Inspiration comes from within yourself. One has to be positive. When you're positive, good things happen.
When Tim and I first discussed the part in 2003, he told me, 'I'd love for you to play five Oompas.' But five Oompas quickly turned into 165 - and they're not computerized; I did each one individually myself.
If a scene called for numerous Oompas to join in a narrative song and dance, I would perform the steps for all of them with subtle distinctions of expression and movement. When the images were joined with the help of a computer, I became an entire troupe.
I picked 'It's Not Unusual,' and then I did the little hop that Tom Jones does and moved my hips. Tim loved it. He came up to me and said, 'Did you know that I used Tom Jones in 'Edward Scissorhands'?'
The most important thing is never to forget to always have love in your heart.
I was a big fan of 'Star Trek.' But then again, you know, 'Star Trek', 'Star Wars', 'Doctor Who', I wasn't a big fan, but you know, when they ask you and they cast you and it drops in your lap, how can you say no to these franchises.
When it comes time to dance, they're like a regiment; they do the same steps - except for the Mike Teavee dance, where the Oompas play in a rock band. I learned to play the guitar for that one.
In the end, I was producing movements for over 40 Oompa-Loompas.