Avatar: Fire and Ash with James Cameron and Guillermo del Toro (Ep. 592)

In this episode of The Director's Cut, director James Cameron discusses his film "Avatar: Fire and Ash" with director Guillermo del Toro following a screening at the DGA Theater. They explore the evolution of character creation through technology, Cameron's attraction to performance capture, and the importance of grounding fantastical elements in universally human experiences like family. Cameron emphasizes that technology is secondary to the emotional truth of the performances and the collaborative creative process. They also touch on the challenges facing the theatrical experience and the unique engagement it offers, as well as the environmental themes and the hope for empathy within the film. The conversation further explores the familial and biographical elements woven into the Avatar series, the collegiate nature of directors, and the balance between grand spectacle and intimate character moments.