Rhimes uniquely gift for storytellling was opening up doors in many directions and enabled her to star in major projects, albeit behind the scenes. In 2001, Rhimes wrote Crossroads, the debut film of pop singer Britney Spears. Despite being torpedoed by most critics, the film grossed over $60 million worldwide. And by this time, Rhimes was in fifth gear and kept it pushing towards Disney’s sequel to its popular 2001 movie The Princess Diaries. Though 2004’s The Princess Diaries: Royal Engagement did not score at the box office like its predecessor, Rhimes later said that she treasured the experience if for nothing else – the opportunity to work with its star, Julie Andrews.
