But I really am very active in the choice of the line producer with the producer of record and the distributing company, because I've had some terrible, terrible experiences with some line producers, particularly in cable.

So I've had really great assistant directors for my last seven movies.

I feel that my job is to create an atmosphere where creative people can do their best work.

It's very eclectic, the way one chooses subjects in the movie business, especially in the commercial movie business. You need to develop material yourself or material is presented to you as an assignment to direct.

But I really am very active in the choice of the line producer with the producer of record and the distributing company, because I've had some terrible, terrible experiences with some line producers, particularly in cable.

I have gotten to a point in my life where I don't want to have dinner with someone I don't like.

The importance of the assistant director cannot be overemphasized.