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He is one of Hong Kong's most prolific directors and has a stream of actors banging on his door looking for a role in his movies. Johnnie To's filmography contains more than 40 titles ranging from drama and comedy to history and action, with plans to add four more this year. This week, CNN's Talk Asia goes behind-the-scenes of his latest movie as the director reveals to host Anjali Rao his secrets for cinematic success and what he thinks of praise from some of Hollywood's heavyweights.

From humble beginnings as a messenger at a local television station, To worked his way up to directing television drama to eventually become one of Hong Kong's most accomplished filmmakers. But the 54-year-old explains to Rao that he never dreamt he would get this far: "Actually I had four career choices in mind at that time. One was to become a football player, two was to get a job at a telecom company, three was to work in a television station and four to become a policeman. But I got the offer from the TV station really quickly after the interview. I didn't really have a chance to explore the other three options."

After working behind the camera for more than three decades, the movie director knows he made the right choice: "One thing I'm really sure about, is that I still would chose the film industry if I had another chance to start all over again."

To made his name in Asia with blockbusters such as ‘All about Ah-Long', ‘The Heroic Trio', ‘The Mission' and ‘PTU' before finding acclaim overseas - his 2005 gangster picture ‘Election' earned high praise from Quentin Tarantino who called it "the best movie of the year". He was also made an officer of the French Order of Arts and Letters by the French Minister of Culture in recognition of his achievements. To still has hopes of making it in Hollywood, but only on his terms:

"Of course, Hollywood is a dream place for everyone working in the film industry. It's also my dream. But what I really want to achieve is not to pop there once or twice, but to get something out of there. I'd want to make something that can't be made anywhere else but Hollywood - not just an ordinary film to put on their screen," says To.

Many of To's characters are uncompromising and straight-talking - not unlike the director himself. His hot temper on set has long been known within Hong Kong showbiz circles, as he explains: "I say dirty words everyday. I have no patience and I don't hold back when I think of something. I'll just say it directly. I don't give people much time to prepare before a shot. I like to finish it quickly and not drag behind. I think I'm quite emotional but I'm enjoying it though."

Johnnie To's interview with TALK ASIA will be available online at www.cnn.com/talkasia after the first airing.

For more information, please visit www.CNNPressroomAsia.com.

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