Adam Shankman talks casting future stars in 'Step Up Revolution'

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07/29/2012 by OnTheRedCarpet.com Staff

For "Step Up Revolution," both director Scott Speer and producer Adam Shankman knew they needed to find future stars to carry their film.

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"That's exactly what the goal was, was to be able to find that movie star. I really didn't think about it like casting an actor or casting a dancer," Speer told OnTheRedCarpet.com in an interview earlier this month. "It was who was who has that special something that's irresistible."

"I did this with Channing Tatum, we did this with Zac Efron in 'Hairspray,' we did this with Liam Hemsworth with 'The Last Song,' I think we've done it again with Ryan Guzman in this," Shankman added. "I could not be more proud. Being like this little launching pad for all these people."

In the latest "Step Up" film, Kathryn McCormick plays Emily Anderson, the daughter of a wealthy businessman. She arrives in Miami with the hopes to become a professional dancer but quickly falls in love with Sean, played by Ryan Guzman.

The couple then lead a dance crew called the MOB in protest performance art. The group is at risk of losing their neighborhood to Emily's father and his development plans to displace thousands in the community.

McCormick had competed on the sixth and seventh seasons of "So You Think You Can Dance" but had never acted before her role in this film. Guzman had never acted or danced before signing up for the part of Sean.

In the past, Speer has directed several music videos for artists like Switchfoot, Ashley Tisdale, Jordin Sparks, Paula Abdul and Blake Shelton. "Step Up Revolution" is his first feature film.

Shankman is best known for directing the musical movie remake of "Hairspray." The longtime choreographer also directed "The Wedding Planner," "A Walk to Remember," "Bringing Down the House" and "Rock of Ages."

Shankman has also produced all of the "Step Up" films. He's also served as a choreographer for "Step Up" and "Step Up 2" and several other films.

"Every style, every form, we took everything, every kind of dance you could do and put them all into one movie," Speer said about the kind of dance represented in "Step Up Revolution."

"Now we're into like two generations of people within the span of these movies," Shankman said. The first "Step Up" film with Channing Tatum was released in 2006.

Shankman added that the reason audiences love these movies "is because it's about courage and joy and triumph and the underdog succeeding, all of that with all of this great, crazy dancing."

"Step Up Revolution" hit theaters on July 27. Check out the trailer below.

Reporting by George Pennacchio of KABC Television, parent company of OnTheRedCarpet.com that also produces the entertainment show "On The Red Carpet"(check for local TV listings).