Anna Kendrick Got Tough Love from Pitch Perfect Pal Brittany Snow Before Directing Debut

Anna Kendrick and Brittany Snow’s friendship, forged on the set of the Pitch Perfect franchise, has blossomed into a supportive creative partnership that extends well beyond their on-screen chemistry. When Kendrick prepared to direct her first feature film, Woman of the Hour, it was Snow—already an experienced director—who delivered the no-nonsense advice Kendrick needed most.

A Friendship Built to Last

The bond between Kendrick and Snow has been described by Kendrick herself as “familial.” In an October 2024 interview on the Today show, she said, “We didn’t choose each other, but we’re connected for life” (People.com). Their long-standing friendship and shared industry experience have fostered a space for honest exchanges, where advice and mentorship flow both ways. Snow revealed in an April 2024 Cinemablend interview that she often turns to Kendrick for insight during her own directing journey, highlighting their reciprocal creative support.

The Advice That Cut Through the Nerves

On the eve of filming Woman of the Hour, Kendrick reached out to Snow seeking encouragement. Expecting her usual upbeat pep talk, Kendrick was instead met with a blunt, almost flat response: “You’ll get on set, and you’ll know what to do,” Snow told her, according to Kendrick’s recounting in an Entertainment Weekly interview cited by Pearl & Dean Cinemas.

Though initially taken aback, Kendrick recognized the advice as “a taste of my own medicine,” flipping their usual dynamic—where Kendrick is the encourager and Snow the more straightforward voice. “That’s usually how I find myself talking to her,” Kendrick admitted, appreciating the grounding effect of Snow’s frankness.

Taking the Director’s Chair: Woman of the Hour

Woman of the Hour marks Kendrick’s directorial debut and features her in the lead role as Cheryl Bradshaw, an aspiring actress who unwittingly crosses paths with a serial killer on The Dating Game. After two years attached to the project, Kendrick faced considerable pressure stepping behind the camera. The film premiered at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival and became available on Netflix on October 18, 2024 (Deadline).

Snow’s own directing experience—including the short Milkshake (2019) and feature Parachute (2023)—provided a meaningful point of reference for Kendrick as she navigated the challenges of helming a feature-length thriller.

Impact and Evolving Friendship Dynamics

Kendrick described the advice as a wake-up call that transformed anxiety into resolve: “Okay, damn girl. I’ll just figure it out, I guess.” This pragmatic, no-frills encouragement aligned with the realities of directing and helped Kendrick embrace the leadership role with confidence.

Their interaction illustrates how their friendship has matured into a mentorship dynamic, with Snow offering guidance from her own experience, while Kendrick’s growing career continues to fuel mutual inspiration. This ongoing dialogue underscores the strength of their creative partnership, which thrives on honesty and shared ambition.

Corroborating the Story

The candid advice and its delivery have been confirmed by multiple outlets including Film-News.co.uk and myTalk 107.1, adding authenticity to Kendrick’s account. While some sources emphasize their broader collaborative support, the specifics of Snow’s tough-love pep talk stand out as a pivotal moment in Kendrick’s transition to directing.

From on-screen co-stars to creative confidantes, Anna Kendrick and Brittany Snow’s friendship embodies how honesty and trust can fuel artistic growth. Snow’s blunt wisdom helped Kendrick face the daunting task of directing her first film, proving that sometimes, the best advice is the one that cuts straight to the point.