If you're lucky enough to have success in the industry,

you become pigeonholed as the comedy guy,

or the biopic guy.

And as everybody on this Zoom knows, we can do anything.

We all love movies, we study movies,

and if you understand drama, if you understand acting,

you understand cinematography and directing, you can really make anything, or at least try.

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 Shaka King's new

biographical drama, Judas and the Black Messiah. The film tells the true story of William

O'Neill, a career thief who is conscripted by the FBI to infiltrate the Illinois Black

Panther Party and surveil their charismatic leader, Chairman Fred Hampton. As Hampton's

political influence grows, O'Neill

is pushed to choose between his own freedom and bringing down a Messiah. In addition to

Judas and the Black Messiah, Mr. King's directorial credits include the future film Newlyweeds,

and episodes of the series Shrill, High Maintenance, and People of Earth.

Mr. King spoke with DGA past president Taylor Hackford about filming Judas and the Black

Messiah in front of a virtual audience.

Listen on for their spoiler-filled conversation.

Good evening, I'm Taylor Hackford, and I have the pleasure tonight to introduce Chaka King, the director and writer and producer of Judas and the Black Messiah.

A very complex, very strong film, which by the way, I love, and that's why I'm here. I want to express my passion.

I don't think there's anything wrong with that. I hope that all of you out there have seen it.

...