Two young men forge a relationship in the early 20th Century in Director Oliver Hermanus’ historical romantic drama, The History of Sound.

Hermanus’ film follows the relationship between Lionel and David, who meet in college and bond over music, then travel through rural Maine to collect folk songs for the university after World War I.

On August 24, after the DGA membership screening in Los Angeles, Hermanus discussed the making of The History of Sound during a Q&A moderated by Director Mike Mills (C’mon C’mon).

During the conversation, Hermanus revealed how he decides what shots they’re shooting on any given day.

“I don’t do storyboards. I don’t do shot lists. I sort of — it’s very frustrating for the DP — arrive very early on the day. I walk around. I think about it. I also think about what’s already been shot, how is it stylistically coming together? Then I’ll make the plan in my head that morning and I’ll walk the DP through it. But every day is a new day.”

Hermanus’ other directorial credits include the feature films Living, Moffie and Shirley Adams; and episodes of Mary & George. He became a DGA member in 2024.