he was casting a small independent film called "the burning plane" starring charlise theron and kim basinger saw lawrence's audition tape on the very first day of casting and she knew sunny was the one. >> my family was happy too. >> the producers were not sure of having her. they say, no, this is not the girl i want. and he got her. lawrence transformed from a fun-loving 17-year-old, into a serious actor. >> my sets are really relaxed. we have a lot of fun. but we are very serious, intense film. i said jennifer this is a difficult scene. you need concentration. don't worry. i am going to do it perfectly. >> mom! >> we began rolling. and i turned to this big guys, the crew, big strong guys, crying. and i was like -- wow. and she was, i told you. >> once the film wrapped, he knew this was the just beginning for jennifer lawrence. >> when we finished the film, i spoke to her and say "you are going to win many oscars. you are going to be extremely famous. and the most important actress of your generation." ♪ way down in missouri where i heard this melody ♪ >> that prediction would come true alm