Trust yourself that you can do it and get it

There's a whole system in Hollywood where the director never speaks to the studio, but I like to engage them in a discussion. I listen.

Ultimately, you have to pursue your own path, not someone's idea of the right path. You need to stay on your path.

In terms of the mechanics of story, myth is an intriguing one because we didn't make myth up; myth is an imprinture of the human condition.

So, what is creative freedom? We can make what we want, how we want. The only constraint is: not for any budget.

Opera was the cinema of its time, so to bring back that popular appeal, you just need to unleash its visceral immediacy and excitement. Most productions don't manage that - but when an opera does do it, you never forget it.

Be careful whose advice you buy, but be patient with those who supply it.