During a recent episode of the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast, actress Anna Kendrick recounted a troubling experience with a director who publicly embarrassed her on set. This revelation has caught the attention of fans and the entertainment industry alike, highlighting the challenges faced by actors in a competitive field.
Kendrick was prompted to share her worst experience with a director while filming. She recalled an incident that took place in front of approximately 100 extras, where the director suggested she improvise. Kendrick embraced the challenge, only to face ridicule when the director dismissed her efforts in front of the entire crew. “Hey, on this next one, just try something. Just make something up. Just improv something,” Kendrick remembered the director saying. After she performed, the director cut the scene and bluntly stated, “Oof, let’s go back to the script!”
Feeling belittled, Kendrick described the moment as a “very specific power move” intended to embarrass her and assert dominance. “It was very icky,” she expressed. However, the story took a turn when Kendrick revealed that the very improvisation the director mocked ended up in the film’s trailer. “So f*** you!” she declared, reclaiming her narrative.
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The audience at the live podcast reacted with shock and gasps as Kendrick recounted her experience, followed by cheers when she firmly stood up for herself. While she did not disclose the director’s identity or the film involved, her story resonates with many who have faced similar situations in the entertainment industry.
Now making her mark as a director with her debut film, “Woman of the Hour,” Kendrick reflected on the challenges of stepping into a new role. “It’s a lot easier for me to talk in extreme detail about certain moments in certain scenes, or about movies that were inspirations than it is to answer the questions that come up the most frequently—‘Why this project? Why did you want to direct?’” she shared.
Kendrick also acknowledged the expectations placed on her as a female director. “I think there is a bit of an expectation that I speak quite eloquently about the unique experience of being a female director,” she noted, adding, “I’ve done this one time. I probably shouldn’t be, like, representative of those kinds of big questions.”
This candid discussion not only highlights Kendrick’s resilience but also sheds light on the complexities faced by women in the film industry. As Kendrick continues her journey, fans are eager to see how her experiences will influence her future projects.
