Bob Bradford, a busy man, was able to sit and discuss the films he makes in Ireland as well as his relationship with his wife, Barbara Taylor Bradford. Says Bob "we've been married 36 years, which is pretty good in our business. We are both ambitious professionals, but right from the start it looked like it would last. "It just clicked for us," he says with a hint of an accent. I would soon learn he is from Switzerland but prefers filming his movies in the Emerald Isle for the wonderful scenery it provides.

Bradford films his wife's novels--best selling romantic novels that have sold more than 59 million copies worldwide, and have been published in 39 language--in the rolling hills of Ireland.The scenery easily recreates the romanticism that Barbara's novels provide.

As for his working relationship with his wife, he states,"One reason we work so well together still is that we share that initial interest in our collective work(' It's no wonder Bob and Barbara Taylor Bradford make an ideal couple. Barbara began her writing career in 1979 with the first of fifteen novels, the enduring bestseller A Woman of Substance. Her most recent bestseller A Sudden Change of Heart, marked her return to her original publisher, Doubleday.

Explaining his beginning in the film industry, Bob states, "I stepped into it. I had a pr firm in New York working with people in the movies. It naturally led me into making movies." Bob has filmed 10 of Barbara's movies in Ireland and has capitalized on the success to build a film production company. Currently they are preparing to shoot a sequel to A Women Of Substance.

The Bradfords see rich benefits in Ireland's proximity to Europe and its current economic boom. "It is a very good place to shoot," acknowledges the straightforward businessman. "It is pleasant, economically favorable, and offers easy access to London and the rest of Europe." They also feel that the staff and local talent offer a dependable, reliable work source. Even further reason for filming in Ireland, Bob states, "Barbara finds her roots firmly grounded in Irish soil." Such roots have paved the way for their long and prosperous personal and working relationship with the Emerald Isle.

With their busy schedules, the couple however make a priority of finding time for each other away from the film set, production line or writing schedule.The couple recently returned from a South American cruise. Recalls Bradford,"We visited Brazil, Ecuador and Argentina. Although we travel so much, we found this a relaxing and enjoyable trip." Another priority in their lives is working hard on the many charity boards of which they are active members. Bob attributes his successful relationship with Barbara on both a personal and professional level to each one allowing the other their own space. Bob quickly points out that he does not get involved in his wife's creative process. Says Bradford, "I never even see or discuss with her a new book idea and I never look at it before she finishes it. I never transgress certain understood laws between us. I think it's that respect between us that has sustained our relationship."

Adds Bradford, "But once the book is finished I'm the first to see the manuscript." It is at this stage when Bob's role in the creative process comes into play. "Then it goes to her editor and agent. It's at this point when I take charge. We do our own marketing, publicity, and eventually films." The end result is a movie which is able to capture the wonderful landscape of Ireland while providing a genuine outlet for Barbara's romantic novels.

--Stephen Fottrell