Quick Question
TheDaisy Jonesexecutive producer once idolized the actor.
Now, they work side by side.
Growing up, Lauren Neustadter wanted to be an actor one of therom-com sweetheart variety,to be exact.
I idolizedReese WitherspoonandJulia Robertsand all of these women, she tells Bustle.
And I dreamed that maybe one day, I could be somewhat like them.
It was that dream that motivated Neustadter to move from her native New Orleans to Los Angeles for college.
Theres a lot of rejection, she says.
And in truth, I was not thegreatestactress.
While the Neustadters share two children, teaming up professionally was a rare (and welcome) opportunity.
He and I are very lucky because we have very complementary jobs, Neustadter says.
But usually, hes in his swim lane, and Im in my swim lane.
What does your producer role look like when working with authors like Taylor Jenkins Reid?
There were a bunch of other writers that were interested [inDaisy Jones].
All of them saw it as a movie, and we really saw it as a television show.
To Scotts great credit, he immediately dove in and broke out the shape of the season.
Early the next week, I took Taylor to breakfast, [and] Scott took Taylor to lunch.
When I was with Taylor, my phone rang, and of course, it was Reese.
And so, Reese talked to her all about her book.
Just watching Taylors face that was the beginning of the journey.
You and Reese have such a strong partnership.
Is there a particular piece of advice shes given you that stands out?
And she said, Do the hard thing first.
Youll find your way through, and youll be better on the other side of it.
Are there any women onDaisy Jonesyou really resonate with or maybe one you could see yourself in?
I really connect to each of the women.
She has dreams, too.
She takes the picture thats the cover of the album!
Shes able to capture the complexity and see that chemistry.
You originally wanted to be an actor but ultimately pursued storytelling in a different way.
I read a book about finding your place.
I called it, changing the room.
And so I was like,OK, well, I know that Im not going to act.
But its about identifying the essential ingredients of a path that once brought you joy.
So much of your work revolves around being on top of pop culture.
What do you do when you should probably zone out and reconnect to yourself?
When I want to relax and be happy, I spend time with my kids and my husband.
There is such potential for co-viewing.
So many people I know are watching with their teenagers.
And obviously, theres mature content.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
