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Tim Burton has revealed his childhood ambition - to be a "mad scientist".
The director of films such as Edward Scissorhands, Beetlejuice and Alice In Wonderland made the admission at the press conference for his new film Frankenweenie, which opened the 56th BFI London Film Festival.
"When I was a kid, I always wanted to be a mad scientist. [Being a] regular scientist was no fun," he said.
Burton denied that he has a fascination with death.
"It's not so much about bringing dead things back to life. I find that quite creepy actually. It's more about creation, creating and making things," he explained.
"That is why I think I always love the Frankenstein story, because it's partially about creation and making things. That's what filmmaking is, that's what stop-motion is and so for me, that's the fun of it. That's why I like doing it."
For Frankenweenie, based on a 1984 short, the 54-year-old has teamed up with previous collaborators Winona Ryder, Martin Short, Catherine O'Hara and Martin Landau.
Burton said he still has a strong passion for making films: "It's not so much about the business, the box office or reviews, it's about actually making something.
"That's why this movie was so special - it's with a smallish group of people, who are real artists. It's a more pure version of why I like making movies."
