In a recent appearance on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” Anna Kendrick opened up about her journey into directing her new film, “Woman of the Hour.” Known for her roles in “Pitch Perfect,” “Up in the Air,” and “A Simple Favor,” Kendrick shared the fascinating story of how she went from being a casual fan of true crime to taking the leap into the director’s chair.

A Unique Concept

“Woman of the Hour” is based on a chilling true story involving a serial killer who operated in the 1970s and even appeared on the game show “The Dating Game.” Kendrick explained how this intriguing framing device sets the stage for the narrative. When asked how bad the serial killer was, Kendrick humorously remarked, “One of the really bad ones—definitely not someone we like!”

The Research Journey

Kendrick’s passion for true crime developed over time, evolving from casual interest to obsession. She recounted how, after two years of being attached to the film as an actor, the project suddenly gained momentum. They had a start date but no director, leading Kendrick to a pivotal moment of self-reflection.

The Internal Debate

In a lighthearted moment, Kendrick described the inner conflict she faced. “I had this voice inside of me saying, ‘We should pitch ourselves to direct,’ while another part was screaming, ‘Shut up! We’re not doing that!’” Ultimately, the desire to take on the challenge won out. With a mix of excitement and trepidation, she decided to pitch her vision for the film.

The Pitching Process

Kendrick recalled the nerves she felt during her pitch. “I was half doing the pitch and also thinking, ‘Unless you think it’s a bad idea, let’s not do it.’” The producers, however, saw potential and encouraged her to present her ideas more confidently the next day. Kendrick humorously noted the Hollywood dynamics at play, saying, “They wanted to say yes, but it was fascinating to see how phony it all is. I faked it, and they bought it!”

A Leap of Faith

The journey from actress to director was not only a professional challenge for Kendrick but also a personal one. She described the experience as akin to “jumping off a cliff” without knowing if she had packed her parachute correctly. Yet, her determination and passion ultimately led her to embrace the role of director, proving that sometimes the voices in our heads can lead us to unexpected places.

As Kendrick prepares for the film’s release, it’s clear that her leap into directing has opened a new chapter in her already impressive career, one filled with creativity, courage, and a touch of true crime intrigue.