Adam Shankman Talks 'Rock of Ages'

By: Christina Yonzon, Marilyn.ca

The multitalented Adam Shankman gets to add another role to his already long and impressive résumé. The choreographer, producer and judge on CTV’s ‘So You Think You Can Dance,’ joined Marilyn this morning to discuss directing the upcoming summer blockbuster, ‘Rock of Ages’.

“I’ve had so much fun making this movie. This movie is such a party,” says Shankman on the making-of process. And he’s especially glad that advanced screening attendees seemed to enjoy the new film just as much as the cast and crew did. “I’m breathing a big sigh of relief.”

Although he is only set to judge on ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ five times this season, Shankman is pleased that the extra time had given him the opportunity to work on the movie. Being a huge fan of music, dance and theater, it’s no surprise that musicals have always coursed through Shankman’s veins. In his head, everyone he encounters sings and dances and he even describes himself as “a chorus boy with a great pay rate.”

He compares ‘Rock of Ages’ to his 2007 ‘Hairspray’ and notes that while the former may feature “boobs and strippers,” both musicals essentially convey a very similar message.

“They’re both movies about sticking to your dreams and not giving up your integrity and realizing that nothing is worth anything without love,” he explains.

‘Rock of Ages’ stars Julianne Hough and Diego Boneta in the lead roles, with a huge supporting cast consisting of big stars like Tom Cruise, Catherine Zeta Jones, Alec Balwin, Paul Giomatti, Russell Brand, Mary J. Blige and Malin Akerman.

Not only is the film expected to do well, but the music has proven to be a hit with the fans. Within 12 hours of its release on iTunes, the ‘Rock of Ages’ Original Motion Picture Soundtrack climbed to number one in the soundtrack category.

Along with the release of ‘Rock of Ages’ next week and judging on ‘So You Think You Can Dance,’ Shankman’s other summer plans include the release of ‘Step Up Revolution’ in August and filming his next movie ‘This is Where I Leave You.’ So what exactly goes through Shankman’s mind when juggling multiple projects?

“I believe in opportunities. I believe in betting on myself,” he tells Marilyn. “I believe I can just do these things.”

‘Rock of Ages’ hits theatres on June 15. ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ airs on Wednesday and Thursday at 8pm EST on CTV.