I have been told on many occasions that slightly more sucking up would be a good idea. It’s hard because it doesn’t come naturally to me. When I tell somebody I think you’re great, I...

We’re not beginning from ground zero. They have had a life here in the U.S.

It’s a much easier sell if the parents are interested. Parents pay attention to reviews. A don’t-miss-this-movie message from critics really resonates with them.

When Warren Beatty needed extra money from the studio, he came in as Warren Beatty, the movie star. I’ve seen grown studio executives turn into little boys when a star enters the room. Let’s face...

Big studio conglomerates are concerned about the bottom line, not awards. It used to be that a studio would make a movie that appealed both commercially and artistically. That’s not the case now.