Quotes
I think a good director casts a film so that the actors bring a lot to the table.
I loved that they were real people living in the time of the Harlem Renaissance. The story was rich with culture and character.
I got my dailies every day, although I couldn't always look at them because I was usually preparing for the next day's shoot, both as an actress and as the director.
I got involved in The Old Settler after my sister, Phylicia Rashad, optioned the play by John Henry Redwood. I read it and felt it spoke so much to me about who Phylicia and I are to each other as real sisters.
I didn't need the insurance. I do it again if my DP tells me it didn't look good in the camera or if the actors didn't hit their marks. But if everything was working why do it again?
I design my shots. I walk the rehearsal as the camera and say 'this is where I want to be... I want this look.
I basically shoot the movie the way I think it should be cut, so my directives to the editor are in the camera.
I actually did a film called Stompin' at the Savoy,about four women who worked as domestics and were trying to get out of that life and into a better one.
Everything has to be well thought out - what do you really need, when can you do with less coverage.
Even when you have a big budget, you can't just shoot everything.
But out of limitations comes creativity.
But it was not possible to do this movie, in this matter of time, without a solid rehearsal period.
As one who loves literature, art, music and history, I've been deeply rooted in the Harlem Renaissance for many years.
As far as pacing the shoot is concerned, I know when I've got it. I don't think there's any reason to take ten takes unless you need them.
A director just pushes them a little this way or that way.
You know the great irony is that people think you have to have money to enjoy fine food, which is a shame.
What I bring to the table is a huge enthusiasm and love for this stuff.
Well, we don't take money from people and then show the product. It has to be a product that we like anyway, and that's true for all five of us, which is one of the really nice things about the way we make the show.
We're not out to turn rugged straight guys into weenies who paint their fingernails.
Thom is one of those wonderful people to cook for because he absolutely loves it, just loves it. He loves to eat and drink and he'd be a great guest at any dinner party.