Shankman's Winning Job: Producing The Oscars
Adam Shankman began his career working in musical theater and as a dancer in videos for Paula Abdul and Janet Jackson. He's now a judge on So You Think You Can Dance. Jason Merritt/Getty Images Entertainment hide caption
Adam Shankman began his career working in musical theater and as a dancer in videos for Paula Abdul and Janet Jackson. He's now a judge on So You Think You Can Dance.
Jason Merritt/Getty Images EntertainmentAdam Shankman hates long introductions. The producer of this year's Academy Awards says long introductions are his least favorite things about the Oscars.
His favorite Oscar moments?
"I love the transference and magic of movies," Shankman tells Terry Gross. "And I love upsets."
Shankman — who danced at the Oscars 20 years ago — has spent the past several months picking out the hosts (Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin), choosing the musical numbers and making sure all the logistics fall into place by March 7.
This year, he says, the ceremony will feature co-hosts.
"Everyone loved the way Neil Patrick Harris did the Emmys," says Shankman. "But the great thing is this: Steve Martin anchors [the Oscars] in tradition. Alec makes a great comic wild card. The chemistry is magic between them — like Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin."
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Shankman reveals details about the master seating plan, and the time winners get at the podium before they get the hook. But he won't say whether Baldwin and Martin plan a song and dance number to open the show, or how presenters will be introduced.
Shankman is an accomplished director (Hairspray, A Walk to Remember), dancer, actor and choreographer (Buffy the Vampire Slayer). He has also been a choreographer and judge on So You Think You Can Dance since that show's third season.