"Because when the film was first mooted, the Beatles didn't like the idea at all. In fact they wouldn't have any part in it. And when Brian had committed them, it was part of a deal he did with United Artists, I think"

George Martin’s reflection on the Beatles' attitude toward making a film captures a revealing moment in their career, highlighting their initial reluctance and the business decisions influencing their early trajectory. At the time the concept of a Beatles film was suggested, or "mooted", the band themselves were not enthusiastic about the prospect. The Beatles, devoted primarily to their music and live performances, were wary of the showbiz machinery that might attempt to commercialize their image beyond their comfort. They did not fancy themselves as actors and feared a film could turn into just another manufactured pop-star project, which was common in that era.

Despite their clear disinterest and hesitancy to participate, their manager, Brian Epstein, moved forward with securing a film deal on their behalf. According to Martin, Brian included the Beatles in the agreement as part of wider negotiations, likely recognizing the potential exposure and revenue the movie would generate, not only for the band but for the management and the record label as well. The specific process, as Martin recalls, was entwined with a deal involving United Artists, a major film studio. This suggests that the film was orchestrated as much for business leverage as for artistic output, and was perhaps an obligatory step towards greater commercial expansion.

Ultimately, the Beatles' initial resistance underscores their eagerness to maintain authenticity and agency in the face of commercial pressures. Yet, the decision made on their behalf by their manager reflects the realities of the music industry at the time, where artists often had limited say over their own projects. Martin's account demonstrates the tension between artistry and commerce, and foreshadows how the Beatles would later strive for greater creative control. Ironically, while they began apprehensively, their films, especially "A Hard Day’s Night", became cultural landmarks, further cementing both their global influence and their ability to transcend the boundaries set by industry norms.