David Beckham recently shared his feelings about the nerves he experienced while filming his Emmy award-winning Netflix documentary, “Beckham.” He revealed that the idea of the documentary made him and his wife, Victoria, nervous. Despite the success of the four-part series, Beckham admitted that he hated almost every moment of making it and found the process very challenging.
During a speech at the Royal Television Society conference in London, Beckham explained that he was not initially ready to talk about his football career after retiring. However, the pandemic and the upcoming 10-year anniversary of his retirement prompted him to delve into his story. He emphasized that while people may think they know everything about him and his family, there are still aspects that remain private, and the documentary allowed him to share his story in a new light.
Transitioning into the production side of the industry, Beckham launched his company Studio 99, which produced “Beckham.” The documentary provided viewers with a behind-the-scenes look at the footballer’s personal life, featuring interviews with him, his friends, and family. The success of the documentary has led to plans for a new project focusing on Victoria Beckham, which Beckham expressed excitement about.
When it came to selecting a director for the documentary, Beckham mentioned that it took some time to find the right fit. Eventually, Fisher Stevens, known for his work on “The Cove,” was chosen to lead the project. Beckham acknowledged that he wanted to feel uncomfortable during the filming process to create an authentic and impactful documentary.
Despite some criticism about the objectivity of the documentary, Beckham clarified that he gave Stevens full creative control over the content. He avoided involving himself in the editing process and trusted the director to tell the story as he saw fit. The positive reception of the documentary encouraged Beckham and Victoria to embark on a new project centered around Victoria’s journey and accomplishments.
Reflecting on his wife’s achievements and character, Beckham praised Victoria for her dedication and success in the industry. He highlighted her transition from a Spice Girl to a respected businesswoman, emphasizing her strong work ethic and passion. Beckham expressed his eagerness to provide feedback to Victoria as an executive producer on her documentary, joking about his wife’s independent nature.
Studio 99, led by Beckham’s longtime colleagues, has ventured into producing various sporting documentaries and series, including projects for Paramount+ and Disney+. Beckham emphasized the importance of each production to the team, regardless of public recognition. The conference also featured notable speakers from the industry, including culture secretary Lisa Nandy, BBC boss Tim Davie, and Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos, showcasing the dynamic landscape of television production and storytelling.