When I start a picture, I always have a script, but I change it every day. I put in what occurs to me that day out of my imagination. You start on a voyage; you know where you will end up but not what will occur along the way. You want to be surprised.

In this quote, Federico Fellini describes his approach to filmmaking, emphasizing the fluidity and imagination involved in the creative process. He begins with a script as the foundation for his work, but he allows himself to change it every day, adding new ideas and elements that come to him in the moment. This approach reflects Fellini's belief in the power of spontaneity and the importance of allowing the creative process to evolve organically, rather than rigidly adhering to a pre-determined plan.

Fellini compares the filmmaking process to a voyage, where the destination is known, but the journey is full of surprises. By embracing the unexpected, he invites moments of discovery and creativity that might not have been planned but become integral parts of the film. This sense of openness to the unpredictable is central to Fellini's style, as he often sought to capture the unexpected and magical aspects of life through his work, allowing his films to take on a dreamlike quality.

The quote also reflects Fellini’s belief in the role of imagination in art. By incorporating what occurs to him each day, he allows his films to be infused with fresh, evolving ideas that reflect his current state of mind and creative impulses. This dynamic process not only keeps the work engaging but also mirrors the nature of human experience, where certainty about the future coexists with the excitement of exploration and discovery.

Ultimately, Fellini’s quote speaks to the freedom and flexibility that come with embracing imagination in the creative process. Rather than adhering to a fixed path, he welcomes change and surprise, seeing them as essential to creating art that feels alive and full of possibility. This approach allows him to capture the fluidity of life, where the journey itself becomes just as important as the destination.