At HBO, they seem to be well-informed. They make what I think are really quite mature films.

The number of opera houses around the world and the high attendance rates show that opera an art form that is more popular than ever.

I don't rehearse films as much as opera or theatre. When I began directing films I thought a long rehearsal was a good idea. Experience showed me that the best performance was often left in a rehearsal room.

Film is shot in fragments, and the same moments can be shot again and again until the director is satisfied.

In Australia, they set up a special fund to kick films off. It was quite an enlightened sort of move. You could go to this government bureau with scripts and and get finance for films.

In my view, the operas of Carlisle Floyd will find a place in the permanent repertoire.

It's not enough to hit the notes. There is no point in the singers just standing there and sounding wonderful if they're not connecting with the characters they are portraying.