Paul Becker has certainly made a big name in the entertainment industry. He works as an choreographer, director, producer and a social media influencer with over 265k subscribers on his growing YouTube channel.
Throughout his career, Becker has worked on over 300 films and TV shows including Deadpool 2, The Kissing Booth 1, 2, 3 and Riverdale. He also developed unique stage productions for celebrities such as The Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus, Ciara, Kanye West and many others.
Prior to the fame, Becker started dancing at age of 16 and due to his talent and hard-work, was able to build his way up and choreograph his first film just three years later!
Additionally, his passion for dance has brought him great success — Becker received a golden popcorn at the 2021 MTV Movie & TV Awards back in May for his work on Julie and the Phantoms, as “The Edge of Great” won in the “Best Musical Number” category. He has also served as the producer and creative director for Canada’s Got Talent, was a judge for So You Think You Can Dance Canada and a choreographer on Dancing with the Stars.
Back in 2020, in collaboration with famed director Kenny Ortega, he choreographed and produced The Parade Across America, the Inaugural Celebration for President Joe Biden. It’s not Becker and Ortega’s first successful collaboration as they had various performances together including Disney’s record-breaking franchise Descendants, in which they created a YouTube big moment recording billions of views.
Becker has recently wrapped Ivy and Bean for Netflix, and is currently filming The Last Of Us for HBOMax. He is determined to continue grow and collaborate with even more artists and we cannot wait to see what the future holds for him!
We sat down with Paul (virtually) to talk all about his career path, favorite collaboration and upcoming projects. He also shared insightful advice on how to grow as a dancer who just started their journey in the industry. Check out the full Q&A below and let us know what’s your favorite movie directed by Paul by leaving a reaction at the bottom of the post or by sending us a tweet at @celebsecrets.
You can keep up with Paul by following him on Instagram.
Celeb Secrets: Hello Paul! Thank you for chatting with us. Your dance career and experience as a choreographer is truly impressive! You started when you were only 16-years-old and since then you have become one of the most sought-after choreographers and directors in the industry. What is your favorite part about being a choreographer and director?
Paul Becker: “My favorite part about being a choreographer and director is that I get to tell fun stories with my imagination. How cool is that? It is what I have always dreamed of. I am grateful for the opportunities that have been presented to me to allow me to do that.”
CS: When working on a specific project, what are some of your inspirations?
PB: “Each project is different because each project has a new story and reason for existing. I always ask myself what is the reason, and then inspiration comes. Over the years I have been influenced by many great talented people like: Bob Fosse, Ben Vereen, Michael Jackson, Crazy Legs, Barishnakov, and of course Gene Kelly.”
CS: You’ve worked with big artists like Miley Cyrus, Ciara and Kanye West and others. What was your most memorable collaboration so far and why?
PB: “One of my most memorable collaborations was with Michael Buble on the “Haven’t Met You Yet” video. It was a magical night. We had hundreads of dancers, a fun atmosphere, and Michael was excellent to jam with.”
CS: What is the most challenging part about putting a show together?
PB: “Well that is a loaded question. In my field there are challenges by the minute. I have to be an expert problem solver. That is a huge job description of what I do. Solve problems fast.”
CS: One of your recent projects was producing Parade Across America, the Inaugural Celebration for President Joe Biden! Did you get a chance to meet him? If so, how were you feeling?
PB: “Unfortunately I did not meet him. Kenny Ortega and I worked on that, along with some amazing people. It was during a pandemic, so it was all virtual.”
CS: How do you feel the internet has impacted your career? You have over 265k YouTube followers, which is amazing. Have you thought about opening an online school?
PB: “The internet and social media is the future. It has given great visibility to choreography. I don’t enjoy teaching very much. I just like to create, so no I would never open a school.”
CS: What advice would you give someone who is just starting their journey as a dancer?
PB: “Over the years I learned so much about myself and how we all have a responsibility to do right and help people. Say HELLO and meet as many people as you can. Be kind, help people, and always do the right thing. That will go further than you will ever know.”
CS: What is next for you? Any big upcoming projects that you are working on?
PB: “I just wrapped “Ivy and Bean” for Netflix, and I am currently filming “The Last Of Us” for HBO.”
CS: Lastly, since we are Celeb Secrets, do you have any secrets (fun facts) about yourself that people wouldn’t know?
PB: “I have a chocolate chip cookie addiction.”
