In an interview on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast, actress and director Anna Kendrick reveals a moment when another director’s power move backfired. During the interview, Kendrick was asked by host Josh Horowitz, “What’s the worst note a director has ever given you?”

With a groan that turns into a laugh, Kendrick tactfully describes that the director requested her to improvise a scene, only to then mock her in front of roughly one hundred extras. Kendrick shares that the director said something along the lines of, “Hey, on this next one just try something. Just make something up. Just improv something.” Then she reveals that her improvisation was quickly followed up by, “Oof, let’s go back to the script.” This happened all while still being surrounded by a room full of extras, Kendrick recalls.

Kendrick described the whole experience as “icky.” She felt like the director was attempting to gain dominance over her or publicly embarrass her. However, she got the last laugh when she discovered that her improvised scene ended up in the trailer. In taking the high road and maintaining her professionalism, Kendrick never revealed the identity of director responsible or the film during which the event occurred.