Michelle MacLaren

I did every odd job you could possibly imagine: Holding a sign in the rain for 14 hours straight, sweeping up cigarette butts, pouring coffee, running around - anything I could to be on a film set. I wanted to be in the business. So I'd say, 'You need that job done? Fine,' and I became indispensable to people.

Sometimes I forget to say 'cut' because I am so lost in the performance.

I really want to be part of things from the ground up wherever possible. Not to say that I'm not open to being a gun for hire - I am, absolutely - but I really enjoy developing.

I seem to gravitate toward the dark side of things when it comes to directing. I love action, but I love the drama as well.

I always say, 'I love producing, but directing is my passion,' and for a while, I had to produce to support my directing habit.

I love television. Television is a great medium; I'm fortunate enough to direct amazing television.

Breaking Bad' was a magical, amazing experience. I'm honored to have been a part of it.

I approach an action sequence almost like a mathematical problem. Sometimes you get these action sequences that you read and go, 'Oh my God, this is huge, how do I do it?' and I go, 'Just a step at a time. Sit down and plot each piece of it out.'

I love the dark comedy in 'Breaking Bad.'

I'm not surprised that I tend to go for the dark side. I was a really scared kid, so I think I understand what scares people.

After I directed for the first time, I wanted to call every director I'd ever worked with and apologize. In television you are tasked with shooting 42 minutes, or whatever, in eight days. That's not a lot of time.

Once Upon a Time in the West' is one of my favorite films.