomas Anderson.

Episode 6: The Revenant with Alejandro G. Iñárritu and Darren Aronofsky Jan 08, 2016

Fresh off the huge success of last year's Birdman, Director Alejandro Iñárritu discusses making The Revenant, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, a vivid tale of survival set on the American frontier in the 19th century, with another visionary director, Darren Aronofsky.

Episode 5: Star Wars: The Force Awakens with J.J. Abrams and Lawrence Kasdan Jan 01, 2016

Director J.J. Abrams discusses the unique opportunity to re-boot the iconic Star Wars saga with co-writer and fellow director Lawrence Kasdan.

Episode 4: The Hateful Eight with Quentin Tarantino and Christopher Nolan Dec 25, 2015

Two of Hollywood's top directors and film preservation advocates, Christopher Nolan and Quentin Tarantino, discuss Tarantino's latest film The Hateful Eight, including why he shot on Ultra Panavision 70mm film, and creating a film score with legendary film composer, Ennio Morricone.

Episode 3: By The Sea with Angelina Jolie Pitt and Marc Levin Dec 18, 2015

Angelina Jolie Pitt talks about her most recent film By the Sea, with director Marc Levin, covering topics like the challenges of writing, directing, as well as acting in a lead role in the film.

Episode 2: Crimson Peak with Guillermo del Toro and Alejandro Iñárritu Dec 11, 2015

For our special bonus episode to celebrate the launch of The Director's Cut, longtime friends and fellow Mexican-born directors Guillermo del Toro and Aléjandro G. Iñárritu discuss, "Crimson Peak," Mr. del Toro's latest visual masterpiece and genre mash-up of horror and gothic romance.

GuillermoDelToro CrimsonPeak MasterOfHorror scary Beautiful DGA Inarritu AlejandroGInnaritu movies

Episode 1: Bridge Of Spies with Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorsese Dec 11, 2015

In our premiere episode, master filmmakers Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorsese engage in a lively discussion of Mr. Spielberg's newest film, "Bridge of Spies". They talk about their shared memories of the Red Scare in the 1950s and '60s, their philosophies on visually interpreting a story, and where to get the best tacos when shooting in Queens.

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