The 5-minute Interview: David Parfitt, Independent film and theatre producer

'I didn't think I'd win an Oscar for "Shakespeare in Love"'

(PA)

David Parfitt, 49, has been an independent film and theatre producer for 20 years. He is currently filming "A Bunch of Amateurs" with Burt Reynolds. He is also deputy chairman of the British Academy. The Orange British Academy Film Awards are on 10 February

If I weren't talking to you right now I'd be...

Very busy with the film because we start shooting soon. It's one of the busiest days in pre-production because I have to close the finance.

A phrase I use far too often...

"Everything will be fine.".

I wish people would take more notice of...

Transport. Prices need to be cut and the network needs to be modernised.

The most surprising thing to happen to me was...

Winning an Oscar for Shakespeare in Love. I really didn't imagine that we would win, because all of the buzz surrounded Saving Private Ryan.

A common misperception of me is...

People see producers as being concerned with money, but you're involved in every stage.

I am not a politician but...

I'd halve rail fares!

I'm good at...

Doing jobs at home.

I'm very bad at...

Focusing on the job at hand. I'm easily distracted.

The ideal night out is...

A good film or theatre production followed by a nice meal with my wife.

In moments of weakness I...

Have an extra large glass of red wine and watch Grand Designs.

You know me as a producer but in another life I'd have been...

An architect. I imagine it's highly satisfying.

The best age to be is...

I'm 49, but I'm always happy with whatever age I have been. I'm generally very content.

In a nutshell my philosophy is...

"Don't worry," – everything will work out in the end.

Faye Lewis