When you're making any movie, you have your hopes and expectations - but reality doesn't always conform with your hopes and expectations.

The challenge I think at first consideration is always a mixture of the creative opportunity and the finances. From the studio perspective, that's what they're looking to balance.

We all know the experience when you go to a film and it feels partial. There were elements that you really love, but it doesn't feel like they fully owned all elements of it.

Ultimately as much as the film industry is a business, it's a democracy. And the audience votes on how they feel based on the way they spend their money for tickets.

I really think the key to any movie is that you tell the story kind of in a fulsome way, with depth, with skill, and you will find your audience.

One of the hardest things for me as an exec was always, particularly as you progress further in the system, is that you're pushed further away from the day to day, the mechanics of making a movie.

I think sequels are very dangerous if you assume and presume success. I think you have to plan each film as a standalone and commit yourself to that as your primary objective.

If we can write or sing or create in some way, even when we are dealing with difficulties or pain, then it becomes something bigger than ourselves — and often beautiful.

Logic is not a sure enough defense against moral bankruptcy.

Don’t be afraid of making mistakes or failing. You never really fail anyway unless you actually give up and quit!

At the time of his death, John Kennedy had a national security establishment that was a writhing ball of snakes.

Have nothing to do with coaches. In fact, if you should see one coming, go and hide behind the pavilion until he goes away.

One of the things I love about Africa is the amount of dignity and respect and humility you see all the time. You don't realise how often you're disrespected until you are surrounded by respect.

A new culture can only grow up in the soil of a purged humanity.

The only reason I started using samples was because people talked about me not sounding like Kanye or The Heatmakers.

With all the talent around, it's sort of amazing that a woman could be up here with us.

I've been on enough sports teams in my life to have experienced the magic of what can happen when a group of people care for and love each other.