I always say, I'm a woman, I can't change my sex. I can't get angry about it. I'm too busy desperately trying to get my movies made. It's hard work. There are no short cuts. If there were, I would have found them by now.

As a director I always look at someone's eyes. How truthful are they? Will this person take me on this journey?

I want to give the audience what they want, but not at all costs. I want to leave them with something. I try to do that with every single movie I make.

I want to give up every single day of my life, but I can't. I'm obsessed.

It's always about a character that I become obsessed with and who refuses to leave me alone.

I want people to feel something in the pit of their stomach. I want my movies, especially the ending, to stay with people long after the credits have rolled.

Don't take no for an answer. Don't let yourself get pushed around, and don't be afraid to be the bad guy. Find a producer who will be there to back you up when things get difficult. Make sure you work with key crew that you trust.