Anne Hathaway's Film 'Little Five' Faces Backlash Over Heat and Working Conditions
Cast and crew members of Anne Hathaway's new film Little Five report harsh working conditions, extreme heat, and delayed wages during Indiana shoots.
Extras and crew members who worked on Little Five, a new film produced by Anne Hathaway, have reported facing harsh shooting conditions, including prolonged work in extreme heat and cases of exhaustion. In a detailed report by the Daily Mail, two participants shared accounts of grueling shooting days at Indiana University and various production shortcomings.
Hathaway, 43, launched her production company Somewhere Pictures in 2024 alongside her husband, Adam Shulman. The film draws inspiration from the Little Five Hundred bicycle race, held annually at Indiana University and considered one of the most prominent collegiate sporting events in the United States. The plot follows a group of female students who helped redefine the sport, starring Ariana Greenblatt (Barbie) and Reya Spencer (The Summer I Turned Pretty).
One extra, a Chicago resident who requested anonymity, said she is a huge fan of Hathaway and only discovered the actress was involved after signing up. She drove over 100 miles to Indiana University hoping to earn money and meet cinema professionals. Upon arrival, she discovered some extras received free campus dorm housing while others had to pay for hotels out of pocket. She noted they earned very little per day, making it feel like working for free, and travel reimbursements were not automatic.
Challenges in the Heat and Production Complaints
Most filming took place outdoors in temperatures ranging between 84 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, requiring extras to spend long hours in the sun wearing heavy autumn wardrobes required by the script. The extra described the conditions as brutal despite production efforts to provide water, umbrellas, and sunscreen. The physically demanding bicycle race scenes also required the lead actresses to ride repeatedly despite having doubles on set.
Working in the intense heat led to health issues, with one source reporting cases of heat exhaustion among attendees, while the second source experienced a mild case and had to miss shooting days. Despite the provision of energy drinks, electrolyte packets, and scheduled breaks, the conditions remained exceptionally challenging.
The Chicago extra also highlighted two disturbing incidents on set: reports that a medical staff member flirted with women, and a background actor who behaved inappropriately and was eventually removed from the production. Concerns were also raised regarding repetitive meals, delayed breaks, and delayed wage payments extending months after filming wrapped.
