Meet the interviewer:

Kenny Ortega

Initially known as a choreographer for such films as Xanadu (1980), Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986), and Dirty Dancing (1987), Kenny Ortega transitioned to director for the television version of Dirty Dancing (1988-1989) after serving as choreographer for the film version in 1987. Throughout his career Ortega has directed a variety of live specials; XIX Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony (2002); documentaries; Michael Jackson’s This is It (2009); television series; Grounded for Life, Gilmore Girls, Ally McBeal, The Playboy Club, Bunheads; films; Hocus Pocus (1993), High School Musical 3: Senior Year (2008); and movies for television; High School Musical (2006), The Cheetah Girls 2 (2006); High School Musical 2 (2007). For his directorial efforts Ortega has been nominated for two DGA Awards, winning for Children’s Programs for High School Musical in 2007. He has also been nominated for two directing Emmys, winning in 2002 for the XIX Winter Olympics Ceremony. Ortega has also been nominated for six other Primetime Emmys for various producing, choreographing and musical efforts, winning for his choreography of the XIX Winter Olympics Ceremony and High School Musical.