Almost two years after the debut of David Beckham‘s acclaimed docuseries “Beckham” on Netflix earned an Emmy award, the other iconic figure of Britain’s unofficial royal family is set to share her narrative.
The three-part series “Victoria Beckham,” premiering on Netflix on October 9, shines a spotlight on the Spice Girl turned fashion designer, who notably had her own viral moment during “Beckham” with the line “My Dad Had a Rolls Royce,” which has since been emblazoned on T-shirts for sale on her website at $150 each.
In contrast to her husband’s retrospective look at over three decades of sports and family life, Victoria’s docuseries dives into her current endeavors, capturing the lead-up to her most ambitious fashion show to date in Paris, amidst the chaotic preparations that threaten to throw her plans off course. Nonetheless, the series also sensitively explores emotional themes, as Victoria reflects on her past struggles, including health issues, media scrutiny as a young mother, and her journey to reshaping her identity in a previously critical fashion industry.
Similar to “Beckham,” Victoria’s series is produced by David Beckham’s Studio 99, but this time, it employs the lens of Nadia Hallgren, renowned for her Emmy-nominated work on “Becoming,” a documentary featuring Michelle Obama. Producer Billie Shepherd explains that Hallgren’s skill in capturing authentic stories amidst hectic lives played a significant role in their choice. “Nadia’s verité approach feels like second nature to her,” she noted.
“Creating these shows necessitates building trust to reveal the most genuine version of the subject — it’s all about helping them feel at ease and being themselves. Nadia, with her mindset, excelled at that,” added Julia Nottingham from Dorothy St. Pictures, collaborating with Studio 99. “When Nadia and Victoria clicked during their first meeting, we collectively sighed in relief, as our matching was validated.”
As a New Yorker, Hallgren confesses she was unfamiliar with the Beckhams prior to David’s series, yet felt an instant intrigue. However, getting Victoria, known for her meticulous control over her public persona, to open up proved challenging. “The whole journey with Victoria involved her letting go and confronting discomfort,” she remarked. “It was about discovering how to gently encourage her to step beyond her usual boundaries.”
In an interview with Variety, Hallgren elaborated on facing comparisons with the “Beckham” docuseries, celebrating Victoria’s humor, and the conscious decision to omit the speculated feud with Brooklyn Beckham, highlighting parallels between the former Spice Girl and Obama.
You’ve clearly spent ample time in the U.K. filming this, so are you prepared for the inevitable buzz surrounding a show about Victoria Beckham?
I genuinely enjoy that aspect. It’s exhilarating. Building relationships with her and David has been an enriching experience, and now we get to share it with others, fostering discussion.
What was your experience like, spending time within the Beckham sphere?
They are genuinely wonderful individuals — warm and kind. It was delightful getting to know them. Most of us are familiar with David, especially through his Netflix portrayal. I’m American and grew up in New York, so the Beckhams hold a different space in my cultural landscape. I hadn’t really engaged with their narrative until I viewed David’s docuseries, which was exceptional. Victoria, however, emerged as the more compelling figure with her vulnerability and depth. When I later received an invitation to collaborate with her, my curiosity was piqued.
Did Victoria need to approve you as the director?
I had discussions with various people, but then I learned Victoria wanted a personal meeting, which I welcomed because true partnership requires chemistry that’s often evident in person. When she visited New York, we met for about an hour, and that meeting was crucial for both of us in reassuring our compatibility.
I’ve heard that she required some persuasion to embark on this journey — it wasn’t entirely her idea.
Indeed, she acknowledged that to me. Victoria has maintained her privacy for such a long time that she isn’t naturally inclined to overshare. Even having witnessed David’s experience, it was still difficult for her to open up on camera and let others see her more raw emotions. While some may eagerly embrace the opportunity to be documented, she was clearly discerning, stating, “I’m considering this if it’s the right person, the right circumstances.”
Did you enter this project with any preconceived notions about Victoria?
Not at all. In fact, that turned out to be beneficial. I wasn’t immersed in the Spice Girls phenomenon in the U.S. as I’m slightly older, and on top of that, soccer isn’t a sport I’ve been passionate about. So my knowledge of David was also quite limited.
When discussing the doc, what were her main desires regarding its look and feel?
These questions formed the crux of our initial conversations. I aimed to grasp where she stood at 50, living a drastically different life from her Spice Girl days. She expressed enthusiasm about understanding herself further through this journey, contemplating how both her past and present have shaped her identity and ambitions.
Victoria is known for tightly controlling her family’s image. How did you navigate this as a documentarian with specific narrative goals?
This was a unique dynamic. Victoria showed a readiness to release some control. It’s crucial knowing that the person whose story you’re documenting is open to surrendering a bit, which can be a difficult ask. With Victoria, it required her to step out of her comfort zone, and albeit challenging, that discomfort was essential. Our goal was to gradually push those boundaries, leading to a more authentic portrayal.
She shares in the series that as soon as she sees a camera, she tends to withdraw. How did you manage to get past that facade?
It was a gradual process. I had similar experiences while filming with Michelle Obama where the complexities of her first public appearances post-presidency came into play. I empathize with those allowing cameras into their most intimate moments, which requires immense trust.
The success of David’s series looms over this one. Did Victoria express any concerns relating to that?
Victoria and I both embrace taking calculated risks, aware that comparisons may arise. Nevertheless, we were determined to emphasize that our approach was distinct. This series captures Victoria in an unfiltered light, contrasting with David’s retrospective nature. Importantly, it focuses on her current life experiences.
From the outset, it seems this doc is her chance to shine — especially with her witty remark following David’s joke about hoping for a moment in the spotlight.
Indeed! Victoria’s self-awareness infuses a delightful charm into her persona. When I began filming, it was clear to me that this project would be different. Without spoiling too much, one prominent takeaway from the series is her sharp sense of humor. From our first meeting, I sensed that dynamic; she was both hilarious and deeply engaging.
Given that David’s series generated memorable moments, were there expectations for Victoria’s doc to produce similar viral content?
While outside expectations exist, Victoria’s charisma speaks for itself, so we’ll see what resonates with audiences.
Exploring archival materials, some concerning comments about Victoria were quite shocking. Were you stunned by the brutality of British tabloids?
We’re accustomed to narratives surrounding British tabloids through various documentaries, but experiencing it personally in the context of Victoria’s life was eye-opening. As a parent, understanding the kind of public scrutiny Victoria faced at age 25 hit home. Her journey is shaped by dealing with unrelenting judgment, which I found deeply moving.
A particularly cruel TV comment appears in the series — how did Victoria feel about using that?
Reliving such painful memories isn’t easy for anyone. Yet, Victoria recognized the necessity of revealing the complete narrative. She insisted on including all pertinent aspects of her journey.
Considering the context, some might wonder why topics like David’s alleged infidelities are not addressed. Why choose to omit this?
My focus lies on who Victoria is in her current stage of life, along with her personal evolution. David’s series explored various aspects of their lives, and I aimed to present something unique while reflecting what remains vital in Victoria’s journey today.
The absence of discussions regarding the alleged conflict with Brooklyn Beckham is noticeable. Wasn’t there consideration to include it given the timing?
While we did capture moments with Brooklyn during the Paris fashion show, we prioritized authenticity in our filming approach. We captured what occurred naturally without fabricating scenarios. Respect and honesty are paramount to me as a filmmaker.
Was there a discussion regarding the inclusion of contemporary issues affecting the family?
Our conversations centered on Victoria’s narrative, and we didn’t delve into any other storylines beyond what unfolded during filming.
Are there concerns that this decision might lead to perceptions of careful stage management?
Speculation may arise, but as director, I adhered to creating a sincere portrayal that aligned with the story we wanted to convey.
Were there any limitations regarding sensitive subjects?
There were no restrictions. We tackled various difficult elements from Victoria’s life openly. While it involved pushing her beyond her comfort level, she was largely willing to explore areas that were significant.
Did Victoria have final approval over the editing process?
Victoria did not have that final say, although we engaged in discussions that shaped the direction of the project. Our rapport fostered collaborative discourse throughout the production.
The series culminates in the success of Victoria’s Paris fashion show. Some may view this ending as somewhat staged. Was there concern about an uncertain outcome during filming?
Working on a verité documentary poses inherent uncertainties about the narrative trajectory. We commenced filming without any knowledge of what the finale would look like. As we developed rapport with the Beckhams, I found myself rooting for them, especially as the show day drew near. By the backstage moments, I felt an emotional investment, hoping for a favorable outcome, which ultimately materialized beautifully and granted us a definitive conclusion.
On the surface, one might not connect Victoria Beckham with Michelle Obama, yet they share scrutiny by the public eye. Did you discover similarities as the project progressed?
Despite their vastly differing experiences, both women exemplify determination and success. They navigate a unique journey shaped by marriage to charismatic partners while seeking to understand their identities within their evolving contexts.
How do you envision the audience’s perception of Victoria changing after watching this documentary?
Humanity inherently craves understanding, and I hope people can gain insight into Victoria — recognizing her as a multifaceted individual who is also warm, kind-hearted, resilient, intelligent, and a formidable businesswoman.
The series concludes with a reflection of domestic life, including a conversation between David and his bees. Is this a nod to David’s series?
Absolutely, the two series engage in a dialogue. I appreciate the “Beckham” series and Fisher Stevens’ work. The insights I gained about Victoria from that show inspired me, serving as my homage.
Did you manage to snag any Victoria Beckham merchandise during filming?
Indeed, there’s a memorable story. While filming in her store, I spotted a stunning suit and commented on its beauty, but then we moved on. Months later, while filming in London on my birthday, Victoria acknowledged my dedication and surprised me with the tuxedo as a gift — a thoughtful gesture knowing I would be attending the Oscars shortly thereafter. Her reaction to my appreciation spoke volumes about her sincerity and kindness; dressing others truly seems to be her way of showing affection.
