Adam Shankman

ADAM SHANKMAN is a multi-faceted filmmaker who has
enjoyed success as a director, producer and choreographer.

Shankman and his sister, Jennifer Gibgot, are partnered as producers in Offspring Entertainment, and have an overall deal with New Line Cinema. Under the Offspring banner, they previously produced the original "Step Up," directed by Anne Fletcher, as well as its successful sequels, "Step Up 2: The Streets" and "Step Up 3D," both helmed by Jon M. Chu; "17 Again," starring Zac Efron; and the Drew Barrymore-starrer "Going the Distance." They also released "Step Up Revolution", the fourth addition to the hugely popular franchise.

In 2009, he served as co-producer and lead choreographer of the 2010 Academy Awards®. The telecast earned a record 12 Emmy nominations, including two for Shankman for producing and choreographing.

In July 2007, Shankman directed and executive produced "Hairspray," the feature film adaptation of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical. It received three Golden Globe nominations, including Best Picture — Musical or Comedy. In addition, the film's remarkable cast won a Critics' Choice Award for Best Acting Ensemble.

Shankman began his directing career in 2001 with his debut feature "The Wedding Planner." The next year, he directed the romantic drama "A Walk to Remember." Shankman followed with "Bringing Down the House," "The Pacifier," "Cheaper by the Dozen 2" and "Bedtime Stories."

Prior to launching his directing and producing career, Shankman was one of the entertainment industry's premier dance and physical comedy choreographers, putting his creative stamp on many well-known comedies, dramas, thrillers and animated films. His projects range from "The Addams Family" to "Boogie Nights," "Miami Rhapsody" and "The Flintstones," for which he was nominated for a Bob Fosse Award. In addition, he has choreographed music videos for Whitney Houston, the B-52s, Barry White, Aaron Neville, Chic and Stevie Wonder. He also serves as a judge on the hit Fox reality show "So You Think You Can Dance."

A native of Los Angeles, Shankman developed a love for the theater at an early age. Following high school, he moved to New York and attended Juilliard. After five years as an actor and dancer on the stages of New York and in regional theater, he moved back to Los Angeles and began dancing in music videos for such artists as Paula Abdul and Janet Jackson. He also performed at the 1989 Academy Awards®.

© 2012 New Line Cinema