Jessica Biel Contemplates Exiting Hollywood Without Selling ‘The Sinner’

Jessica Biel Reveals She Would Have Quit Hollywood If She Didn't Sell The Sinner

(L-R) Jessica Biel and Michelle Purple JSquared Photography/Getty Images

Just a few years ago, Jessica Biel was on the verge of giving up.

Speaking on “The Bright Side” podcast, Biel, 42, shared how starting her own production company changed her career in Hollywood. Biel and producer Michelle Purple founded Iron Ocean 20 years ago, but the company struggled to find success in its first decade.

"It was really tough, the doors just wouldn't open for us," Biel shared. "Even though we had been in the business for quite a while, we struggled to get our stories out there. We created a short film and a beautiful full-length feature, but it was all a labor of love."

Soon after, Biel and Purple embarked on The Sinner, a police anthology series that they co-executive produced. However, before they could begin filming the series, which was based on the novel by Petra Hammesfahr, they had to find a way to sell it.

"When Michelle and I were trying to sell the show, we both made a pact. She said, 'If we don't sell this show, I'm quitting,' and I agreed, saying, 'Me too, I'm quitting,'” Biel shared.

She went on to say, "If this show doesn't sell, I'm at a loss. I don't know what people are looking for or how to cater to them. The business just doesn't make sense to me anymore."

Fortunately for Biel, the series was picked up by the USA network. She starred in the show for four seasons alongside Bill Pullman. Biel's performance in the first season earned her a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie.

Even though Biel has been acting since the 1990s, she had to start from scratch as a producer. She mentioned that the timing of this challenge made it even tougher for her.

She mentioned that it felt like starting over to some extent. In addition, it was a period when women's stories were not given much attention. Female storytelling was not very common back then. It was way before the #MeToo movement, before there was a platform for strong, intricate female narratives.

Looking back, Biel can now appreciate the effort she dedicated to bringing The Sinner to fruition. She describes the journey as a truly humbling experience.

"It's still a humbling experience," she said. "Being in the entertainment industry as an actor and producer is not easy at all. It requires a lot of hard work and dedication to bring projects to life, and many of them never see the light of day."

Given these challenges, it's understandable why some may consider giving up. However, Biel and Iron Ocean used their success from The Sinner to create Candy, a crime miniseries set to premiere on Hulu in 2022, as well as the Freeform anthology series Cruel Summer.

Editor's P/S:

Jessica Biel's journey as a producer highlights the resilience and determination required to succeed in a competitive industry. Her initial struggles and near-decision to give up demonstrate the challenges that female creators face in gaining recognition for their stories. The success of "The Sinner" not only transformed her career but also paved the way for other female-led projects.

Biel's experience underscores the importance of perseverance and adaptability. In an industry that is constantly evolving, producers must be willing to take risks, embrace change, and learn from their failures. The fact that Iron Ocean's success came after years of hard work serves as a reminder that true success requires patience, passion, and a belief in oneself.