I want to be Willy Wonka. He has a really fun spirited side but also a dark, justice-giver side.

I didn't want to do 'The Fluffy Puppy Learns to Hold Hands!' or 'Kitty Gets a Box to Play In!' There's a place for that for the little ones - some kids need that stuff. But I'm too dark and sarcastic.

My daughter has seen the transition from struggling screenwriter to successful picture book author, and she's enjoyed it very much because she's a wonderful little kid. And she's always believed in her daddy.

I never try to sit down with a moral because kids smell that and run.

I'm the type of person that doesn't quit. I just keep going and give my best effort because I don't want to look back on my life when I'm, like, 80 or 90 and say, 'Man, I wish I would have done this, I wish I would have done that.' I basically go out and do it.

I believe that one of the secret engines that allows cinema to work, and have the marvelous power over us that it does, is the fact that for thousands of years we have spent eight hours every night in a 'cinematic' dream-state, and so are familiar with this version of reality.

You never know where your influences are going to come from, or where you're going to find your inspiration.

I think what I try to do with all the naysayers, negative comments, or even people that think you can't do it, I'm trying very hard to use it as motivation and to add to that chip on my shoulder.