Ultimately, what audiences respond to is truth. Even as fantastical as the story can be, and out there, at its core, it's dealing with loss, madness and mortality.

I think hope is key, in life and in art.

Life, to me, is never one color. Even in the saddest moments, you can have a chuckle. And in the happiest moments, you can shed a tear.

Casting is very instinctual. I really like to meet people. To me, it's about their essence more than their audition.

The more personal you get, the more universal a story you end up telling.

I think we all have limitations, as directors. I don't care what the budget is, it's probably never enough money and never enough time. You figure it out. Sometimes the limitations bring more creativity.

If you're gonna take people on a journey that deals with some pretty heavy themes, I think you best have a sense of humor, here and there.