Emily Garbutt
Updated on: October 12, 2024 4:29 pm GMT
David Beckham recently revealed his mixed feelings about the Netflix documentary “Beckham,” saying that the process made him and his wife, Victoria, feel “nervous.” Despite its success and acclaim, Beckham admitted that he “hated almost every moment” of making the four-part series, which has provided a deep dive into his life and career as a soccer star.
Emotional Journey Behind the Camera
At the Royal Television Society conference in London, Beckham discussed the emotional challenges he faced while creating the documentary.
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Beckham reflected: “It worried me and it made me nervous and it made Victoria nervous.”
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He shared, “I hated almost every moment of making it…it was very difficult.”
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He emphasized the timing was essential: “When I retired, I wasn’t ready to talk about my career. The pandemic changed everything. Documentaries exploded during that time.”
Despite his apprehensions, Beckham felt compelled to tell his story, especially with the 10-year anniversary of his retirement approaching. He noted, “As much as people think they know everything about us, they don’t really.”
Creative Control and Notable Collaborations
Beckham, who has transitioned into production with his company Studio 99, sought the right director for the project. After a lengthy search, he collaborated with Fisher Stevens, renowned for his work on “The Cove” and as an actor in “Succession.”
Finding the Right Direction
Beckham described his first meeting with Stevens, saying, “When I met Fisher, I knew this is the man that will make me feel really uncomfortable, and I knew I had to feel uncomfortable to make the documentary we made.”
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Beckham wanted to ensure that Stevens had creative freedom, stating: “From Day One I said, ‘I don’t want to see anything until it comes out.’”
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He added, “It took quite a bit of convincing to get him on board.”
In a previous interview, Stevens mentioned that Leonardo DiCaprio had recommended him for the job, a testament to the high-profile connections surrounding the documentary.
Public Reception and Criticism
While the series received praise for its personal insights, it also faced criticism. Some viewers felt the documentary lacked objectivity, particularly since Beckham was an executive producer. However, Beckham insisted that Stevens had full control over the content, stating:
“I didn’t see any cuts. I wanted to let Fisher have that control.”
Despite differing opinions, Beckham expressed satisfaction with the outcome, saying he and Victoria “loved the results.”
A New Chapter: Victoria Beckham Documentary
Following the success of “Beckham,” the couple is set to produce a new documentary focusing on Victoria’s journey, exploring her transition from a pop star in the Spice Girls to a respected figure in the fashion industry.
Celebrating Victoria’s Achievements
He expressed excitement about the upcoming project: “I’m really excited about this one because she is an amazing woman. She’s a strong, driven, passionate person who’s worked hard for 18 years on her business.” Beckham highlighted Victoria’s dedication, noting that she deserves the success she is recently receiving.
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“People are going to see her personality and her work ethic,” he promised.
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When asked if he would give notes on the project, he joked: “Do you know my wife? Give my wife notes… I’m quite excited to give her notes!”
Future Projects for Studio 99
As the driving force behind Studio 99, Beckham is involved in several projects beyond the realm of personal documentaries. The company has produced various sports-related titles, expanding its footprint in the industry.
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“Fever Pitch: The Battle for the Premier League” – Available on Paramount+.
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“Ronnie O’Sullivan: The Edge of Everything” – A documentary on the famous snooker player.
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“Save Our Squad” – A Disney+ series featuring Beckham returning to East London to mentor young soccer players.
Conclusion
David Beckham recently shared some honest thoughts about making his documentary. He talked about how tricky it can be to share personal stories while living in the spotlight. His popular documentary “Beckham” has helped his production company grow, and now he is excited about the upcoming Victoria Beckham documentary. This new film will focus on her amazing journey and connect with viewers. Fans can expect to see real moments from their lives, showing both the struggles and successes that have shaped their careers.
