To be successful, you really have to put your ego in the background and try to be diplomatic to achieve what you want to achieve.

With Kubrick and most film directors, they are in complete control, but one can influence them.

A studio allows me more freedom. You can create your own sort of reality which is actually more exciting than shooting on location. You can conjure up a complete atmosphere of escapism for the public.

One thing that I think works in 'Casablanca' and which I've lectured a lot about - in terms of what I've been trying to achieve as a designer - is the film's creation of its own form of reality.

It takes courage to stay young, to make your enthusiasms work for you. Don't let anyone drag you down.

What I felt at that time - we're talking about '61 - was that I couldn't remember seeing a film that reflected the age we were living in.

I have never been sorry to see my sets being struck, provided they are well photographed. They're not works of art but part of making a film.