Choreographer Brian Friedman Shares Original Concept He Wrote For Britney Spears' "Toxic" music video

[G-unit]

Whether his idea completely or not, the part that makes the video EVERYTHING is the nude glamour shots.  Edgy, ****, sensual.  I could watch the entire video without all the rest.

[Avatar]

I guess its possible he came up with it, no one else is credited for the story or writing. Though it feels like they're just coming up with most of it on the spot. Was he even there for anything besides the choreography? I don't remember them ever asking him about anything plot related while filming.

[Switchy]

Cool, I'm glad his treatment was used... what is he hoping to gain with this? It was almost 20 years ago. 

[LeglessJamie]

Instead of focussing on a +15yr old video, why not support Britney? I don't believe he has ever spoken out for her.

Don't care about who did what on a music video when the artist in that video is in the middle of a battle of her freedom but what's more important éh..

[Lurker93]

So, what’s the truth?!

[Avatar]

1 minute ago, Lurker93 said:

So, what’s the truth?!

Wow Britney beyonced his entire story. 

[Oxic]

Why so hard on him? Generally most dancers don't receive enough credit for their work, and this is an example of that. I would be mad too if people were underestimating me and calling me a "liar" every single day   I get he's tired and that's why he shared this. He is not stealing britney's credit he just wants the representation he deserves, that's all lol stop being so bitter about everything smh this fanbase is so toxic (no pun intended) 

[Oxic]

He also posted this on FB:

Dear pop culture world,

It recently was brought to my attention that there is conflicting information regarding the creation of the Britney Spears music video "Toxic". I am here to set the record straight. I have found in my career that credit is something I have always had to fight for and that is a sad but true case. I am extremely proud of the work I have created over the years and I always give credit to everyone who works on every project I work on so I only ask the same in return.

I was called in early October 2003 by Kevin Tancharoen (Britney's Director at the time) to choreograph a medley of the songs "Slave 4 U" (which I originally choreographed with Wade Robson) & "Boys NERD Remix" (music video assisted by Tovaris Wilson) as well as a new song "Toxic" for an upcoming special being filmed at Gotham Hall in NYC. I was asked to come up with the creative for Toxic which I did. This was my first time back in the studio with Britney since working on the previous album/tour. I was assisted by my longtime friend Tovaris Wilson and it was an amazing experience! Following this performance Britney asked me to take over (again) as her resident choreographer. Shortly thereafter I received a call from Kevin and Britney saying that they loved what I came up with for the Gotham special and asked me to come up with a concept for the Toxic music video. On the call we agreed about the song having a 60’s espionage feel to it, and with that conversation and their trust I started brainstorming.

This was not the first video I wrote for Britney. While working on the Britney album I was asked to creative direct and write the music video treatments for “I Love Rock & Roll” and “Overprotected Dark Child Remix” which were both directed by Chris Applebaum. Having had that experience to draw from, I wanted to go bigger so I called upon my friend Caroline A Rice to join me as a writing partner. Although I was confident in my ideas, I knew the budget was huge and I didn’t want to disappoint in terms of my writing skills. Caroline came to my home in North Hollywood and we started the writing process and within hours the treatment posted here is what was created. Due to the time constraint, I shared this with Britney, Kevin and the management team the following day and they all loved it. Joseph Kahn was set to direct the video and I was told that he agreed to direct my treatment. What transpired between management, Britney and Joseph I do not know but Joseph was nothing but a pleasure on set and he allowed me to work by his side so that we could achieve everything that was in the treatment. I assumed Joseph knew it was my treatment… who else’s would it be. As you read the treatment you’ll see that there are some parts missing which were cut due to budget and also some scenes added such as Britney covered in crystals. That scene was Britney’s idea entirely. Any other additions were from Joseph. The casting changes made were also based on availability as well as Joseph & Britney’s preference.

I never thought I would have to go into such details to clear my name in regards to my own intellectual property. Sadly there are some Britney fans saying I am lying when it comes to writing this music video. I was sent interviews given by Kevin, Britney and even Joseph where stories conflict and what can I say to that? Absolutely nothing. Who knows what Joseph was told and maybe Kevin remembered things differently but with such a massive opportunity I was presented with, I would never forget an ounce of what happened. The assistant choreographer on the video Jennifer Fratarcangelo, my writing partner Caroline Rice and god all know the truth. I am not a liar and have no need to fabricate the truth. I am proud as hell of what I created and relish in the fact that the world loved it. Britney was genius in the video and brought those characters to life. Joseph directed the treatment and brought it past my expectations and I thank Kevin Tancharoen endlessly for bringing me back on the project! I have only love for everyone involved. I hope Britney’s fans can hear this without going into a spiral and sending more hate messages via social media but I know there will always be keyboard warriors.

I hope you enjoy reading this treatment as much as I loved writing it and seeing it to fruition.

Brian Friedman

[Urbanney]

Yet another Britney situation where we’re being told multiple different stories and that we will probably never know the truth about. How exhausting

[Guest]

1 hour ago, Lurker93 said:

So, what’s the truth?!

Maybe he should call Kevin out too and demand credit from him too? He follows him on instagram

[LeonardoBraga]

Love Brian

[ElenaB]

this proves nothing Brian sweetie. I could have written it myself. I don't get why he feels like he needs more recognition, he already is her best choreographer (along with Wade Robson). I don't know if it was his idea or not but who cares?

[Lurker93]

1 hour ago, Avatar said:

Wow Britney beyonced his entire story. 

rofl on “beyonced” hahaha
Imagine this verb taking on! lol

 

Anyways, maybe Britney had the initial vision, and he wrote down the concept from her inicial idea!? It’s hard to tell after so long, but it seems odd that the subject comes to public almost 20 years after... Someone must have not much going on for them to start such drama 

[Avatar]

1 minute ago, Lurker93 said:

rofl on “beyonced” hahaha
Imagine this verb taking on! lol

 

Anyways, maybe Britney had the initial vision, and he wrote down the concept from her inicial idea!? It’s hard to tell after so long, but it seems odd that the subject comes to public almost 20 years after... Someone must have not much going on for them to start such drama 

She's the only artist I've seen tell elaborate stories about how they came up with entire concepts and ideas and then be sued or the person who came up with it come out a few months later with receipts. 

[ThisMeowBiteback]

Fans didn’t say anything about who did the concept tho. I recall Britney saying she came up with the concept & Kevin so I think he feels away about it & using the fans as the reason to fact check instead of just saying Kevin & Britney are wrong 

[anakinskywalker]

What made the music video iconic was Britney covered in diamonds, which he said was entirely her idea. So I don't understand what he is trying to do 

[TeaWaiter]

Just Fu€k off ! I never liked him

The music video was released like 17 years ago !!!! Why bring up this story now !!! Why bring it up while Brintey is in the middle of a conservatorship battle and fighting for her freedom...... really ! why ! 

It's like everybody wants a piece of her ?

Besides, Since he feels like sharing! Why doesn't he share what was happening to Britney behind closed doors, maybe something that could help her legal battle !!!!!

[mythology]

He deserves credit for his work and ya'll can stay pressed

[ObsessedBritFan1]

Well ... Britney did say “we” worked on the concept ... just cause she didn’t go into any specific deep details doesn’t mean anything. Interviewers were interested in Britney explaining the concept, not Brian unfortunately. When you become Queen someday Brian, by all the means, let the spotlight shine on you. Until then, you can just stay ****.

[NobodyKnowsPete]

13 hours ago, Codemysta90 said:

Director, producer, and iconic choreography KING @brian friedman just posted his original concept he created for Britney’s Toxic music video on Instagram, which was originally released almost exactly 17 years ago on MTV’s Making The Video on January 13, 2004, costing $1 million to make and being Britney’s most expensive video to date at the time.

The video was directed by Joseph Kahn, who had just received his first Grammy in 2003 for directing Eminem’s “Without Me” video, and would go on to work with the likes of Janet Jackson, The Backstreet Boys, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, and so many others. 

According to Friedman, there has been misinformation circling around the pop culture community about the music video’s origins, and he wants to set the record straight. Here’s what he has to say:

 

 

He wrote this on his Facebook page:

 

As a fellow Exhaler, I found this super entertaining to read, especially the parts that didn’t make the video - (i.e. - Ashton Kutcher & Brad Pitt... the early-aughts fantasy we weren’t prepared for!) 

Most of us stans are aware of the Toxic origin story, but regardless, I appreciate that our king of flawless choreography is taking the time to make sure we are all well-learned in the subject of Toxicology. 
 

 

 

For a more detailed account of his story, visit his FB page, and to start your 2021 off right - watch the Toxic video below! 

The attention w***e again...