One gets used to success very quickly. The surprise was how deep and enduringly I was touching people, in such different places and throughout generations.

All of my films are based on personal experiences and beliefs. Many of my heroes are my spokespeople - and some are not!

I like to make people happy, and with fairy tales, I can say anything I want to, but in an agreeable way.

For me, the stereoscopic imagery was a new game to play with. Surprisingly enough, it's also a return to tradition. I'm back with paper-looking puppets moving about in several layers of theatrical backgrounds.

My producers give me total freedom. No one asks me for anything; they just tell me to make a good film, and that's what I do.

My inspiration is my life, what I see happening around me. It can be history and, quite often, plain traditional fairy tales. But I never adapt; I nourish myself with old stories, and then create my own tales.

Sometimes I dream that I'm working; that's awful. When you awaken after a big, surprising dream, you feel it's very interesting. When you sit and write it down, you realize it's a very poor script. But I may find ideas while dozing.