"I didn't want a group of underdogs for whom the audience rooted because they're supposed to. In fact, I thought of these people as con men. As it turned out, they're likable con men," says Martin.

Oz agreed and says, "Bowfinger is extremely passionate and optimistic, but a shyster. Although his dreams are very pure, some of the ways in which he goes about attaining those dreams are questionable...he plays low and dirty!"

"Frank is a true professional," said Grazer. "He really understands comedy. I mean, how do you lick a subject matter like In & Out, but he just does. He somehow threads this sort of very dangerous line, and just makes our movie so hysterical."

Having successfully collaborated on three previous features (Little Shop of Horrors, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and Housesitter), Oz and Martin have developed a partnership that relies on an open and spontaneous exchange of ideas. This kind of collaboration is essential for Oz, who feels that input from his actors, writer and crew can only benefit the creative process.

"I think getting ideas from people makes everything richer. I know what I want in my head, but suggestions and an interchange of thought gets things bubbling. It was so great to have one of the stars of the movie also be the writer because it allowed us to move Steve's words around like clay on the spot," Oz says.