Insights from Crossroads Producer: Britney Spears' Team Demanded Exhausting 18-Hour Workdays
Britney Spears' team pushed for grueling 18-hour workdays during the making of Crossroads, according to the film's producer Despite concerns, the crew wanted to ensure she didn't overexert herself on set
The producer and director of the renowned movie Crossroads, featuring Britney Spears, recently disclosed that their intention was to prioritize Britney's well-being and avoid overburdening her with excessive work. They even had to engage in negotiations with Britney's team to secure her a necessary break. Britney Spears, known for her heavenly vocals and tireless dedication, gained further acclaim with the release of the charming pop film Crossroads in 2001.
Spears, Taryn Manning, and Zoe Saldaña starred in the movie as childhood friends who revive their fading friendship during a thrilling cross-country road trip. Nevertheless, since Spears was at the peak of her fame as a pop star when shooting the film, her team sought to exploit her, a situation that the director and producer of the movie recently disclosed was halted.
Crossroads’ crew didn’t want Spears to overwork herself
Spears recently released her highly anticipated memoir The Woman in Me and, to celebrate its premiere,Crossroads was re-released in theaters
The director, Tamra Davis, and producer, Ann Carli, discussed their experience working with Spears during a surprise Q&A at The Grove AMC in Los Angeles. Carli revealed that Spears' team had wanted her to work tirelessly, recording at night after already having a full day on set. However, Carli firmly stood against this and made it clear that she would not allow it, as it would be unfair to Spears.
“They had her come to me and say, ‘It’s okay. I don’t mind [having] to work an 18-hour day.’ And I said, ‘Guess what? You don’t have to.’”
Carli mentioned that it was crucial for the actress to have adequate rehearsal time with the other actors, noting that she was extremely busy. Just before shooting began, they were all involved in a hectic Pepsi commercial.
Davis further disclosed that it was Britney Spears herself who initiated the re-release of the movie. She hadn't seen it in a very long time and it was not easily accessible. Despite her attempts through her legal team and agents, it was only Britney's request that led to the decision of re-releasing the film to support her new book.
The director's theory is that Spears desired the film to be re-released as it would allow her fans to witness her being "overprotected" during that period. Davis elaborated, stating that this held significance for Spears, evident from her desire for the film to accompany her book. Davis believed that Spears intended for individuals to retrospectively examine her work from a fresh perspective.
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