Would more money make it better?

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I ran across this a while back, but just watched again recently and took some notes. It's from from the 2011 Santa Barbara International Film Festival where "Lynda.com puts you in the front row of four fascinating panel discussions with some of Hollywood's top filmmakers."

This particular 14 minute clip speaks to 6 directors on the Oscar circuit and the pressures they face.  Unusual for a group of nominated films—with the exception of Toy Story 3—these are all relatively low-budget films. The directors discussed how not having a big budget to work with forced them to be more creative and focused on the story.

Boundaries and restrictions create a visual language. Work within the confine and get things done.
Many times when we compromise because of cost, the scene ends up being better (because we're desperate).
Success isn't found in a big budget but in who goes with you. You want people on the project who want to be there whether they're paid or not.
Had we had more money, we would have crushed the land we were using and rolled over the local participants. As outsiders, this is poor form.
There is a key relationship between budget and oversight–the level of scrutiny is reduced. I would gladly give up more money to gain more creative freedom.
Necessity breeds invention and keeps the egos out. 
You always make better decisions when you have limitations (even if they are self-imposed).

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