you know, coming from hip hop culture, which is often presented through a very

oversaturated, over-sexualized, over-sensualized lens, I knew that black and white

treatment would bring it to a warm tone, a more vulnerable, heartfelt tone where, you know,

the characters can't hide behind color. You know, you really just are confronted

with a realistic human character. So I've been, I've been waiting to make this film my whole life,

even when I didn't realize it. 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 Radha Blank's new comedic drama, The 40-year-old version.

Ms. Blank also stars in the film as Rada, a down-on-her-luck New York City playwright, who is desperate for a breakthrough before 40.

After reinventing herself as a rapper, she vacillates between the worlds of hip-hop and theater in order to find her true voice.

The 40-year-old version is Ms. Blank's feature directorial debut, and she was recently nominated for the DGA's first-time feature film award for her work.

She also directed the movie for television Sam Bo, speechwriter.

Ms. Blank spoke with fellow director Liesel Tommy about filming the 40-year-old version in front of a virtual audience.

Listen on for their spoiler-filled conversation.

Hello, DGA membership.

I am so, so honored and proud to be in community with Ms. Rada Blank.

Rada is the director of the 40-year-old version,

and she is also the writer, producer, and actor.

Rada and I have known each other for a very, very long time because we both A long time.

Floor mates.

In the American theater.

In the American theater, but also in an apartment building in Harlem.

...