Q: Do you believe in a higher power? (Love, God, Universe, Grace, Spirit, whatever) Why? Why not?
A: I do believe in a higher power. God, universe – I don’t know if they are separate of one another or the same thing but I feel like I experience the work of something “other” in both the good times and bad of my life. Perhaps a higher power is just a sense of comfort that many humans need to help us connect to our own inner strength but for whatever reason, I feel like there is a something that embodies all the inexplicable energy that enables us to live, love and create.
Q: Why must you make films? (I mean, let's be honest, only a crazy person would choose to do it)
A: For me, it’s a calling. And my calling was to be a storyteller at a very young age. Being a storyteller has taken on numerous shapes and evolutions over my life and career. There is something incredibly powerful about being able to live other lives through stories. And as a storyteller, I’m able to share my journey with others through a common experience—which is the film itself. I feel like making films and television enables me to connect in a greater way with other people.
Q: If you were at a dinner party and had to pick one of these topics for the group to discuss (sex, politics, money, religion, death, food, reincarnation) -- what would it be and why?
A: Food. I’m always interested in what is tasty, healthy, happening or transcendent by way of the kitchen. I also attribute so many of my best memories to the enjoyment and sharing of food. Food is fascinating.
Q: Make up a question for me to ask the next director I photograph. You can ask ANYTHING — just please be respectful.
A: “Have you ever made a film as a love letter to a person or a time of life or to bring closure from an experience in your past? If so, explain. ”
Q: Question from Tawnia Mckiernan: If you could only name one aspect of directing. What is your favorite part of the directing process?
A: The collaboration. For me, the director is the general of ideas and her greatest task is leading and shepherding a group of artists (in front of and behind the camera) to create a unified vision. The idea that I, as an artist, can inspire other artists to contribute their own experience and expertise to a common goal is truly what makes the experience of directing the best job in the world.
Q: The last time you had deja vu? What does deja vu mean to you?
A: I have had it and know it’s a phenomena but I can’t remember the last time it happened. Sometimes I think it’s our conscience and subconscious intersecting.
Q: What made you laugh last? When was the last time you cried? Why?
A: My two-year old daughter gave me a big laugh today when she put her hands on her hips and said “I don’t think so”. And I cry a lot. Almost on the daily. I cry at everything. I even cry talking about crying. Last time I cried was a few days ago hearing someone tell me how they became quadriplegic. The woman was a gymnast performing in a show to an audience of thousands and landed a stunt on her neck. It happened before youtube and iPhones were a thing and as she told me that one of her greatest fears was having that video of her life-changing accident out in the world to be commented on—I pondered how profound that fear was. Because the documentation of that moment would literally embody how her life changed in a moment. And if it ever made it online-- the good and the bad would not be hers to process alone—it would be something other people could judge. I was moved to tears.
Q: Lastly, tell the people about your next project and where they can see your work. Thank you!
A: I am currently developing a series for Netflix and have a few other projects in the process of being sold or dying. My other work can be seen on Amazon. There’s a little show called “Awkward” that I created and ran for the first three seasons. I directed numerous episodes and then left the show after I wrote my opus – the season 3 finale. (And my series finale)