You and Steven already knew each other from past projects but hadn’t worked together in this way before. What helped you make this transition into co-producers?
So we met, oh God, like eight years ago now. I think one of the greatest things about our partnership is that we like listening to each other. I also love that we have similar-but-very-different tastes, so it kind of makes for interesting conversation.
How so?
Even if it's not something we necessarily agree with, in speaking together, we care about what each other's saying, so we want to talk things through. Because I really want to understand, like, “Oh, why do you love this project?” Or “Why shouldn't we do this?”
When you're producing with someone, you really have to build a level of trust with each other. And when you have a company with someone, you definitely have to trust that you're building a slate together that you're really supportive of. I really adore our working relationship because there's a lot of trust there.
Steven and I love to talk about the gray that exists between black and white. Like things just aren't always that simple, and things can be really messy, but messy doesn't necessarily mean bad. It's just... it is what it is. Circumstances are what they are, and your own individual perspective makes them good or bad, but the reality is, it just is what it is, and you just have to work through it and see it for what it is.
I feel like I should give you my therapy copay. (Laughter)
Again, I adore my relationship with Steven, because this breakthrough was born from a conversation we were having. It really changed some of my perspective on life and situations.
I think it makes me, hopefully, a better producer, because, the amount of things that happen on set where you're just like, “Oh my God!” But you don't have to pour so much of your mental, emotional, psychic energy into something that just is. You can just say, “You know what? We have a problem. We have to fix this costume thing. I feel that I'm upset and frustrated, but that's okay. I got to solve the issue. Let's just focus our energy on that and move on.”
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.