Sometimes an actor will stumble on the joke, and I'm right on them. Back it up before the audience hears the bad version of the joke, because humor is 90% surprise. If they know what's coming, they won't laugh as hard. — James Burrows Copy Share Image
Most of the pilots I choose do not have high-concept ideas, so for me it's not the idea as much as the execution of… — James Burrows Copy Share Image
Sometimes an actor will stumble on the joke, and I'm right on them. Back it up before the audience hears the bad version of… — James Burrows Copy Share Image
I know what's funny, and I probably know the best way to deliver the joke. Whether it's walking out of a room, facing that… — James Burrows Copy Share Image
Script comes first, then the actors, then you gotta be lucky enough to get the right time slot. Then people have to watch. — James Burrows Copy Share Image
My father was weaned on books. I'm halfway between being weaned on books and weaned on television. And if you're weaned on television, you're… — James Burrows Copy Share Image
I have a fun clause in my contract. If I'm not having fun, I can leave. — James Burrows Copy Share Image
Networks are reluctant to take a chance. They put on shows that they know will work on some level, but to get the innovative… — James Burrows Copy Share Image
I'll tell you what I love about directing: the surprise. You never know what's going to happen with your piece until an audience weighs… — James Burrows Copy Share Image
I remember on the pilot of 'Will and Grace' some executives from NBC saying to me, 'There are too many gay jokes.' I said,… — James Burrows Copy Share Image
The best thing for an actor is to try it his way. The way they do it may not work, but it may inspire… — James Burrows Copy Share Image
On 'Taxi,' I had the great fortune of directing many wonderful episodes, none more classic than Reverend Jim's driving test. It was maybe the… — James Burrows Copy Share Image
My father was Abe Burrows, who was a Broadway legend. 'Guys and Dolls,' 'How to Succeed,' 'Cactus Flower,' '40 Karats,' 'Can-Can,' 'Happy Hunting,' 'Reclining… — James Burrows Copy Share Image
