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.

On stage, the audience watches from a fixed viewpoint and the director cannot retake something he doesn't like. It has to work straight through.

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

Quite a few operas are still being commissioned around the world, although nothing apart from audience popularity can ensure more than a few performances.

In opera, everyone's watching from a fixed viewpoint, and that really challenges you. Lighting, the sets, stage groupings, the music-but doesn't relate too much to film.

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.

I'd really been interested in opera when I was about 16, and I really like staging them.