When I go the cinema, unfortunately nowadays, especially with the big commercial films, the audience is spoon-fed through the entire experience and they don't have to do any work.

I could never swim in the ocean after seeing Jaws.

Why not provoke some thought and get people talking about things? I like characters that are flawed because we all are. When people break up in a script, you think, Oh, right, there must be tears shed here. But maybe the fact of the matter is that they're both laughing.

I keep everything very simple. I like telling stories.

I've always been more inclined to go out to work than carry on with academic studies.

I guess in the independent market, I'd be getting offers, but in terms of big studio films, I still have to audition. I don't think my name is that well-known, I don't have much of a following to guarantee box office success yet.

The arts are very alive in Ireland, so that had its influence on me. But I consider myself European, really.