Anna Kendrick Felt ‘Gross’ Making Money Off ‘Woman of the Hour,’ Donated All Her Pay to Anti-Violence Charities: ‘Felt Like the Least I Could Do’
Anna Kendrick revealed during an interview on the “Crime Junkie AF” podcast that she made no money from directing “Woman of the Hour” because she donated her pay to RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) and the National Center for Victims of Violent Crime. These organizations are two of the country’s leading nonprofits that support survivors of sexual abuse and violence.
“This was never a money-making venture for me,” Kendrick said. “Eventually, Netflix bought the movie. But it wasn’t until, like, the week before [the movie’s premiere at] TIFF that I thought, ‘Oh, the movie’s gonna make money. I asked myself the question of, ‘Do you feel gross about this?’ And I did.”
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“So I’m not making money off of the movie,” she continued. “The money is going to — or has gone to — RAINN and to the National Center for Victims of Violent Crime. That felt like the least that I could do.”
Kendrick made her feature directorial debut with “Woman of the Hour,” which tells the true story of serial killer Rodney Alcala (played by Daniel Zovatto) and his 1978 appearance on “The Dating Game” in the midst of his killing spree. Alcala was sent to prison for committing five murders, although it’s believed he was behind the killings of more than 120 people in total. The film includes several scenes in which Alcala preys on and murders young women. Kendrick stars in the film as “The Dating Game” contestant Sheryl Bradshaw.
Given the film’s subject matter, Kendrick felt “gross” making money off it and decided to donate her profits to anti-sexual assault organizations. Variety confirmed that Kendrick donated all the fees she earned as the film’s director, star and executive producer.
In a statement to Variety, the National Center for Victims of Crime and its CEO Renée Williams said they were “excited to learn about Anna’s gift, both to our organization and our friends at RAINN, and humbled by her support.”
“In a world where the true crime genre often sensationalizes tragedy, Anna’s work in ‘Woman of the Hour’ stands out as a beacon of compassion and leadership,” the organization continued. “By advocating for a victim-centered approach, she is helping to reshape narratives that prioritize the dignity of those affected by crime. Her commitment to uplifting survivor stories reminds us that behind every statistic, and true crime ‘story’ is a human being with a powerful story to tell. Anna’s support sends a strong message that we can engage with hard truths while honoring the experiences of victims and survivors. It’s about creating a culture that listens, validates, and empowers those who have been through unimaginable pain.”
Kenrick previously told Variety that “every moment of the movie is kind of a reflection of my own terror.”
“I don’t think it’s an accident that I responded to this script at a time when I’d just been through something really devastating and traumatic and that really changed my worldview,” she adding, referring to her own experiences with emotional abuse.
“Woman of the Hour” is now streaming on Netflix. Watch Kendrick’s full interview on the “Crime Junkie AF” podcast in the video below.
Additional reporting by Angelique Jackson.
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