Skateboarding was everything to us growing up. It changes the way you see the world: you spend all day looking for ditches.

Here's the thing that people don't understand: I don't really care. I've never been a careerist. It's not a strategy. I react to certain characters and story lines and specific mode of filmmaking.

When I was a kid, I loved Nicholas brothers films. It was like skateboarding. Even Gene Kelly: I always preferred him to Fred Astaire, just because he was more athletic, like skateboarding.

I tried working odd jobs that had nothing to do with creating, and it was difficult for me. In the end, I just always loved movies. When I'm making a film, I feel most alive, like I'm doing the right thing, and I'm in the place where I need to be.

Rosa Parks' courage, determination, and tenacity continue to be an inspiration to all those committed to non-violent protest and change nearly half a century later.

I don't have a mentor in the strict definition. I take as much advice and inspiration as I can from the people I am close to.

It's not about motivation. It's about what's driven inside of you.

There is such a big chunk of me that is David Attenborough. I think he is my biggest inspiration.