Gwen Stefani on the 'Fastest 4 Minutes' of Her Life Making Her Live Grammy Video: Exclusive

Gwen Stefani's ambitious live 4-minute video for her new single "Make Me Like You" made in partnership with Target arguably stole Monday night's (Feb. 15) Grammys Awards telecast. As flawless as it appeared, however, don't be fooled -- the shoot was no easy undertaking.

"I was shitting myself for her," "says Sophie Muller, who directed the spot and who has worked with Stefani for the last twenty years. "It was the most intense thing we've ever done without a shadow of a doubt, times ten." Muller continues, "I can't think of any other artist apart from Gwen who would have the courage to do something like that. To be so courageous and easy-going and fun, she was like, 'I'll be fine, I'm looking forward to it.'"

After the shoot, Stefani was both ebullient and relieved and spent a solid 45 minutes hugging and taking pictures with her 250-person crew (and, of course, Blake Shelton) on the Warner Bros. Studios lot in Burbank where the massive undertaking was produced  Following the shoot, Billboard reached out via email for Stefani's take on the scale of the project, her nerves, and if she thought she nailed it. 

What was going through your head just before Sophie yelled action?

There was obviously a moment of nerves and adrenaline with it being live, but then the music started. It really was such a team effort. 

Is this the most ambitious project you've ever worked on? What was it like going through this process?

This entire project with Target has been such an incredible experience, and I’m so thankful that they allowed me the opportunity to take this creative risk.

Are you happy with how it turned out? Were there any parts you think you could have done better?

Absolutely! That was the fastest four-minutes. It’s so amazing how much goes into one take -- it couldn’t have come together any more seamlessly.

What was the most gratifying and special part of this whole project?

This has been an amazing journey -- from sitting down to write this album to tonight’s final shot, I am truly blessed to have worked with such a great team.

What did you do right after the shoot?

The cast was hugging and celebrating -- it was such a special experience.