I've been very lucky in that the studios really respect me and they give me all my creative freedom. But nevertheless, they are inputs, they have opinions. It's the same thing for me as if you're in a shower and you're coming up with a tune, with a melody, but there are 70 people trying to sing their own melody at the same time. So you have to focus and concentrate, and not lose the track of your melody.
Alfonso CuaronThe long takes process doesn't allow for that many takes. In the past I have shot over 50 takes of different shots. Sometimes you end up using take 64, sometimes take four.
Alfonso CuaronAs a kid, I wanted to be an astronaut. And my own passion was that I wanted to be a film director. I realized that being an astronaut was not going to be an option, so I said, "Well, I'm going to be a director and do films in space."
Alfonso CuaronWow, I wish I could have done something like that.โ Thatโs the thing, with other filmmakers, if I like them I just feel admiration. And yes, I usually say, โI wish I could have been part of that creative process,โ because the films I admire like that are so specific that I know the creative process is also so specific, itโs nothing you could just imitate.
Alfonso CuaronI have my set rigged with the biggest sound system possible and have a mini jack for my iPod attached to my director's chair. I find playing music is a very direct way to communicate with actors and the crew, especially those crew members who are on the periphery of the set. I like dancing on set too, it's a good way to release tension.
Alfonso Cuaron