NEW YORK – At the Tribeca Festival, Brian Williams attempted a challenge: interviewing Robert De Niro.

Williams sat down with the actor Saturday as part of Tribeca’s “Directors Series” talks. De Niro is a famously difficult interview, but Williams was eager for a chance to face off with a personal idol.

He was warned of De Niro’s sphinx-like reputation. Introducing the event, Jane Rosenthal, who co-founded Tribeca with De Niro and has long been his producing partner, said she was surprised at Williams’ request.

“Great idea, but have you seen Bob’s interviews?” said Rosenthal, recalling her reply.

The NBC News anchorman said that he wanted to interview De Niro “as a fan.” While De Niro often answered Williams’ questions with typical recalcitrance, the two managed a good conversation with only an occasional sigh from Williams.

Asked if he watches his old movies when they air on TV, De Niro said he doesn’t.

“I don’t do that, Brian. I watch the news and I watch the ‘Today’ show,” said De Niro, drawing a laugh from the crowd. “I’m very set in my ways.”

De Niro said it was actually TV that helped inspire him to be an actor.

“I used to look at television and say, ‘Well, if that person can do it, then I can certainly do it,” recalled the 67-year-old actor.

And De Niro said TV is again frequently on his mind when he’s filming.

“Whenever I have a big dramatic scene, I always think: ‘What are they going to do with this on ‘Saturday Night Live’?” said De Niro, who has hosted the sketch comedy show and spent much of his later years making comedies.

The Tribeca Film Festival, which is celebrating its 10th incarnation, runs through May 1.

Scotland eyed for the royal honeymoon

LONDON – In real estate, it’s location, location, location.

But for royal honeymooners, it’s privacy, privacy, privacy.

Once they are man and wife, Prince William and Kate Middleton may combine the two by honeymooning at the queen’s 50,000-acre Balmoral estate in Scotland.

Balmoral is a family holding so vast that the couple could relax without worrying about their every movement being tracked by long-lensed paparazzi.

However, they would likely combine a stay in Scotland, a beautiful spot but with iffy weather, with a visit to a reliably sunny locale, royal experts believe.

“I think privacy will be the most important thing after all that they will have gone through,” said Joe Little, managing editor of Majesty magazine.

“Maybe a week in the sun and a week in Scotland, which is a traditional royal honeymoon venue. They can do their own thing up there.”

Internet hit Antoine Dodson accused of marijuana possession

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Internet viral video hit Antoine Dodson is accused of possession of marijuana and other minor charges in his home state of Alabama.

Dodson was booked on five misdemeanor charges after he was pulled over for alleged speeding early Saturday in Huntsville. He was booked at about 2:30 a.m. and later released.

Dodson became a reality sensation last year after a televised rant about a break-in at his sister’s apartment was turned into a viral video that catapulted the 20-year-old into television appearances, blog mentions and other appearances.

A message on Dodson’s Twitter account Saturday read in part: “Just got out of jail off a weak charge.”