Quotes from David L. Wolper

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

People don't buy and sell art based on the personality of the artist. Or there wouldn't be much art bought and sold.

The minute I went into business, I was a success, and I've done well ever since.

I believe that religion and politics should not mix. Both should be a part of somebody's life - but not together.

I couldn't get my first film on the air. The first film I did was called 'The Race For Space,' about the U.S.-Soviet space race. The networks had a policy that I found out about the hard way. I even had a sponsor for my program, but the networks wouldn't put it on because it was independently produced.

For a two-hour movie on a 20-day shooting schedule, it's O.K. to have an actor who's a pain in the neck.

I liked the clear morality of 1941, when you had no doubt about good and evil. There was a lot of idealism, people fighting for a cause. People are searching for morality today.

I've asked every grammar schoolteacher in the nation to have their students write on the meaning of the Statue of Liberty. Wouldn't it be wonderful if the winning kid got up to the microphone and, in front of the world, had to dig into a pocket to pull out a crumpled sheet of paper containing the words that would move us all?

I don't want to make an 'Animal House.' I'm not interested in making 'Ghost Busters.'

I don't fall in love with inanimate objects. I don't bond with them. I only fall in love with people.

What prevailed was that it was a family story, so it didn't matter what the color. It was also the perfect subject matter for a miniseries: A best-selling book, a generational story, a social problem - they all made 'Roots' what a miniseries should be.

I believe a mini-series has two audiences. The first is the media. Then I go for the television audience.

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.

My initial goal for the 1984 opening ceremonies was a show that would be majestic, inspirational, and emotional - a 20 goosebump experience.