You never want to be pigeonholed into something and have people think, "Oh, that's the guy we call for this particular thing."

I think there is a wonderful trend of strong female characters on television right now.

Nicholas Hytner, who directed Center Stage, is a huge ballet fan. He was completely open, as was Bruce Beresford, to get our perspective. "No, we wouldn't do this. Yes, we would do that. That's not realistic." So, I feel like Center Stage did well in that respect.

The second time I was banned was when I directed a film called Xiu Xiu. I was banned for three years from China.

I am a huge animal lover. Growing up, my mother and I rescued countless animals - dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, even a turtle. I have been accused of caring more about animals than I do about people.

Love for me is comfort. I feel most loved and most capable of giving love when I am around people or in places that make me comfortable.

I left home at 14 and I have friends who joined the navy and the army performing troops at 9. I know people [like that]. It's a very straightforward character.