Stephen Frears

Audiences aren't fools - their judgement really is important. And the true heroes of films are the investors. They take the risk, after all.

I like making films about different cultures. I'm interested in things that I've never encountered before. I try to put myself in the audience's position.

I remember reading the script for 'Dangerous Liaisons' and thinking that I could quite happily spend the rest of my life watching this film; the story and the writing were so wonderful.

It is good to be in front of the lens to appreciate more being behind the lens.

I want the BBC to be a mass market public service broadcaster still funded by the licence fee... and the licence fee is more durable than many people in the commercial sector believe.