I am Matt Ross, writer/director of CAPTAIN FANTASTIC, Ask Me Anything!

What's your favorite " consider the animal" line from Silicon Valley?

The bulldog. Personally, I LOVE bulldogs. And the lines were so funny. I've always wanted one, but they have such horrible health problems. But they're so insanely cute.

Plus, I THINK (could be wrong, my memory isn't great) it was the first time we did the gag.

Really looking forward to seeing Captain Fantastic, it sounds wonderful. Is there any special challenge when working with child actors?

And as far as Silicon Valley goes (currently my favorite show), what's your dream storyline for Gavin in season 4?

Please see it! Working with kids presents many challenges. Many had never acted before or only had a little experience. But it's really about patience. Allowing them to explore and play. Kids don't have the idea that it's a "job," they don't think, as adults do, "this must be good because it's my profession." They show up to play - to talk and listen and explore. If you create a place for them to do that, and are patient, and play with them, ask them to try it different ways - it's a huge pleasure. And make sure their blood sugar levels don't drop too low. Their parents and on-set guardian helps with that: fruit or whatever.

I would love to see more of Gavin's personal life in Season 4. We know nothing about him. Plus, I'd love to see him behave in ways we haven't seen before. Anything surprising. Lastly, I want him to hire some UFC fighter to spar with him. I think Gavin would definitely fancy himself a "real" fighter - something that's patently absurd, impossible, and untrue.

Matt! I'm looking forward to checking out Captain Fantastic.

I'm a huge fan of your portrayal of Gavin Belson. How much collaboration is there between you, Mike Judge & Alec Berg? The way you portray this cut-throat, but clueless CEO is amazing. There are these little looks and inflections you do that just add to the character so much. I love watching your performances.

Yes, thank you, please check it out! Filming is always collaborative. I come in with a take, they watch, give notes, and I adjust. But they write it. They come up with the situations and the stories. Mike created the character. I just try to make him a complex, real, varied, human being - given whatever I'm asked to say or whatever circumstance Gavin finds himself in. But thanks for your kind words. Those looks and inflections are really just me trying to find nuance and be a three-dimentional guy who thinks he's doing the right thing, at all times. Which, of course, is the source of much of the comedy, as it relates to Gavin.

This is a partial list of the Directors that you have worked with as an actor:

Terry Gilliam, John Woo, Woody Allen, Whit Stillman, Mary Harron, Martin Scorsese, George Clooney, Wayne Wang,
Mike Judge

It is a pretty breathtaking list. What sets the great directors apart? What do these people have in common that you observed?

Excellent question. There are as many kinds of directors as there are people, of course. So it's difficult to answer. Of that list, they all had something remarkable, something unique to them. But really, there is no "secret sauce." If there is a commonality, it would be attention to detail, ability to adapt, openness, and a wilingness to play, and play well with other.

Since you were actually there who had the best business card?

Timothy Bryce? Paul Allen? Patrick Bateman? David Van Patten?

Clearly, the best business card was had by Timothy Bryce, Paul Allen, Patrick Bateman, David Van Patten, and Luis Carruthers.

I've noticed that you haven't been in a feature-length movie in a really long time, is it a case where you prefer working in TV more or is there another reason why?

How was it like working with the great Bruce Dern and Harry Dean Stanton on Big Love?

Lastly, how was directing Viggo in Captain Fantastic?

TV has become my bread-and-butter as an actor for many reasons. One - I can actually get good parts, parts that if there in a film would go to someone way more famous than I Two - I don't actively pursue acting anymore, perfering to spend my time writing and trying to make those scripts into films. I audition very rarely. So I tend to only audition for things I really love, like Silicon Valley. I worked very briefly with Mr. Dern, but he was so nimble and smart and his work was excellent. With Harry Dean, I worked for many years. I love him. You never catch that man acting. He's a legend. Same goes for Viggo. He is truly one of our greats. A complex, nuanced, seemless, deep actor. And artist. He's an extraordinary human being.

Let's address the elephant in the room. What hair gel do you use?

No gel. Shower. Comb hair back. Apply Kiehls Creme with Silk Groom. Let dry. When dry, run fingers through hair. Awesomeness ensues.

What was it like working with Christian Bale on "American Psycho"

Additionally, what was it like meeting Lady Gaga during filming of "American Horror Story: Hotel" and would you return to the series in future?

Christian largely kept to himself. He was in character all the time he was on set, then would workout (as he had to be in sick shape) during his off-time. Having said that, he was always collaborative, inventive, and lovely. He's a great dude and it was so much fun trying to kiss him in the bathroom. Ha. Lady Gaga was very sweet to me, but really, we only had two scenes together, shot over the course of a single day, so I didn't work with her much. As an actor, she was very open, brave, and clearly cared deeply about the craft. I sincerely doubt that I'll return. But it's up to them. If they write me in, and I'm available, I'll come back.

When you pitched Viggo on Captain Fantastic, which animal did you have him consider?

Ha. Pretty sure he's never seen the show. Though it does love comedy. A deer?

What film is your guilty pleasure?

Point Break. The first one. LOVE IT. Johnny Utah!

My girlfriend is a huge fan of the Rose Red mini series from the early 2000's. What was your favorite part about filming it?

First off, getting to eat all the pasta and cake and ice cream and all the beer I drank - as I had to gain almost 45-50 pounds. That lasted about three weeks. Then I was in HELL. So uncomfortable and unhealthy and unhappy. BUt I loved playing that character. He said what no one else would. He was a truth-teller. And I love the cast. We all had so much fun.

Also, being in Seattle, I city I love.

When you first read your script for American Horror Story: Murder House, did it even come to your mind how big this show would be someday?

No, idea. And honestly, my part was truly a tiny, tiny part of it. Really only there for that one season. I like and respect that show, it's very brave and bold, but my time was extremely short there and my contribution minimal. What it became has nothing to do with me.

What was it like working with Martin Scorsese?

A dream. The man is a master. And so kind. I would go to work on days I wasn't called just to watch him work. He's so inclusive as well. We'd have conversations about film, and if I hadn't seen whatever film he was talking about, he'd send it to my trailer. Too much to say about it here, but suffice it to say, it was one of the most special times, as an actor, I've ever had.

People tend to look back on satire as if it predicted the future (Network, Idiocracy) instead of seeing that it was mocking and exaggerating the present. Do you think that's true? Do you think Silicon Valley will be looked back on as prescient, when it seems to be accurately skewering the present?

Yes, I agree. Though both those examples were extremes at the time and have since become far more like reality. In the case of SV, I think it IS the present. Every day, many times a day, people who work in Tech come up to me and say our show is absolutey true, and perhaps not even extreme enough.

Where do you write? Got an office at home? How many hours a day did you usually spend on it? How many drafts until everybody said OK LET'S GO?

I used to have an office that was a 15 min walk, 5 min bike ride. Now I'm trying to create one in my house. I try and drive my kids to school, work out, then write until I pick them up. Then after they go to bed. If things are cookin', I'll ask my wife to get them and write until dinner. For CF, I wrote 6 drafts before I ever showed it to my producers. But after the third draft, showed it to some very close friends for feedback. I have a "brain trust" now, after years of doing this, people I know and love and trust, people who are very critical, but also constructive. Then once you hire actors, drafts continue.

How much did you know about coding/computers before Silicon Valley?

My brother can code and I was around him growing up, saw him playing with it. He used to make games and codes now for a living. But not me. I know little about coding. But I've used computers my whole life - to write, to edit videos, to work with photos, etc. I'm relatively savvy, but not compared to people who actually work in that industry.

I loved the Silicon Valley scene where Gavin delivers a eulogy for Peter Gregory - do you know what the planned backstory for the feud between them was?

No, I don't know. I believe that was still being developed and tragically - because of Chris' shocking and untimely death - it was never explored in the pages I saw.

But I THINK it had something to do with them developing a company together and then growing apart or fighting over some part of it. Maybe they wanted to take it in different directions or simply had such different views of what they were doing and why. You'd have to ask Mike Judge though.

Who is better at chess? Action Jack Barker or you?

I am. Of course. You have to ask that? Are you drunk?! Plus, Jack cheats. He'll deny it, but he has a chess champion (can't legally name him) monitor - in real time - his matches and the guy tells him what to do. Not cool, Jack, NOT COOL.

Who's your favorite character from Silicon Valley?

Impossible to answer. But my 9-year-old LOVES Jian Yang (Jimmy O. Yang), thinks he's the funniest man who's ever walked the earth. And he may be right.

Although Charles and Nora didn't had a very romantic relationship, you and Lily Rabe had so much chemistry working together! What was it like to work with her?

That's cool that you thought that! Lily is so talented it's scary. She deserves to be a huge star. Loved working with her. She was the main reason I wanted to do the show and I wish I could act with her again. The process was not unusual though. We just talk and listen, try and play off each other, be present and open to what the other person is doing. Easy with her. She's such a complex actress, so talented.

Hey Matt,

I saw Cap Fantastic this weekend and I really enjoyed it. I have a question about one of the scenes on the bus, where one of the daughters is reading Lolita. Her analysis seems to hew closely to the thrust of Viggo's character. My question is, how that scene came to you and why you chose to slot it where you did?

Also, how much physical conditioning did the kids have to do? Because damn.

I think that analysis was my own, from when I first read the book, in High School. I thought it was imporant to not only SAY that the kids had strong analytical skills, were critical thinkers, but to SHOW it as well. George MacKay, once cast, did yoga 3-4 hours a day. He also did some crossfit. Everyone had to sign a contract saying, for the length of the film, that they'd eat well (no sugar or junk food) and take care of themselves. They all did rockclimbing every day, some Judo and jujitsu training. But mainly, I asked them to eat well and get some sleep.

What was it like working on ''Murder House'' with Ryan Murphy?

Ryan didn't direct any of the episodes that I was in. Can't remember who directed that one. Sorry....

Hi Matt, how are you today?

I haven't seen Captain Fantastic yet (my tickets are booked!) but it seems all the kids, and Viggo, have some sort of cool talent. Apart from writing and directing and acting... what would you say your cool talent was?

Thanks for booking the tickets! Much appreciated! Hope you like it. My cool talent... I'm decent at "art," drawing and painting and sculpture. Always been a doodler. If that's an actual word. Not sure that qualifies as "cool."

Who would you like to direct what you haven't worked with before?

Assuming you mean, something I haven't written? I've been offered many things, many excellent, but I think for the forseeable future, I will only direct what I write. Though I'm very open to adapting novels that I love. There is something, for me, far more profound about this approach. And frankly, the only way I know how I can make it good.

You have had a long and successful acting career, and are now starting a new path as a Director. Does it feel as risky and nerve racking as when you started out as an actor, or do you have a different perspective on things now?

• I was just told that there were some questions left unanswered. I either missed this question - or it was asked after I logged off. I'll answer now and sorry for the delay.

No, it doesn't feel risky. When I started as an actor I had the same attitude. Which is - everything is a risk. Every job is difficult. Though, perhaps, being freelance, constantly being a "work for hire," constantly having to bring your wares to market, as it were, is particularly arduous and unnerving. But really, if it's something you love, you just have to pursue it. Who knows if you'll be able to make a living, but if you love it, you will at least find some peace in being creatively challenged and satisfied. So, honestly, I don't really think in those terms.

What is the most underrated film and performance you know of? (My choice would be A Face in the Crowd.)

Gary Oldman in TINKER, TAILOR, SOLDIER, SPY delivers one of the quietest, most complex, most subtle performances in recent memory. He does NOTHING and at the same time, EVERYTHING. Absolutely brilliant and so brave to trust the audience in the way he does. A master.

Awesome seeing you here! I love your character in Silicon Valley. What I like the most is the interactions with Denpok. How is he in real life? Are your interactions with him the same?

And do you have any big upcoming movies/shows in the future?

Bernard White plays Denpok. He's amazing. The coolest guy. So smart and kind and funny. In real life, we talk about... "life." Our careers, our wives, our hopes and dreams, the business, movies, books, etc. I love hanging out with him and am always so happy when we get to act together.

I'm writing 3 movies to direct now. Hope that will be next for me. But in terms of acting, just Silicon Valley.

Did you have actors in mind when writing the script for Captain Fantastic? Or do you find somebody who can act like you imagine the character would act?

How was working with Viggo Mortensen?

No, I didn't. You never know who will be available, nor who you'll have access to. I try to see what people bring, for those who audition, and see if it illuminates the character in ways I either didn't imagine or ways I did. I can't say enough positive things about working with Viggo. Far too much to address here. Suffice it to say, he's one of our greats. It was an honor and a pleasure.

How did you get your first short int sundance?

I just submitted it. I'd made probably 5 or 6 shorts before I submitting one, however.

How do you like to give direction? Do you like to keep it simple or go really in depth and complex?

Depends on the actor. There are as many kinds of actors as there are people. Some like to talk a great deal, some don't want to hear or say a word before doing it. Your job, as the director, is to understand what each actor needs and create a safe environment for them to exercise their process.

Do you have any advice on set control?

Be kind to EVERYONE. Treat everyone how you'd like to be treated. Make sure your First AD is kind and level-headed and does not yell. This person represents you and the tone of the whole film. I expect people to show up to work and to work hard, as I do.

For a career in film and tv, what is more important than who you know? If one is abrasive or horrible at playing politics, what are their chances of succeeding in your opinion if all else was equal?

Are you asking before you're an actor and want to get into the industry? If so, I'd say "who you know" is largely unimportant. Dont' wait to be cast. Be active and make your own content.

In terms of the politics question, I don't know. Depends on the individual. Personally, I wouldn't want any one representing me who was abrasive or horrible, nor would I ever vote for such a person.

Thanks for doing this, Matt; I really enjoy your work!

My question goes way back to PCU: Is Jeremy Piven as a big a dick in real life as his reputation says he is? Thanks!

• I was just told that there were some questions left unanswered. I either missed this question - or it was asked after I logged off. I'll answer now and sorry for the delay.

Ah.... never was to me. In fact, he was always the opposite: kind and inclusive.

How did you break into Hollywood and the entertainment industry?

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Everyone's story is different. I went to Juilliard for theatre and, very briefly, NYU for film. (My entire childhood, I acted in theatre and made films). After I graduated, I just auditioned, wrote, took the money I made as an actor and made short films.

is this seat taken?

Ha. Yes, it is. And I, Gavin Belson, am sitting in it.

Hi Mr. Ross! Do you have any directorial advice? Thank you :~)

Read the scripts of the films you love. Analyze what the director did to translate that story. What they retained, changed, eliminated.

Then make films. Short ones to begin. As many as possible. Learn by doing.

Just don't go into debt. No one makes money from shorts, and even rarely from indie features, anymore.

Is Bill Paxton one of the coolest actors going? He looks like such a generic all American movie actor, but always brings something super interesting to his roles. If he looked like Steve Buscemi he'd be recognized as a national treasure.

Yes, loved working with Bill. Great man. Bill was nothing but always so kind and generous with me. And I agree, he always brings something special.

You have a unique perspective on supporting characters, as a writer/director and actor. What makes a small two scene, twenty line supporting character stand out? What do you do in practical terms, to make sure that they pop?

I don't really think in those terms, honestly. Just try to be honest and real and find some complexity and humanity. And, of course, it all depends on what's written, what you're asked or required to do.

Do you brush your teeth before or after breakfast?

Both. And neither. Depends on they day.

Nucleus or Pied Piper?

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Nucleus! Obviously!

Is there any particular movie that inspired you to pursue career in film making? Can you name the ones you consider the most influential for you?

*I was just told that there were some questions left unanswered. I either missed this question - or it was asked after I logged off. I'll answer now and sorry for the delay.

Too many to name. I could easily make a list of 100 movies. But early on, I was deeply moved by BRAZIL, BLADE RUNNER, THE GODFATHER 1 and 2, THE CONVERSATION, APOCALYPSE NOW, and I loved ANNIE HALL.

Maybe this is too far to get responded to but I'll ask anyway. Did you watch film of Steve jobs in meetings or talk with those who knew him when developing the extreme version of him you play in Silicon Valley?

*I was just told that there were some questions left unanswered. I either missed this question - or it was asked after I logged off. I'll answer now and sorry for the delay.

No, I didn't base Gavin on anyone, living or dead. He's his own person, as it were. I have read many biographies of Tech giants, however, just to learn about the culture and the personalities.

Will there be a sequel to Captain Fantastic titled The Brown Dirt Cowboy?

• I was just told that there were some questions left unanswered. I either missed this question - or it was asked after I logged off. I'll answer now and sorry for the delay.

Ah.... no. I honestly didn't know that album existed when I titled the film that.

I saw a stop sign with a small sticker on it that said "Pure Matt Ross" in the style of the Pure Michigan theme. Was that you?

Example: http://www.milodging.org/sites/default/files/post-thumbnails/pure-michigan1.jpg

• I was just told that there were some questions left unanswered. I either missed this question - or it was asked after I logged off. I'll answer now and sorry for the delay.

Nope. Must have been another Matt Ross. We are LEGION!

Looks like you've finished, but in case you read this, I'd like to know if you'd ever consider playing the role of Joseph Smith? (since I think you have an uncanny resemblance to him). Your acting was fantastic as Alby in Big Love, and you have the creep factor nailed.

• I was just told that there were some questions left unanswered. I either missed this question - or it was asked after I logged off. I'll answer now and sorry for the delay.

Didn't realize that! Hmm. Thanks for the kind words. I suppose if the opportunity was presented, sure!

What's your advice for young aspiring writer/directors like myself?

• I was just told that there were some questions left unanswered. I either missed this question - or it was asked after I logged off. I'll answer now and sorry for the delay.

Write. Write. And write some more. Like Malcolm Gladwell says, it takes 10,000 hours to be decent at anything. Read the screenplays to every film you love. Watch thousands of films. And make them. Over and over and over again. Just don't go into debt making them. Get an inexpensive camera, learn to edit, and make hundreds of them. Eventually, you'll learn your craft and make something great.

Do you have any producing advice, like financing a film?

• I was just told that there were some questions left unanswered. I either missed this question - or it was asked after I logged off. I'll answer now and sorry for the delay.

Hmmm. You mean, advice on how to finance a film? Or how to be an producer? Those are very different questions. If it's the first, the only real advice I can give is: do NOT go into debt financing a film. Most micro-budget films never get their money back. Is it for you to direct? If so, buy or rent a Canon 5D and make something for nothing. Learn the craft and eventually, move up in scale and ambition. If the question is how to finance a film, I really don't know. Other than friends/family and places like Kickstarter and Indiegogo.

I've read that Viggo Mortensen is a very reclusive actor who doesn't like the fame elements of the film industry and therefore is pretty choosy about what he makes. I haven't seen Cap Fantastic yet (will soon!) but it seems like it was perfect casting from the premise. How did you go about getting him on board the film? Was he the first person you cast or in the midst of that process?

• I was just told that there were some questions left unanswered. I either missed this question - or it was asked after I logged off. I'll answer now and sorry for the delay.

Awesome, please see it! Viggo was cast in the traditional way: I sent the script to his agents/managers, they read it, and they sent it to him. He read it and liked it enough to meet me. And yes, he was the first person cast.

What was it like directing Viggo Mortensen?

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Best way to answer it is just to say that he's an insanely talented actor who never has a false moment. You never catch him "acting." My job, as the director, is to identify an actor's process and then create a safe environment where their process can flourish. But really, it's all about communication and collaboration.

What was George Clooney like as a first time director?

• I was just told that there were some questions left unanswered. I either missed this question - or it was asked after I logged off. I'll answer now and sorry for the delay.

If you're referring to GOOD NIGHT AND GOOD LUCK, that wasn't George's first film as a director. I believe that was CONFESSIONS OF A DANGEROUS MIND. On GOOD NIGHT - George was so open and collaborative, really loved the actors, and may very well be the most inclusive and kind man I've ever met.

How would you describe story? What is story to you?

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A journey of some kind. Can be internal or external, metaphorical or literal. Events/actions/moments that illuminate the human condition, illuminate, in some way, what it is to be human.

What was it like working with Christian Bale? What as he like on set as Patrick Bateman?

Christian was "in character" most of the time and tried to keep to himself while filming. What he had to do was so difficult and I believe it was just easier for him to always be focused, always be in that world. Though you'd have to ask him; I was just an observer. He's an extraordinarily dedicated actor. If he were as famous then, as he is now, he would have been Oscar nominated for that performance. It's absolutely brilliant.

What was the great Mary Harron like as a director? Where did she disappear to after, seems ironic but when she directed film about a "serial killer" she slipped from the headlines. lol jokes :~)

*I was just told that there were some questions left unanswered. I either missed this question - or it was asked after I logged off. I'll answer now and sorry for the delay.

Talk about inclusive and collaborative! Mary is incredible. Such an insightful, brilliant mind, and such a warm and collaborative person. Mary has continued to write and direct - some television, some feature films - so she hasn't "slipped from the headlines." Maybe only seems that way because that movie was such a topic of discussion at the time.

What do you think Washington state needs to do to attract big production companies to come over here?

Geographically, Washington has almost everything you could want in one state.

*I was just told that there were some questions left unanswered. I either missed this question - or it was asked after I logged off. I'll answer now and sorry for the delay.

That's a state government question. Sadly, films are really only made in states with tax incentives anymore. If they want film production in that state, they need to offer attractive incentives.

Absolutely love love love your performance in The Aviator, which is my favorite film of all time. What was it like to work with Leo and Scorsese?

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Man, that was a dream. They're both such amazing artists. And such dedicated, hardworking people. I learned so much from them both. Mostly about not being satisfied, not resting until every stone is unturned, striving for excellence, constantly and continuously.

Hey Matt sorry that I'm late and may have missed the party! A lot of American Horror Story fans love getting unknown information about any and all season's,such as Evan Peter's stating he was originally supposed to portray the character Tristian in Hotel. Have you ever been approached to play a part in Asylum, Coven, and or Freak Show? If so, what was the part and or role? Love your work! Thanks!

• I was just told that there were some questions left unanswered. I either missed this question - or it was asked after I logged off. I'll answer now and sorry for the delay.

No, was never approached to play any other part myself. Just the good doctor.

What's your favorite type of icecream?

• * I was just told that there were some questions left unanswered. I either missed this question - or it was asked after I logged off. I'll answer now and sorry for the delay.

Mint chocolate chip.

How big is your dick?

If you ask an inappropriate question, you get an inappropriate answer. So in that spirit....

Bigger than you can possibily imagine, my friend. Bigger than you can possibly imagine.