What intimidates Steven Spielberg? Being subject of a documentary

Director Steven Spielberg, his wife Kate Capshaw (L) and stepdaughter Jessica Capshaw pose at the premiere of the HBO documentary film "Spielberg" in Los Angeles, California, U.S., September 26, 2017. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Steven Spielberg has directed dozens of award-winning movies in a 40-year career, but when it came to turning the cameras on himself he found the attention pretty uncomfortable.

The double Oscar winner, who has directed films like "Schindler's List," "Jaws" and "Saving Private Ryan," is the subject of a documentary for HBO television based on more than 30 hours of interviews with Spielberg, his family and friends.

"It's a very interesting experience being the subject of a film when I have spent my entire career seeking subjects for my films. And to be suddenly be in that hot seat - for me it was both intimidating and daunting," Spielberg told reporters at the documentary's Los Angeles premiere on Tuesday.

Director of the documentary Susan Lacy poses at the premiere of the HBO documentary film "Spielberg" in Los Angeles, California, U.S., September 26, 2017. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni

Spielberg, 70, said director Susan Lacy got him to open up about what inspires his films, although it's not a subject he spends much energy on himself.

"I don't spend a lot of time in any kind of self-analysis. In a way, I let the films do that. And I let you figure out me through those films.

"I just spend time looking for good stories and just going out and telling them," he added.

Actor Martin Short poses at the premiere of the HBO documentary film "Spielberg" in Los Angeles, California, U.S., September 26, 2017. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni

The documentary also features interviews with many of those who have worked with Spielberg or been influenced by his work, including Tom Hanks, Oprah Winfrey, Harrison Ford, Leonardo DiCaprio, Martin Scorsese and Cate Blanchett.

"Spielberg" will be shown on HBO on Oct. 7.

Actor Josh Gad poses at the premiere of the HBO documentary film "Spielberg" in Los Angeles, California, U.S., September 26, 2017. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni

(Reporting by Rollo Ross; Editing by Nick Zieminski)

Actor Amy Brenneman poses at the premiere of the HBO documentary film "Spielberg" in Los Angeles, California, U.S., September 26, 2017. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni

Actor Jessica Capshaw poses at the premiere of the HBO documentary film "Spielberg" in Los Angeles, California, U.S., September 26, 2017. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni

Actor Holly Hunter poses at the premiere of the HBO documentary film "Spielberg" in Los Angeles, California, U.S., September 26, 2017. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni

Director Steven Spielberg and his wife Kate Capshaw pose at the premiere of the HBO documentary film "Spielberg" in Los Angeles, California, U.S., September 26, 2017. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni

Actor Bob Odenkirk poses at the premiere of the HBO documentary film "Spielberg" in Los Angeles, California, U.S., September 26, 2017. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni

Actor Vince Vaughn poses at the premiere of the HBO documentary film "Spielberg" in Los Angeles, California, U.S., September 26, 2017. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni

Actor Vin Diesel and his mother Delora pose at the premiere of the HBO documentary film "Spielberg" in Los Angeles, California, U.S., September 26, 2017. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni

Actor Amy Brenneman and her husband Brad Silberling kiss at the premiere of the HBO documentary film "Spielberg" in Los Angeles, California, U.S., September 26, 2017. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni

Director Steven Spielberg poses at the premiere of the HBO documentary film "Spielberg" in Los Angeles, California, U.S., September 26, 2017. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni