Debra Messing Quotes

I can hear what I want [people] to play. If you don't hear what you want someone to play, then you can't tell 'em.

You need those people to also have power and authority, and in a way that has been the story of my career.

The President is going to benefit from me reporting directly to him when I arrive.

In Korea, the director has the final word. If the director makes a decision, that decision is final. In Hollywood, every decision needs to go through the producer, the studio, and sometimes even the main actor. There is a certain procedure that needs to be followed.

In every shoot, between the actor and the director there is manipulation. I'm not saying that negatively. It's healthy.

A lot of times, actors give so much power to the producers and the producing companies because, quite frankly, they have it. But we don't take the limited power that we have, which the power you initially have is to say 'no.' But 'no' in a positive way.

The big difference between the radio show and the TV work is that I don't have to work by committee on the radio show. I'm the DJ; I can play what I want and suffer or get praised by that. With a TV show, it's much more of a collaboration, and the song that I might think is perfect may get shot down and vice versa.

Democracy can tie your hands in a rock 'n' roll band, you know? It can be a great thing, but if you've got a certain amount of vision and you write a lot of songs, it's sometimes better to have your own band and make your own decisions.

It's all about who's where on the food chain. When I'm the story editor, I expect my writers to follow my vision. When I'm working for another editor, I'm obliged to follow their vision.

As to mere power I have been for years in the daily exercise of more personal authority than any President habitually enjoys.

At all levels, but especially at the top, politics is about people.

I am polite and I usually always consult them [Congressional leaders]. I don't ask their permission. I just consult them.

I feel incredibly passionate about 'Bunheads,' but the network was not supportive of the show, and you have to have that.

I think any director is intimidating.

The producer should decide what kind of music is being made, what it's going to sound like - all of it: the why, when, and how.

I can only go with my gut and say what I would like to do, and then my producer comes in and makes it happen.

Stars have no say in the release of a film. There are too many factors involved.

It was okay but then I found myself in that position of being merely a screenwriter. And you are merely the screenwriter, and there's no way around it. You don't have the same clout as the director.

A producer has to want you. And if the producer trusts you and asks for your vision, it frees you up so much, not having to explain or fight for every decision. You're allowed to create.

Luckily, as a director I can just tell people what I need and I don't need to tell them how to get it.

I don't like to write a script unless I know who the artist is. A lot of people can do it without that, and that's cool, but I like to look at the art.

Directing was a big learning experience for me because I had to deal with every aspect of everything-all this constant decision-making, with people asking you questions at every moment, and you have to have answers for them all.

When you see the documentary, you'll see that there were parallels. Michael and I both wanted Daniel Craig, and it was the same as it was for Cubby and Harry when they wanted Sean [Connery]. The studio wanted a star and wanted an American, and wanted this and that, but they determined, "No, it's Sean Connery."

[On power:] Some people really have almost a disdain for that word. They feel it is alien to conscience. Power for power's sake, no. But the positive use of power for positive purposes is very important. You have to understand that. You've got to have a seat at the policy table if you want to make a difference.

Throughout whatever I do, I always just say "Director" first. I am directing the storylines and I'm creating what it is.