clipped from www.thetimes.co.za

What is it like working in Hollywood?

There isn’t really such a place, it’s a sign on a hill, more of a state of mind, I think. But it’s great to be there because it’s the place where people who want to do films gravitate to, and there are people from all over the world who are very good at what they do in a fairly confined place. That’s both intimidating and exciting, because the competition is huge and there are lots of people whose dreams don’t come true. It’s a very strange place. For me, the best thing is to stay just outside of that world, near the beach. I surf with some friends who have nothing to do with the movie business and they keep me grounded.

Was the Oscar your golden ticket to that world?

Oh, no question. I’ve always said, “Do the best you can”. Young film makers always say, “Who do I have to meet?”.

I never really met people, my films got noticed and I hope they got noticed because I made them as well as I could.