I devoted myself to writing for years without representation or a promise of anything. And there were times when I felt quite down about my prospects.

My M.F.A was in directing, and all the films I've made, for film school and after, I've written, directed and shot.

I love so many different genres. I love crime films - and unusual coming-of-age pieces.

My mother enjoyed few things more than investing in the underdogs and showing them that they were special and could achieve their dreams.

It's so easy today to get swept up in celebrity fixation and materialism and searching for some validation outside of yourself when we know it's really found within and through meaningful connections with other people.

I think if you get your fifth script made, that's the fast track. But there's no guarantee any of them will get made.

There are few films where you have women really driving the plot.