The stories that I want to tell are completely, well somewhat autobiographical. It's completely based on my own self-absorption issues and problems.

Well, I tried being in front of the camera as a student and that was terrifying. But the press stuff about me growing up on his [film] sets has been exaggerated. I was an extra as a kid and I was also a PA [production assistant] on one of his movies, so I was lucky to get production experience. But I was nowhere near him.

I always had good friends, but I did not feel like a cool girl, ever.

Catherine Keener really gets me. She and I have such a shorthand together.

I definitely feel like a native New Yorker. My personality was formed there.

The casting director on the movie made me aware of her. She told me what to watch Starter For Ten, which I did and thought she was great in. She was just so charming and beautiful. But I felt she could probably look plain if we tried. And when I subsequently met with her, I was so charmed by her vulnerability and sweetness. Those were two qualities that were the most important for that character.

My grandma has said many of the things her character says. But she was much nicer! I made her meaner for dramatic purposes.