“On the 'X-Files' our attitude always was respect the audience.” — David Nutter

I've never directed an opening episode of 'GoT' before, until season 8, but I think it's really important to make a splash. You have to reset the table, put everyone back in their place, you have to take them to their next position. But you have to entertain, that's what's most important.

Whenever I get any of the 'Game of Thrones' scripts, it's always like, 'oh my God, how am I going to do this?' It's a sort of performance anxiety about being able to do a good job.

Talent is No. 1. No. 2 is being at the right place at the right time.

I always had in the back of my mind to go to L.A. because that's where the opportunities would fall into place.