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.

It is essential to do everything possible to attract young people to opera so they can see that it is not some antiquated art form but a repository of the most glorious music and drama that man has created.

I thought, This is fabulous. It sent shivers up my spine. I thought, What kinds of people are these that would produce this kind of music in a camp? All the prison camp stories I've seen, and heard of, were about the heroism of men. As I researched this and heard the music, I realized that women were heroic too, on just as grand a scale. And their treatment was just as appalling.

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.

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

With a film, I do my best to understand the author's intentions and try to bring the characters to life.

Perhaps the most difficult thing is shooting scenes set 6,000 feet up in the mountains of Mexico.