When I do a play, it's like agreeing to be ill for a couple of months.

I don't dislike the process of animation... I find it daunting, but only as much as I find everything daunting.

One of my great regrets, and I don't have many, is that I spent too long putting people's status and reputation ahead of their more important qualities. I learned far too late in life that a long list of letters after someone's name is no guarantee of compassion, kindness, humour, all the far more relevant stuff.

I did actually sit down with a blank sheet of paper once. I think the phone rang and that was the end of my literary career.

I used to think that prizes were damaging and divisive, until I got one, and now they seem sort of meaningful and important.

I like being in kids' movies, and I like being in family movies.

My dad had a personal style which was very attractive. It was quite reserved and quite elegant, and it was infectious.