Who was going to direct?
So when I found out that Bill Condon was directing, I was thrilled.
Then it was a matter of finding out what his approach would be and what the script was.
Credit: Ron Eshel/Invision/AP
It was both exhilarating and challenging at the same time.
Consequently, we wrote a brand-new song.
Its a passionate love story and its got a lot of depth.
And he never lived to see it.
All of the Disney movies youve worked on are beloved.
It was a huge Broadway show.
Thats a responsibility I take seriously.
And Howard was there.
It was not yet acknowledged that Howard was ill, but it was very clear that he was ill.
But it was secret.
Boy, I mean, if thats not an unforgettable day, I dont know what is.
Neither Emma Watson nor Dan Stevens had much experience singing before this.
How are their performances?The results ended up being wonderful.
You know, I think both of them had a lot of trepidation.
They were self-protective and they were open to our input.
We worked very closely with them.
It was hard work and it was so worth it.
Theres clearly an insatiable appetite for Beauty and the Beast.
[Laughs] I cant wait for that one!
Pictured above is the sheet music to one of the new songs written for the live-action movie.
