This is why I wanted to be an artist. It may never happen again, but it's happened this one time.

I feel like it's the first time in 25 years of writing that my work has truly been 'realized' the way I intended. I think Phil knows the people I write about, the place, and we share a similar vision, so when we communicate we're in sync. We both feel our collaboration brings out the best in each other, and I am really thrilled with the reception it has received.

That's the first time I'd ever heard of that, ... Usually you hear about actors wanting to change lines.

I have a nice life here. I can concentrate on my work. If I lived in LA or New York, I'd need a full-time job just to cover the cost of living. I don't need to do that here.

On any set, especially a 20-day shoot, there is tension because time is of such essence and a director must be involved with a million things. But Phil creates a safe environment for creativity - all the actors have commented on this. He (Phil) handled the pressure and nerves in an amazingly professional way. Even when things were overwhelming him, very few people knew it. It was a privilege that he let me be there as much as he did, and I was so grateful to be able to experience it.

In (terms of) showbiz/Hollywood lore, I was treated with unheard-of respect on the set - by the actors, crew and Phil. He and I talked about my being there, and I expressed that it might, at times, makes him nervous, which I tried to respect.