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Director Niki Caro’s latest film The Vintner’s Luck is based on the award-winning novel by New Zealand writer Elizabeth Knox.

Caro also co-wrote the screenplay and was a producer for the film, which features her Whale Rider star Keisha Castle-Hughes.

• Read the Q&A with Niki Caro to get a small insight into the filmmaker, and read her answers to The Big Idea community questions about The Vintner’s Luck, in the comment box below.

The fantasy romance tells the tale of Sobran, a peasant winemaker in 19th century France, and the three loves of his life – his wife Celeste (Castle-Hughes), baroness Aurora de Valday and Xas, an angel who strikes up an unlikely but enduring friendship.

'Under his guidance Sobran is forced to fathom the nature of love and belief and in the process grapples with the sensual, the sacred and the profane – in pursuit of the perfect vintage.'

The film premiered at Toronto International Film Festival in September and is in New Zealand cinemas from November 12.

During what hours of the day do you feel most inspired?

It’s completely random.  Whenever it shows up I’m grateful.

What aspect of your creative practice gives you the biggest thrill?

Working with highly skilled actors and crew.

How does your environment affect your work?

In every way.

Do you like to look at the big picture or focus on the details?

Both.  That’s pretty much the definition of filmmaking.

What's your number one business tip for surviving (and thriving) in the creative industries?

Strive to work with people who are brilliant - that you’d also be happy to have a beer with.

Which of your projects to date has given you the most satisfaction?

All of them.  For wildly different reasons.

Who or what has inspired you recently?

The people of Samoa.

If you could go back and choose a completely different career path to the one you've chosen, what would it be?

I’d work in a bookshop.

What place is always with you, wherever you go?

New Zealand.

What's the best way to listen to music, and why?

Loud.  With my children.  Teaching them the lyrics to classic rock songs.

You are given a piece of string, a stick and some fabric. What do you make?

A little teepee.

What's great about today?

I have a healthy, happy family.

What’s your big idea for 2010?

No big ideas, just lots of little ones. Generosity, curiosity, a sense of wonder and a sense of humour.

• Further Information: www.thevintnersluck.com/