To make personal movies that you are the author of, is quite a difficult thing. It takes a lot of stamina.

Movies are magical. Sometimes it just works, it catalyzes, and everything falls into place, and no one knows exactly how or why.

Japan is the most intoxicating place for me. In Kyoto, there's an inn called the Tawaraya which is quite extraordinary. The Japanese culture fascinates me: the food, the dress, the manners and the traditions. It's the travel experience that has moved me the most.

To make personal movies that you are the author of, is quite a difficult thing. It takes a lot of stamina.

I grew up in San Francisco and moved to L.A. about 20 years ago, and now my main home is in Hollywood.

When I'm in London, Claridge's is a great favourite. I'm a big fan of art deco architecture and the rooms are extraordinary.

As a director myself, you want to have colleagues and collaborators that respect your authority as the director. I'm very comfortable with that, and I've done a lot of work in second unit.