Writer-director addresses environmental concerns in ‘Sunshine State'”I could not find a place in Florida that looked deserted any more, because the area where I had once visited and planned to shoot the film has been developed beyond recognition,” Sayles said. “That started me thinking about what change does to the lives of people.””I’m impressed by the range of completely different characters Edie has played, and I worked with Angela before (on 1992’s “Passion Fish”) and know she always brings something special.
“When I hire actors, I give them a biography of the character they will be playing and wait to see what they bring me (in terms of characterization). I don’t even give direction until take three or four, because I want to see how they will handle the role. “That also helps to make it exciting for me, because when you deal with performers like Angela Bassett, you never know what’s going to come out on screen. You hope for something special and usually get it.”