Anna Kendrick shows innovative deejay skills in Pitch Perfect. Not only were the filmmakers tasked with looking for talented actors, the performers had to have the ability to sing and learn choreography. Explains Brooks: “First and foremost, we were looking for actors who had comedic instincts and thought we’d get lucky with terrific actors who happened to be funny and can actually dance and maybe sing. It turns out we did get lucky with our cast!”
Cast as Beca, an incoming freshman and a young woman allergic to joining any student activities group, was Academy Award®- and Tony Award-nominated actress Anna Kendrick. Though her character starts off as a bit of a loner, Beca’s innovative deejay skills and ability to “mash” traditional and modern music make The Bellas believe they might have a shot as they pursue a championship title.
“Beca is the eyes and ears of the audience,” explains Moore. “She considers herself a serious musician and doesn’t want to be a part of this weird world. Anna Kendrick brings real warmth to a character that might be considered an outsider. She gives the movie a strong center.”
“The character Beca required someone who was grounded, who has a strong point of view on the world, who is funny and empathetic and someone who we can all relate to and root for,” says Banks. “Anna is all those things, and there was no other choice for the movie.”
Brooks echoes Banks’ praises of Kendrick: “I saw Anna in Up in the Air and thought it was the most exquisite, elegant, balanced, sublime performance. Anna was our first choice for the role of Beca.”
Kendrick’s background in theater helped with developing her character, who is discovered singing (really well) by Brittany Snow’s character, Chloe, when they shower next to each other. “I did theater when I was a little kid, and I’ve basically been singing in the shower since then,” laughs Kendrick. “I was in choir when I was in high school and would take vocal lessons once a week, but it’s not like I have had conservatory training. Taking on the role was a little scary, but lots of fun.”
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