Podcast · Film & TV

The Director’s Cut - A DGA Podcast

by Directors Guild of America · English · Film & TV

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

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 33 min
Latest: 9 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

9 Oct 2026 · 26 min

Misty Green with Chris Rock and Spike Lee (Ep. 624)

Director Chris Rock discusses his new film, Misty Green, with fellow Director Spike Lee in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, he discusses how lead Actor Rosalind Eleazar was selected for the part, finding which scenes worked and what didn’t through his rehearsal process, and approaching the edit of the film like he would a standup special. The film tells the story of Misty, a talented actress years after her Hollywood breakthrough. Finding her career stalled, she fights for a second chance at returning to the spotlight. See photos and a summary of this event below:…

Play episodeWhatsApp Download

Earlier episodes 29 most recent

S1 · E623 · 7 Oct 2026 · 33 min
The Brittney Griner Story with Alex Stapleton and Laura Belsey (Ep. 623)
Director Alex Stapleton discusses her new film, The Brittney Griner Story, with fellow Director Laura Belsey in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, she discusses her process of shooting master interviews first to find a foundation for her story, interviewing former President Joe Biden, and how she obtained footage of Russian prisons. Screened as part of the DGA’s Documentary Series, the film follows WNBA star Brittney Griner, who, while playing abroad in Russia, was seized and placed into detention. Fighting for freedom, she is finally released and makes it her mission…
S1 · E622 · 30 Sep 2026 · 32 min
The Brink of War with Michael Russell Gunn and Rawson Marshall Thurber (Ep. 622)
Director Michael Russell Gunn discusses his new film, The Brink of War, with fellow Director Rawson Marshall Thurber in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses using transcripts from the real event as reference for the film, utilizing the authentic locations and furniture that were used by the figures depicted in the film, and casting Actor Jeff Daniels as the lead from their past working on The Newsroom together. The film follows U.S. President Ronald Reagan as he races against time to salvage a deal with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev that could…
S1 · E621 · 25 Sep 2026 · 33 min
Teenage Wasteland with Amanda McBaine, Jesse Moss and Alice Gu (Ep. 621)
Directors Amanda McBaine and Jesse Moss discuss their new film, Teenage Wasteland, with fellow Director Alice Gu in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, they discuss poring through 500 hours of archival footage to find the film’s heart, recreating the school’s classroom from the 1990s to make a “portal of recollection”, and taking consideration into finding era-appropriate music for the film. Screened as part of the DGA’s Documentary Series, the film follows a group of 1990s teenagers who made a student documentary about a mysterious brown muck surfacing at the local…
S1 · E620 · 28 Aug 2026 · 36 min
Coyote vs. Acme with Dave Green, Phil Lord and Christopher Miller (Ep. 620)
Director Dave Green discuss his new film, Coyote vs. Acme, with fellow Directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses the story behind the film’s distribution, his on-set tactics for shooting a mixed live action/animation film, and working with animators from a variety of backgrounds to capture the energy of the Looney Tunes series. The film tells the story of Wile E. Coyote, who, after decades of enduring catastrophic product failures at the hands of ACME Inc., decides to finally fight back. Teaming up with a…
S1 · E619 · 20 Jul 2026 · 35 min
Stop! That! Train! with Adam Shankman and Nzingha Stewart (Ep. 619)
Director Adam Shankman discuss his new film, Stop! That! Train!, with fellow Director Nzingha Stewart in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses how films like Airplane! and Hot Shots! influenced the style of comedy, how shooting limitations led to inventive workarounds, and finding opportunities for a joke in every corner of the film. The film tells the story of best friend stewardesses Tess and DeeDee, out of a job after their train line is discontinued. After sneaking aboard the luxurious Glamazonian Express where they are constantly upstaged by the…
S1 · E618 · 10 Jul 2026 · 32 min
The Death of Robin Hood with Michael Sarnoski and Drew Pearce (Ep. 618)
Director Michael Sarnoski discuss his new film, The Death of Robin Hood, with fellow Director Drew Pearce in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses juxtaposing themes of violence and serenity for a fresh take on the Robin Hood myth, how he worked with Actor Hugh Jackman when filming gritty setpieces and action scenes, and discovering Composer Jim Ghedi who scored the old folk sound of the film. The film tells the story of the famed thief, grappling with his past after a life of crime and murder. Finding himself gravely injured after a battle he thought…
S1 · E617 · 1 Jul 2026 · 36 min
The Invite with Olivia Wilde, Matt Duffer and Ross Duffer (Ep. 617)
Director Olivia Wilde discuss her new film, The Invite, with fellow Directors Matt and Ross Duffer in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angles. In the conversation, she discusses choosing the project from a want to tell a stripped down story with no gloss, her roles Directing and Acting in the film, and the origin of Actor Edward Norton’s memorable monologue. The film tells the stories of Joe and Angela - their marriage on thin ice - as they decide to invite their enigmatic upstairs neighbors over for a dinner party. As the event unfolds, the night spirals into unexpected places, potentially…
S1 · E616 · 22 Jun 2026 · 34 min
In the Hand of Dante with Julian Schnabel and Benny Safdie (Ep. 616)
Director Julian Schnabel discuss his new film, In the Hand of Dante, with fellow Director Benny Safdie in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, he discusses his spontaneous approach to his directing style, casting Actors in double roles between the film’s two time periods, and his choice to shoot the two settings in a mixture of black and white and color film. Based on the 2002 novel by Nick Tosches, the film tells the story of a 21st Century scholar, on the run after stealing a rumored original manuscript of The Divine Comedy from a mafia don. Meanwhile, in the 14th…
S1 · E615 · 10 Jun 2026 · 31 min
Mortal Kombat II with Simon McQuoid and David Sandberg (Ep. 615)
Director Simon McQuoid discuss his new film, Mortal Kombat II, with fellow Director David Sandberg in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses how he worked with the stunt team to make the action scenes advance the story, his preference for practical sets and effects where he could use them, and referencing the video game to fill in little details in the lore across the film. The sequel to 2021’s Mortal Kombat follows Johnny Cage, a martial arts actor who is recruited to join a group of fighters in an interdimensional tournament. Fighting against…
S1 · E614 · 1 Jun 2026 · 26 min
The Sheep Detectives with Kyle Balda and Jonathan Goldstein (Ep. 614)
Director Kyle Balda discuss his new film, The Sheep Detectives, with fellow Director Jonathan Goldstein in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses making the jump from animation directing to live-action directing for the first time, carefully balancing the tone with humor while handling themes of grief, and studying the movement of real sheep to recreate body language that could be used in the visual effects. The film tells the story of a shepherd named George, whose only friends are the sheep to which each night he reads aloud a murder mystery, pretending…
S1 · E613 · 29 May 2026 · 36 min
Give Me The Ball! with Liz Garbus, Elizabeth Wolff and Ondi Timoner (Ep. 613)
Directors Liz Garbus and Elizabeth Wolff discuss their new film, Give Me The Ball!, with fellow Director Ondi Timoner in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, they discuss collaborating with Billie Jean King to open up about some of the more intimate and uncomfortable moments of her life, reflecting on Billie Jean’s impact through her 1970s archival materials compared to her modern day interview, and working as a co-directing pair for the first time. Screened as part of the DGA’s Documentary Series, the film takes a look at world champion tennis trailblazer Billie…
S1 · E612 · 15 May 2026 · 37 min
My Mom Jayne with Mariska Hargitay, Trish Adlesic and Lisa Cortés (Ep. 612)
Director Mariska Hargitay and Producer Trish Adlesic discuss their new film, My Mom Jayne, with fellow Director Lisa Cortés in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, they discuss how Mariska knew she was ready to take on the film, working with 18,000 photos and 2,500 videos worth of archival materials, and how Mariska came to learn more of the mother who was gone too soon. The film navigates Hollywood icon Jayne Mansfield’s public and private legacy through interviews, and a collection of never-before-seen photos and home movies as Hargitay sought to know, understand and…
S1 · E611 · 8 May 2026 · 33 min
Project Hail Mary with Phil Lord, Christopher Miller and Guillermo del Toro (Ep. 611)
Directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller discuss their new film, Project Hail Mary, with fellow Director Guillermo del Toro in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, they discuss finding depth in their characters by trying to see the good intentions is everyone including antagonists, the casting and puppeteering processes that helped realize the alien character of Rocky, and bringing their philosophy of trying to make encouraging films to this feature. The film tells the story of scientist Ryland Grace, who wakes up on a spaceship as part of a desperate mission to…
S1 · E610 · 24 Apr 2026 · 33 min
Shame and Money with Visar Morina and Valerie Weiss (Ep. 610)
Director Visar Morina discusses his new film, Shame and Money, with fellow Director Valerie Weiss in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses how he experiments with his scenes and leaves time for discovering moments on his sets, some of his filmic influences that contributed to specific scenes, and his strategic use of staging and tension in the film. Screened as part of the DGA’s Global Cinema Series, the film tells the story of Shaban, a proud family man struggling to provide as financial pressures mount. Embarrassed about accepting the support of his…
S1 · E609 · 22 Apr 2026 · 28 min
Mother Mary with David Lowery and Antonio Campos (Ep. 609)
Director David Lowery discusses his new film, Mother Mary, with fellow Director Antonio Campos in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, he discusses how the project was born from a desire to shoot a one-room film, the choreography behind the seance scene, and his influences in costume and production design that set the groundwork for the film. The film tells the story of iconic pop star Mother Mary as she reunites with her estranged best friend and former costume designer, Sam. In need of a dress for her new tour, Mary asks Sam to help her, causing long-buried wounds,…
S1 · E608 · 8 Apr 2026 · 32 min
Ready or Not 2: Here I Come with Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, Tyler Gillett and Jorma Taccone (Ep. 608)
Directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin & Tyler Gillett discuss their new film, Ready or Not 2: Here I Come, with fellow Director Jorma Taccone in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, they discuss casting Actor Kathryn Newton alongside Samara Weaving, how they film a lot of coverage in the kill sequences for story options in the edit, and their intentional methods of directing that allow them to strike a balance between comedy and horror in the final product. This sequel to the 2019 feature Ready or Not finds Grace, the lone survivor of the first film, discovering that she’s…
S1 · E607 · 3 Apr 2026 · 43 min
The Bride! with Maggie Gyllenhaal and Greta Gerwig (Ep. 607)
Director Maggie Gyllenhaal discusses her new film, The Bride!, with fellow Director Greta Gerwig in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, she discusses the influence of 1930s cinema on the film’s themes, using dance sequences as a medium for her characters to express complicated emotions, and working with her Costume Designer to create striking looks for the cast. Set in an alternate 1930’s Chicago, the film follows Ida, a murdered woman brought back to life to be the monster Frankenstein’s companion. Ida’s second chance sparks a whirlwind of romance, police interest,…
S1 · E606 · 25 Mar 2026 · 48 min
Steal This Story, Please! with Carl Deal, Tia Lessin, Amy Goodman and Ondi Timoner (Ep. 606)
Directors Carl Deal, Tia Lessin and the film’s subject, Amy Goodman discuss their new film, Steal This Story, Please!, with fellow Director Ondi Timoner in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, the filmmakers discuss the structure of the film as a way to get to know Amy before her work, how the filmmakers originally met Amy, and the relevance of Democracy Now! in a modern corporate news landscape. Screened as part of the DGA’s Documentary Series, the film follows Goodman as she becomes a leader in the movement for independent media. Set against some of the most…
S1 · E605 · 23 Mar 2026 · 34 min
Scream 7 with Kevin Williamson and Paul Feig (Ep. 605)
Director Kevin Williamson discusses his new film, Scream 7, with fellow Director Paul Feig in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses how the original concept of Scream came to be, how he balanced horror and comedy to establish the tone, and the importance and careful use of score needed to maintain the film’s tension. In the newest installment of the Scream franchise, original victim Sidney Prescott hopes to reinvent her life in a different town. But when a new killer emerges, her darkest fears are realized as her daughter becomes his prized target. See…
S1 · E604 · 20 Mar 2026 · 31 min
Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man with Tom Harper and Mary Harron (Ep. 604)
Director Tom Harper discusses his new film, Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, with fellow Director Mary Harron in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, he discusses working with Actor Cillian Murphy, how making a Peaky Blinders film differed from an episode of the series, and working closely with his composer to find a soundtrack befitting the tone. A sequel to the award-winning television series Peaky Blinders, the film follows Tommy Shelby as he returns from exile to a post-World War II Birmingham. With unsettled business and his future at stake, he must face his…
S1 · E603 · 12 Mar 2026 · 36 min
How to Make a Killing with John Patton Ford and Kobi Libii (Ep. 603)
Director John Patton Ford discusses his new film, How to Make a Killing, with fellow Director Kobi Libii in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses inspirations and early iterations of the film, managing the tone as over-the-top events happening in a grounded and believable world, and the importance of sound design to the construction of the film. Loosely inspired by the 1949 feature Kind Hearts and Coronets, the film tells the story of Becket Redfellow, a blue collar worker disowned by his wealthy relatives. Determined to reclaim his inheritance, he…
S1 · E602 · 10 Mar 2026 · 32 min
Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die with Gore Verbinski and Sacha Gervasi (Ep. 602)
Director Gore Verbinski discusses his new film, Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die, with fellow Director Sacha Gervasi in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses how he wanted to approach the story with a modern take on AI, how Actor Sam Rockwell’s costume was made from scrap technology found in surplus stores, and finding a delicate balance for the film’s tone in between apocalyptic, comedic and irreverent. The film follows a man, allegedly from the future, who arrives at a Los Angeles diner and takes the patrons hostage. Claiming they are the precise…
S1 · E601 · 27 Feb 2026 · 30 min
Wuthering Heights with Emerald Fennell and J.J. Abrams (Ep. 601)
Director Emerald Fennell discusses her new film, Wuthering Heights, with fellow Director J.J. Abrams in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, she discusses her approach to adapting the original text, working with her Production Design team to create surreal landscapes and environments reminiscent of human features, and collaborating with musical artist Charli XCX to create a soundtrack for the film. Based on the novel by Emily Brontë, the film follows the impoverished Heathcliffe and the wealthy Catherine, two young lovers hailing from different social classes. After…
S1 · E600 · 23 Feb 2026 · 1 hr 12 min
Meet the 2026 Nominees for Theatrical Feature Film - Part 2 of 2 (Ep. 600)
Paul Thomas Anderson (One Battle After Another), Ryan Coogler (Sinners), Guillermo del Toro (Frankenstein), Josh Safdie (Marty Supreme) and Chloé Zhao (Hamnet) engage in a conversation with moderator Jeremy Kagan for the 35th Annual DGA Meet the Nominees: Theatrical Feature Film Symposium. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2026/March2026/MTN_TheatricalFeatureFilm2026
S1 · E599 · 20 Feb 2026 · 1 hr 14 min
Meet the 2026 Nominees for Theatrical Feature Film - Part 1 of 2 (Ep. 599)
Paul Thomas Anderson (One Battle After Another), Ryan Coogler (Sinners), Guillermo del Toro (Frankenstein), Josh Safdie (Marty Supreme) and Chloé Zhao (Hamnet) engage in a conversation with moderator Jeremy Kagan for the 35th Annual DGA Meet the Nominees: Theatrical Feature Film Symposium. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2026/March2026/MTN_TheatricalFeatureFilm2026
S1 · E598 · 14 Jan 2026 · 34 min
The Housemaid with Paul Feig and Lesli Linka Glatter (Ep. 598)
Director Paul Feig discusses his new film, The Housemaid, with fellow Director Lesli Linka Glatter in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses the intentional casting of Actors Amanda Seyfried and Sydney Sweeney opposite one another, finding the house that served as the main location and how its architecture led to the discovery of scenes, and balancing the film’s tone between comedy and drama to give breathing room for heavier aspects of the film. The film tells the story of Millie, who accepts a job as a live-in housemaid for a wealthy couple as a way of…
S1 · E597 · 9 Jan 2026 · 30 min
Is This Thing On? with Bradley Cooper and Bennett Miller (Ep. 597)
Director Bradley Cooper discusses his new film, Is This Thing On?, with fellow Director Bennett Miller in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, he discusses the true story circumstances that inspired the film, how he envisioned and cast Will Arnett and Laura Dern in the leading roles, and utilizing his cinematography to emphasize the vulnerability of performing stand up comedy. The film tells the story of Alex, a middle aged man facing a divorce, who finds new purpose in the New York comedy scene. As he pursues comedy, his wife, Tess, confronts the sacrifices made for…
S1 · E596 · 7 Jan 2026 · 33 min
Song Sung Blue with Craig Brewer and Taylor Hackford (Ep. 596)
Director Craig Brewer discusses his new film, Song Sung Blue, with fellow Director Taylor Hackford in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses how he cast Actors Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson for the lead roles, his care in handling a film that frequently changes tones, and getting the blessing from Neil Diamond to make the film. Based on a true story, the film follows Mike and Claire Sardina, a Milwaukee couple who form the Neil Diamond tribute act Lightning and Thunder. Riding the highs and lows of success, the couple prove it’s never too late to find love…
E595 · 5 Jan 2026 · 30 min
The Testament of Ann Lee with Mona Fastvold and Darius Marder (Ep. 595)
Director Mona Fastvold discusses her new film, The Testament of Ann Lee, with fellow Director Darius Marder in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, she discusses how her background in movement and dance contributed to the choreography, the logistics of shooting the barn burning scene, and how she aimed to show authentic moments of womanhood to sympathize with the journey of Ann Lee. Based on real events, the film follows Ann Lee, who hopes to create a utopian society in the 18th century. Proclaimed as the female Christ by her followers, Lee suffers persecution as she…

About The Director’s Cut - A DGA Podcast

The Director’s Cut - A DGA Podcast is a English film & tv podcast from Directors Guild of America. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Directors Guild of America
Language: English
Category: Film & TV
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 33 min
Latest episode: 9 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1067471691

RSS feed Apple Podcasts

More English film & tv

Take it with you

The Melo app keeps playing with the screen off, works in the car and on your watch, wakes you to your station, and browses the whole catalogue offline. Free, no ads, no account.