Barry Sonnenfeld

I've directed four films starring Will Smith.

Three of them were the first three Men in Black movies, and in spite of them making about $2 billion at the box office, Will Smith never really thought I had a clue.

He wanted to take me to his old high school, point to me, and say, if this man can be a successful film director on big-budget films, anyone can.

The truth is, for all of you here, if I could be a successful director on big-budget films, anyone can.

So I'd like to share with you nine thoughts I have that will help you in your future endeavors.

And the first one is going to be a little disappointing to some of you, which is, there is no upside to optimism.

Okay, let me explain that.

Every time I get off an airplane, I view it as a failed suicide attempt.

That is where embracing pessimism comes in.

You see, as soon as I buckle in, I turn to sweetie, my wife, and I say, this plane is going to crash.

Now I can relax, because one of two things happen.

Either the plane starts nosediving towards Earth, at which point I get to elbow Sweetie and gloat, was I right or what?

Or the plane lands successfully and we live.

Win-win.

So always under-promise and over-deliver.

OK, thank you, thank you, thank you.

OK, number two.

Number two is never let anyone know you're working on a comedy.

Now, this may be true specifically for film directors, but it's kind of also true for telling a joke.

OK, you never want anyone to be funny.