"I don't call four hours a miniseries." — David L. Wolper

We couldn't predict what would happen with 'Roots.' You knew there were powerful moments that were going to affect people. We were making the film while the book was being completed. We were fortunate because the hardcover book was out and on the best-seller list. The heat was still on.

There's a fine line between patriotism and corn.

Sometimes if you tell me what a story is about in just a few sentences, I can tell you if it's going to be a success.

Why is it that if you hit a shot to within a tenth of an inch of the hole, it's a great shot, but if it goes in, it's luck?

Motion pictures are a director's medium. Broadway is a writer's medium. Television is a producer's medium. I picked a medium I could control.

I had been an independent entrepreneur from the beginning, and I felt I could do it myself. I didn't want to get a job.

I make the money, and I don't have to take the abuse some of the stars do, opening up their personal life. I can go into a restaurant, sit down, and have a nice meal without being harassed. Arnold Schwarzenegger can't do that.

I did not intend for there to be an incisive historical lesson in 'North and South.' Basically, it's just a good, juicy story.

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I don't call four hours a miniseries.