Paul Becker Talks How He Got the Breaking Dawn Choreography Gig

We have featured choreographer Paul Becker a couple of times before. Check out how he got the job for Breaking Dawn and what he thinks of director Bill Condon.

PC: What was the atmosphere on set like? PB: Well, I got there and went to the theater that they were shooting in and we all clicked – we just jammed and it all came together right away. I mean, the next day I was working on the film!

PC: That fast.

PB: Yeah – it was a really great experience and they really set up a nice environment for everybody on that. Bill, because of his musical background, really respects the choreography and the choreographer. There is a new surge of dance going through film and TV right now – within the last seven years, really – and there is a new respect for choreographers. Prior to that, I felt a lot of the time like I was being hired as crew, whereas now you are being hired as an artist.

PC: You get more respect.

PB: Yeah – especially on a set that Bill Condon is in charge of; he really has that respect and the reverence for theatre and theatre practices like that.

Check out the rest of the interview including how Paul suddenly found himself in the movie here.

Video:Mia Maestro and Christian Camargo Practice Dancing for Breaking Dawn

Breaking Dawn choreographer, Paul Becker has released a new video showing dance practice for Bella and Edward’s wedding with Mia Maestro and Christian Camargo.

Paul decker previously released footage of Jackson Rathbone and Ashley Greene.

Behind the Scenes Video Jackson Rathbone and Ashley Greene Rehearse The Dance

Remember that swing dancing routine in Breaking Dawn? Here you can see Jackson Rathbone and Ashely Greene putting in the off-screen rehearsal time with choreographer Paul Becker.

If you want to know more about Paul Becker (who has choreographed tons of TV shows, awards shows, and movies) check out our exclusive interview with him.

Via TeamTwilight

Twilight Lexicon Interview: Paul Becker: Breaking Dawn Choreographer

Paul Becker is the Breaking Dawn Part 1 choreographer who did the wedding choreography, not an easy job with a large cast! He chatted with us about the experience.

How did you score the Breaking Dawn job?
From what I heard…Bill Condon was passed a pile of demo reels and he chose me! I had worked with him on the film Chicago prior as a dancer. Funny thing is he put me in the wedding scene. I got to set and the handed me a suit and suddenly I’m in the film. It was sweet.

Was it difficult choreographing people who are more actors than dancers?
NEVER! I am so used to it because of my film experience. I learn just to pull from their strengths and choreograph and mold to that. It is the only way to make it work. What scared me more was the fact that they were vampires!

Jackson Rathbone talked about incorporating a swing dance element with Ashley Greene. What can you tell us about that collaboration?
They were my two strongest dancers. Jackson has a theatre background and Ashley has a gymnastic background. We even did a flip in there.

Did you have any input into the music that was used, and once you heard the music was it more of a challenge than you thought?
Bill Condon and I listened to various tracks…but ultimately he chose. One of the songs that Taylor slow dances to is sooooo beautiful.

Who was the surprisingly talented dancer in the bunch?
I was actually impressed at Jackson Rathbone and Anna Kendrick. Natural everything.

Anyone with two left feet?
YES….But he worked so hard and he found his feet and did amazing! If I say his name he will kill me! Or bite me.

Did the weather and locations make your job easier or harder?
It was pouring rain on the big dance day…It was freezing and we shot it at 5am! Last day of filming.

Where are other screen and TV moments where we can see you work?
I just wrapped Julia Roberts film called “Mirror Mirror”, ABC’s “Once Upon a Time”, and “Diary of a Wimpy Kid 3”. Check me out at www.beckercreations.com or Twitter: paulbecker79

Where did you train and how did you get into movie choreography?
I trained in Canada and Vegas. I do all styles of dance and love it. I got my first big break dancing in the film Chicago, and I moved into my first choreography gig by being in the right place as I was dancing with Kate Bekensale for a commercial and the choreographer didn’t show up, so I jumped in.

What else is coming up for you in the future?
I am in talks right now to work on “Canada’s Got Talent”….I am writing and developing new projects. I also have like 10 films to be released next year….I need a vacation.

Check out the demo of some of Paul’s work below.

Paul Becker’s Choreography from Paul Becker on Vimeo.