I want to write stories that don't help you escape life, but embrace life.

GOOD AS NEW was born out of the idea of writing a play where the stakes were high and the collisions were of a verbal nature. Also I wanted to write a play where people were smarter than I was, and more alive than I feel normally. I became interested in the idea of characters who would surprise me. I guess one could argue that nothing comes out of you that wasn't within you to begin with, but maybe there are ways to trick yourself into becoming more an observer or an advocate for the characters.

I've wanted to direct for a long time, but it had to be a story I wanted to tell. The writer's job is to find the story that he should tell.

I think it's a fantastic thing to be alive.

People love conversation, and movies are conversations, and an audience has to participate; it has to fill in some blanks.

I don't know anything about directing, but if you love actors, know your story and hire a great company, then anyone can direct a film.

I want to make accessible movies for bright people, but I don't want to play games and be coy.