I had to trick people into giving me money for my first film. Making a romantic comedy is easier and more expected from a woman than it is to make a drama about a Japanese warrior.

Summary

In this quote, the speaker suggests that it was easier to secure funding for their film by presenting it as a romantic comedy than as a serious drama about a Japanese warrior. They imply that there are certain gender and cultural expectations within the film industry, which narrow down the perceived marketability and potential success of different genres. By "tricking" people into funding their first film, the speaker highlights the challenges faced by filmmakers who wish to pursue less conventional or less "expected" projects that deviate from common stereotypes and preconceived notions.

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