You have to have a strong idea for a hit movie, a strong core idea that resonates emotionally. It also has to technically achieve its goal - it's got to be well-written, well-paced, and interestingly told.

I have always felt that my career was not going to be a straight shot up, but more of a kind of rolling wave, so that I could raise my children. So I got pregnant when I was the head of production at a studio, and I became chairperson at a bigger studio when I was pregnant with my second daughter. You just do it!

The bulk of my calls are from agents who are letting you know about material that's coming your way.

I had a passion to not be a secretary forever. I was mindful of the customary career trajectory, and I knew I had to do something remarkable.