On motivating your actors

This entry was published at least two years ago (originally posted on May 31, 2004). Since that time the information may have become outdated or my beliefs may have changed (in general, assume a more open and liberal current viewpoint). A fuller disclaimer is available.

While filming the new Harry Potter film:

…during filming, when [director Alfonzo] Cuaron needed [Daniel] Radcliffe to convey the proper look of astonishment, he took his young charge aside and coached: “Pretend you’re seeing Cameron Diaz in a G-string.” (Cuaron: “It worked. I’ll let audiences guess what shot it is. I don’t want everyone thinking about Cameron Diaz in a G-string.”)

iTunes: “Dance or Die” by Dance or Die from the album German Mystic Sound Sampler Vol. II (1989, 4:05).