The Dialogue: An Interview with Screenwriter Billy Ray2007

Billy Ray:
[Discussing whether his experiences as a writer/director has made him want only to write for himself to direct on future projects] I didn't get into this business to direct. I got into this business to work with great directors. And I am not a great director, so it would be stupid of me to limit myself to working only with me. You know, I'd rather go write a movie for Peter Weir; I'd like to write a movie for Ang Lee.

Mike De Luca:
So you're... you still get excited about the prospect of working with directors you admire.

Billy Ray:
Oh yeah. They're better than I am. So of course I'm going to be excited to work with them. They're going to make me a better writer. I got into this business because I value writing. And I want to have my name on a great screenplay. And if a great director will help me get there faster than directing myself... great.