Author

In the moment of making films, I want to share my observations of life, not of other films.

As the years go by and I make more films, I am increasingly interested in capturing place as a vivid backdrop for my films.

Omaha, like Rome, is built on seven hills.

In a sense, 'Schmidt' is the most Omaha of my films. But have I gotten it right? I'm not sure. Did Fellini get Rome right? Did Ozu get Tokyo right?

When I'm shooting, I don't care who the star is. I have an actor playing a part, and I'm serving the script, not serving anyone's career.

I'm hoping one day I can make one really good film.

I still have energy and some degree of youth, which is what a filmmaker needs.

You look at how many years you have left, and you start to think: 'How many more films do I have in me?'

The biggest fear I have is to die with regrets, and of course that will come true.

I want all of my films to belong to me.

Alexander Payne