All I try to do is create an atmosphere that seems comfortable enough, that it removes tension and everyone feels free. If they feel free then behaviour happens, small moments happen and that's what ultimately works the best for me.

(Levinson appeared in a cameo as a doctor. He has a television production company with Tom Fontana (The Levinson/Fontana Company) and served as executive producer for a number of series including Homicide: Life on the Street (which ran on NBC from 1993–1999) and the HBO prison drama Oz. Diner was the first of a series of films set in the Baltimore of Levinson's youth.

His most notable films include The Natural Good Morning Vietnam Rain Man Bugsy and Bandits.