These questions originally appeared on Quora - the knowledge sharing network where compelling questions are answered by people with unique insights.
Answers by Brad Furman, Director of The Infiltrator, Lincoln Lawyer, on Quora.
A: The minute you start making movies for an audience is the minute that you have thwarted your own internal creative compass. I believe the greatest stories told are from someone's heart, passion, and guts. As a result of this, the movie finds its audience because it speaks to the human condition. I don't believe that prefabricating a creative idea on what you think an audience will like will ever result in anything with gravitas.
...
A: Robert Rodriguez, to fund El Mariachi, allowed people to test on his body to get enough money to make the film. If that man is willing to go through that level of personal sacrifice to be able to make a film, then I am the biggest advocate for crowdfunding ever. I believe you have to do anything and everything you are able to do to get your movie made. That's your job as a filmmaker. And a different, but also very important note: If crowdfunding gives filmmakers the opportunity to express their artistic and creative vision unhindered by third parties, or restrictions or mandates, then it is one of the biggest blessings you could give a filmmaker.
...
A: I wanted to build a familial unit of actors that were my friends, that I trusted, who I knew would give their blood, sweat, and tears to each role. I believe the cornerstone of great performances is trust between the director and the actor, with the added job I have as the director of always making sure you're picking the right person for the right role.