Madonna: 'W.E. wasn't easy to make'

Madonna has confessed that her new film was not an easy undertaking.

W.E., which premiered in Venice earlier this week to divided reviews, tells the story of two romances: the affair between King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson and a contemporary romance between a married woman and a Russian security guard.

"There wasn't anything easy about it," Madonna told BBC News. "I mean, absolutely nothing, it was all a challenge. From writing the screenplay, to finding a great production team to surround myself with, to casting."

The singer went on to say that she hopes her fans enjoy the film.

"That would be awesome," Madonna said.

Finally, she opened up on her decision to helm the film, saying that she has always had a passion for the art of filmmaking.

"I love the art of filmmaking. I love film, I've always loved film," she said. "The other reason is I love new challenges. That's no secret."

Earlier this week, the 53-year-old revealed that her two ex-husbands Guy Ritchie and Sean Penn both provided encouragement and inspiration for W.E., saying that they were very supportive of the undertaking.