The Zone thanks Emma for posting a recent interview with PIRATES OF THE CARRIBEAN trilogy super-producer Jerry Bruckheimer; you can read the Q & A in its entirety on the Porch, but here are a few highlights. In these excerpts, Mr. Bruckheimer discusses the possibility of a fourth POTC film, the creative process, and the producer’s role.

Q: You’ve said before that you wouldn’t rule out doing some more Pirates films after AT WORLD’S END. What’s the latest on that?
A: Well, we’ve optioned some material, we’ve optioned a book and we’re looking at it. We’re in talks with the same writers to come back and work on a fourth one so that’s an ongoing thing.

Q: And would that mean that all the major characters are back on board?
A: Well, you know, that’s still on the drawing board but it’s always fun to bring the characters you love back.

Q: How do you shape the Pirates story–do you and Johnny and Gore have input with the writers?
A: Sure, Johnny is a big part of creating his character and Gore is leading everything and very involved with the writers. We all throw our two cents in.

Q: As a producer which part of your job do you enjoy most?
A: I love just about all of it, working on these big ideas, working with major talent like Gore and Johnny and the rest of our cast. And working with the crews that we’ve worked with over the years, you make a lot of friends, and it’s great to put things together and give people work–and good work that they can appreciate and their families can appreciate and be proud of.

Q: What is the key attribute that a producer should have?
A: Oh, I think he has to be a good storyteller, that’s the key. Understanding what good material is and being able to translate that good material to the screen.

Q: If you had to pinpoint why the PIRATES films have been so successful, what would it be?
A: I think the fact that we hadn’t seen a pirate movie in a long time, along with great storytelling, and a brilliant director, and the fact that you have such wonderful actors playing such interesting characters; audiences just love that. –Part-Time Poet