indieWIRE invited all of the directors in the U.S. dramatic and documentary competition to participate in an email interview as a way of introducing them to our readers. The following is Noah Baumbach's response, who's film, "The Squid and the Whale," is screening in the dramatic competition.

Please tell us about yourself and include as much of the following information as you feel comfortable with:

Age. 35. Where you were born? Brooklyn, NY Where you grew up. Where you live. I grew up in Park Slope, Brooklyn. I live in Manhattan now.

Did you go to film school? Or how did you learn about filmmaking?
I learned about filmmaking from going to movies and making them.

Where did the initial idea for your film come from?
From my own experience.

What are your biggest creative influences (this could include other filmmakers or films)?
My girlfriend and "Claire's Knee".

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in either developing the project or making the movie?
Getting the money. That's no fun at all.

Tell us about the moment you found out that you were accepted into Sundance, where were you? And we'd love to hear more about how you've spent the last month preparing for the festival.
I've been finishing the movie. We just sent the print out today. I checked the weather in Utah -- there's fog, but hopefully the planes will land by Monday.

What do you hope to get out of the festival, what are your own goals for the experience?
I'd like to sell my movie and see a lot of good movies.

What is your definition of independent film
Movies I like.

If you were given $10 million to be used for moviemaking, how would you spend it?
I'd make a ten million dollar film.

Since Sundance 2005 begins on Inauguration Day, what advice would you give President Bush as he begins his second term?
Since the election I've been pretending that he didn't win -- if I answer this question I will go into a very dark and sad place.

What are some of your favorite films, and why?
When I was four it was the Errol Flynn Robin Hood movie and Captain Blood. In junior high, it was The Jerk and Stripes. In college, Jules and Jim and Goodfellas. Now, it's all those movies. Recently I watched the TV versions of Scenes From A Marriage and Fanny and Alexander. I love both of those.

What was your top ten list for 2004?
Since I made a movie this year I didn't go to the theater very often. Here are three I liked in no real order:
Dogville
Kill Bill Volume 2
Vera Drake
My favorite was The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, but I also co-wrote that one.