Spielberg gave us three takes before saying anything to us. Since then, I do that, three takes, to let the actors find their rhythm.

That's my advice for indie filmmakers: Marry a supermodel.

It's an enormous wall that's built between you and your dreams. And if every day, you just chip away... It may take ten years, but eventually you just might see some light.

I feel Irish-Americans are the forgotten minority group. Nobody else is making films about them.

I suffer from Irish-Catholic guilt. Guilt is a good reality check. It keeps that ‘do what makes you happy’ thing in check.

I am a big fan of the old Howard Hawks films from the 30s and 40s, I was a big Hepburn and Tracey fan for a while and Woody Allen films that are a very different kind of romantic comedy.

But at a certain point, you have to take your influence and find your own voice if you want to become a relevant artist.

I'm always aware of who my core audiences are and I serve that niche.

I try not to be too plot-heavy and to balance the dramatic with the comedic.

Brothers McMullen' would not be picked up for theatrical distribution now.

Trust your actors. That's why I work with the same actors time and time again. I encourage them to change the dialogue to achieve one thing: keep the characters honest.

It’s thinking that I had the solution that probably created the problem in the first place.

I guess this means we're uck-fayed, don't it Mikee?

Usually in stories there are big problems in the beginning or couples are pulling away, there's a lot of bitterness.

There are certain songs I cannot hear because they are so personal that it hurts me to listen.

The snow has at last melted, the fields regain their herbage, and the trees their leaves.

In neglected fields the fern grows, which must be cleared out by fire.

If you're comfortable with someone, you feel creatively free. Whether it's a comedic scene or a dramatic one, you don't feel self-conscious because you feel safe with the people that you're around.

[What's beautiful about my mother is] her compassion, how much she gives, whether it be to her kids and grandkids or out in the world. She's got a sparkle.

Stealing, you'll go far in life. Actually, there is something funny about getting away with it.

... when things get rough, a breakthrough is just on the other side of the pain.