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Bryan Singer
Cinemax.com: Bryan Singer

June 11, 2001

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Brandon: In comparing the effects in "The Usual Suspects" with those done in "X-Men" it seems that "X-Men" has more of the digital type effects. As you go more towards doing digital effects does it make your job as a director harder or easier?

Bryan Singer: I think it makes my job longer. To shoot with digital effects in mind, one has to do far more preparation and take time in between takes to get visual references for the computer. This can turn a 40 day schedule into a 120 day schedule depending on the effects. But that extra time does buy you an opportunity to think.

Marty 3: Hello Bryan. Are you currently directing any new movies that will be out in the future?

Bryan Singer: Right now, I am concentrating my efforts on developing a screenplay for "X-Men 2," while at the same time developing the pilot for "Battlestar Galactica," so my plate is pretty full. It is my hope to have the "Battlestar Galactica" pilot shot this year, leaving "X-Men" for early next year. So it may be a while before I have anything in the theaters.

Doodlebug: What is your favorite part of the entire filmmaking process?

Bryan Singer: My favorite part is to have or hear a great idea. Much of my work takes place during the screenplay development where many of these ideas form and when one seems to really work, I get a rush of adrenaline. Also on the set, when an actor does something clever or inspired, or has an idea and it works great on film, that puts me in a real good mood. But most of the time, I just worry.

Marty 3: Hello Bryan. What makes a great director in your opinion?

Bryan Singer: Great collaborators!

Rogue Queen Of Hearts: Hello Bryan. I just wanted to Thank you for making "X-Men." I think you are a terrific director (all of your movies rock). Would you ever make a comedy?

Bryan Singer: I think comedy is the most difficult and challenging kind of filmmaking. My friend, Jay Roach, does comedy, such as "Austin Powers" and "Meet The Parents," and his sense of pace and timing blow me away. Maybe some day, I will feel confident enough to do a straight comedy but for now, I just try to find humor in my dramas.

Typhon 24: What characters have you not yet used that you really would like to use in the "X-Men" universe?

Bryan Singer: There are many, but I fear that if I mention them here, it will be assumed that they will be in the sequel. So I feel uncomfortable mentioning them. So without assuming he will be in the sequel and please, don't assume he will, I do like Beast very much. The mighty pacifist.

Unoriginal: Bryan, do you fear being typecast as a "comic movie guy?"

Bryan Singer: At the moment, I don't, as there are still people out there who remember "The Usual Suspects" and even a few who remember "Apt Pupil." But as time goes on, who knows? So I guess I've got to watch myself.

The Nate Dog: Are you a fan of many comic art, and did you use your preferences toward comic styles in X-men?

Bryan Singer: I am very much a fan of Comic Art. I think the book Marvels was one of the first that really altered the way I looked at comic books, having never read them when I was younger. So, yes, I am a fan, but a recent fan.

Sky Blade: When you first met Kevin Spacey, did you realize he would be one of the preeminent actors of his generation?

Bryan Singer: I didn't know that so many others would consider him that. I only knew that I was a huge fan.

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