Hello, and thanks for tuning in to another episode of The Directors Cut, brought to you by the Directors Guild of America,

where each episode would bring you a fresh and insightful interview featuring one of the film industry's top directors,

conducted by one of their peers.

Take a second to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts.

This episode takes us behind the scenes of director Lynn Shelton's new comedic drama,

Sword of Trust. The film tells the story of Cynthia, who learns that her inheritance from her deceased grandfather is an antique sword that he believed was proof that the South won the Civil War.

To sell the sword, Cynthia and her friend Mary team up with a cantankerous pawn shop owner and his man-child employee,

who've discovered there's a market for the relic.

Their ensuing adventure becomes a journey into the depths of conspiracy theories and southern disillusionment.

In addition to Sword of Trust, Miss Shelton's credits include the feature films Outside In,

We Go Way Back, My Effortless Brilliance, Hump Day, Your Sister's Sister, Touchy-feely, and Laggies,

as well as episodes of the television series New Girl,

The Mindy Project, Master of Nun, Casual, Fresh Off the Boat, and Glow.

Following a recent screening of the film at the Harmony Gold Theater in Los Angeles,

Ms. Shelton spoke with director Jake Kasden about filming Sword of Trust.

During their conversation, she discusses her desire to return to her roots of improvisation,

her creative collaboration with actor and comedian Mark Marin,

and how one of the characters was inspired by a lift trip with a flat earther.

Cool, thank you. Cool.

Thank you.

Hey.

Hi, you guys.

...