Date of publishing: 17th
March 2011
Paul Becker has etched a very unique career for himself
as of one Hollywood’s busiest choreographers,
working in both feature film and television. From
hip hop and capoeira to ballet and tap, Paul uses
his vast knowledge of dance, multimedia and film making
to create elaborate spectacles.
On the big screen, he has two major motion pictures
being released on March 25, 2011. Look for his elaborate
musical numbers in Warner Bros’ SUCKER PUNCH
starring Vanessa Hudgens, Jena Malone and Carla Gugino.
Paul also lends his talents to Fox’s DIARY OF
A WIMPY KID: RODICK RULES. His upcoming feature film
projects include Joss Whedon’s THE CABIN IN
THE WOODS for Universal, and Wes Craven’s MY
SOUL TO TAKE.
Considered to be a protégé of the genius
Kenny Ortega (Michael Jackson’s This Is It),
Paul has worked alongside Mr. Ortega on several occasions,
including recently when he choreographed the Ortega
directed JONAS BROTHERS' CONCERT WORLD TOUR. His versatility
comes from his vast knowledge and diverse background
of many styles of dance, martial arts, stunts and
the ability to seamlessly transfer this into all media.
Check out the trailer for Sucker Punch here
Gilles
Nuytens: Could you
introduce yourself to those who doesn't know about
you? Tell us something about what drives you in life
as well as in your job?
Paul Becker: My name is Paul Becker.
I am a director and choreographer of many films you
may know. I am driven by creativity in life as well
as my job. I love creation.
Gilles Nuytens: So,
you are a choreographer and dancer, how did you land
into the movie business?
Paul Becker: I have been in the film
industry as a dancer and actor since I was 13. It
wasn't until I was 19 years old that I got my first
gig as a choreographer. I was hired to dance partner
to Kate Beckinsale in a commercial for Japanese commercial.
What happened was, the choreographer did not show
up. I quickly volunteered.
Gilles Nuytens: What's
the most difficult part in your job?
Paul Becker: The most difficult part
of my job is teaching actors and finding ways to make
them look good.
Gilles Nuytens: And
what's the easiest?
Paul Becker: Coming up with steps.
Gilles Nuytens: Sucker
Punch, the first time I've watched the trailer, I
was just like "wow". How was the whole experience
on that movie?
Paul Becker: Sucker Punch was one
of the most amazing experiences I have had on film.
It was such a learning experience to watch Zack Snyder
in action.
Gilles Nuytens: How
much time did you prepare the girls for the movie?
Was it difficult? Did they learn quickly?
Paul Becker: We worked with the girls
in rehearsal every day for over 7 months. They each
had their own style to learn.
Gilles
Nuytens: Could you
describe a classical day of work on Sucker Punch (or
on every other movies)?
Paul Becker: On Sucker Punch, I started
my first days on the whole concept in an art room
with Rick Carter. We came up with crazy concepts and
pitched to Zack. Then once Zack evolved the idea,
we started to workshop it with dancers. Once we had
the routines built... we brought in the actresses
to rehearsal. There were so many elements, lights,
props, set pieces etc to work in much like a broadway
show.
Gilles Nuytens: Which
part of your job do you like the most?
Paul Becker: I love filming and directing.
Gilles Nuytens: Before
training the actors, how do you prepare the whole
piece? What is your inspirational source?
Paul Becker: I countinue to get inspired
by art, movies, etc to stay fresh.
Gilles Nuytens: If
one of your actors doesn't feel comfortable with choreographies
or dancing, what do you do to make him/her more comfortable
with it?
Paul Becker: Then I create a dance
within a story, so they get comfortable telling that
story. Actors are storytellers...
Gilles Nuytens: What
is your biggest success and what or who are you the
most proud of?
Paul Becker: My biggest success is
having my daughter Marlee!!!! I wish I can be with
her more.
Gilles Nuytens: What
are the techniques/skills you are using the most to
train your actors?
Paul Becker: Each actor is different
and they all come at me with different skill levels.
I adapt quickly.
Gilles Nuytens: What
are the most important elements that an actor can
get out of dance?
Paul Becker: That dance is everywhere...
from a finger snap to the way you walk... it is everywhere.
Gilles
Nuytens: Is it the
same to work with actors than actresses? Any different
approaches?
Paul Becker: Nope.
Gilles Nuytens: What
does dancing mean to you?
Paul Becker: Dance is an escape.
Gilles Nuytens: What
are your future goals?
Paul Becker: I want to produce and
continue to direct my own films.
Gilles Nuytens: What
else would you like to share related to Sucker Punch?
Paul Becker: I can't or I will be
shot.
Gilles Nuytens: Would
you give me Vanessa Hudgens phone number?
Paul Becker: She would shoot me too.
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