But the key ultimately was the actors, because if you don't have actors that the music is coming

truthfully from, that they're not breaking out in song and dance.

I don't believe the best musicals aren't ones that you're just putting an outfit on a story.

You are using the power of music.

Hello, and welcome back to the director's cut, brought to you by the Directors Guild of America.

Today's episode takes us behind the scenes of director John M. Chu's new musical drama in the Heights.

Adapted from the hit Broadway production, the film tells the story of a likable magnetic bodega owner named Usnabi in the

tight-knit community of Washington Heights, 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. In addition to In The Heights, Mr. Chu's directorial credits include the feature films,

Crazy Rich Asians, Step Up to the Streets, and Now You See Me Too.

The feature documentary Justin Bieber Never Say Never, and a segment of We The Economy, 20

short films you can't afford to miss, and episodes of the television series, The LXD,

The Legion of Extraordinary Dancers. As a film student in 2002, Mr. Chu was recognized by the

DGA's student film Awards for his short film, Guilou, The Little Foreigner. Following a recent

screening of the film at the DGA Theater in New York,

Mr. Chu spoke with fellow director Nisha Ganatra about filming in the Heights.

Listen on for their spoiler-filled conversation.

We're in a movie theater. How great. So nice to be back.

I know a real-life movie. What a, first, what an incredible feat. I mean, what a beautiful film. How great. So nice to be back. I know a real-life movie. What a first, what an incredible feat.

I mean, what a beautiful film. So moving

and so visually stunning.

...