Hello, and thanks for tuning in to another episode of The Directors' Cut,

brought to you by the Directors Guild of America,

featuring today's top directors sharing behind-the-scenes stories of their latest films

and insights into the craft of directing.

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This episode takes us behind the scenes of director Michael Engler's new costume drama,

Downton Abbey. Based on the beloved television series, the film returns us to the early 20th century English countryside, with another tale of the Crawley family and their home.

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.

In addition to Downton Abbey, Mr. Engler's credits include the feature film The Chaperone,

the Movies for Television single with parents, 20 Questions, and Mastergate,

and episodes of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, The Big Sea, Six Feet Under, and Dream On.

He is a three-time DGA Award nominee for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Comedy Series for

his 2006 30 Rock episode, Rosemary's Baby, and his 1998 Sex in the City episodes, Hop, Skip,

and a Week, and My Motherboard, myself.

He was also nominated for the DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Dramatic

series for his 2015

Downton Abbey episode, Downton Abbey Christmas Special.

Following a recent screening of the film at the DGA Theatre in New York, Mr. Engler

spoke with director Ritesh Batra about filming Downton Abbey.

During their conversation, he discusses how he was introduced to the show, adapting an already

cinematic TV show for the cinema, and working with Dame Maggie Smith.

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