The Director’s Cut - A DGA Podcast

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 trying to put her troubled past behind her. But what begins as a dream job quickly unravels into something far more dangerous — a seductive game of secrets, scandal, and power. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2026/february2026/housemaid_qna_1225

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 their family, forcing them both to navigate co-parenting and their changing identities. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2026/february2026/isthisthingon_qna_1225

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 and follow your dreams. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2026/january2026/songsungblue_qna_1225

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 forges the radical religious movement that would go on to become the Shakers. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2026/january2026/testamentofannlee_qna_1225

Director Rian Johnson discusses his new film, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, with fellow Director Jon Watts in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses finding and casting Actor Josh O’Connor, the effort behind crafting and lighting the sets, and how his relationship with faith influenced the film. The film finds Blanc teaming up with an earnest young priest to investigate a perfectly impossible crime. When the leader of a small town church with a dark history dies from seemingly impossible circumstances, Blanc must discover who in the rogues gallery of his congregation committed the crime, and how. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/events/2026/january2026/wakeupdeadman_qna_1225