You have to examine a scene on the page first. Then you get into the basics of acting: Who are you? Who are you talking to? How do you feel about that person?

I'm driven by passion. I mean, I am tired right now. I work to a point of abandon. I am fueled by my understanding of the need for self-expression that exists for young people.

The radio for these women is like television is for us today, which is really like looking at the radio.

You have to examine a scene on the page first. Then you get into the basics of acting: Who are you? Who are you talking to? How do you feel about that person?

Michael Ralph brilliantly plays the street prophet, a West Indian who foreshadows the Harlem riot.

There are some scenes that work beautifully in a moving, sweeping master, which is how I like to work.

As far as pacing the shoot is concerned, I know when I've got it. I don't think there's any reason to take ten takes unless you need them.