Emmy-nominated choreographer and creative director Dondraico Johnson chatted about “Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires,” which premieres on July 10th on Disney+.
Background on ‘Zombies 4’
In the first three “Zombies” movies, Zed and Addison brought human and monsterkind together in their hometown of Seabrook.
Now, a new adventure dawns for the duo when their summer road trip takes an unexpected detour, landing them in the middle of yet another monster rivalry: Daywalkers vs. Vampires.
Tensions flare when Zed and Addison find themselves acting as camp counselors between the two opposing supernatural factions.
With the help of Eliza and Willa, they must convince sworn enemies Nova and Victor to try to unite their warring worlds before an even greater threat endangers them all.
How was your experience making “Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires”?
Working on Zombies 4 was next level! My first time in New Zealand and wow, the place is unreal! Working with such a talented cast of actors and over 40 dancers that were all just as excited to be there and it was just unexplainable.
Developing and bringing two brand new entities to the franchise “Daywalkers and Vampires” was such a wild ride. I had a blast shaping their worlds and watching them come to life.
Coming back with Meg, Milo, Chandler and Kylee, is always a vibe. That crew brings the energy every time.
What did you like most about that project?
There are so many things I loved about this project. One thing was getting to make up choreography that is fresh high energy, next- gen for the new entities.
Malachi, Freya, MK, Sway and Julien, I think only two of them had ever danced for real so to see them come in and work so hard together to make sure they had it was beautiful.
My dancers worked there buts off to make sure they delivered every time. I had them all dancing.
How does it feel to be a choreographer and actor in the digital age?
Being a choreographer and actor in the digital age is a wild mix of challenges, creativity and nonstop changing.
The industry has flipped and shifted so many times and so many ways since I first stepped in, but one thing that never changed: my love for storytelling.
Whether it’s through movement, words, or both at the same time, this is exactly where I’m meant to be.
Congrats on the Emmy nomination… how did that feel?
Being Emmy-nominate was truly one for the books. “Genius: Aretha” felt like a gig that was made for me. It had everything — church, clubs, iconic performances, parties and so many layers of movement that spoke directly to my roots.
I grew up on Aretha. My grandmother had her music playing nonstop, so a lot of the material already lived in me. And don’t even get me started on Soul Train, my parents had it on every Saturday like clockwork. I knew those 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s grooves like the back of my hand.
Getting nominated for staying true to the story and honoring the culture, the music and the legacy. That was the real blessing.
What is your advice for young and emerging actors and storytellers?
My advice for young, emerging storytellers? Be true to who you are as a creative. Own your voice.
Study the greats, the legends who came before you, not to copy them but to understand how their genius can help shape what already lives inside you.
The road won’t always be smooth. Not everyone will get it, and that’s okay. They’ll catch up to your brilliance in time. Just keep creating. Even when no one’s watching. Because trust me, they will.
What does the word success mean to you?
Setting your own goals, not the ones the world gave you, but actually the ones you set for yourself, and you start checking them off.
Big or small, doesn’t matter. You did that and if you can do it without being shady, sneaky or compromising your morals. You can sleep peacefully at night? Yea, that’s the real success.
Once you’ve done what you said you would do, and you decide to pivot or explore new things in your career, you already winning. Because you followed through, you honored your vision.
The real success in my book is staying true to yourself, moving with integrity, and showing up for your purpose. Every time.
What would you like to tell our readers about “Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires”?
The cast showed up. They killed it. The music slaps, its so good and high energy. The story of working together as one from different walks of life but on the planet couldn’t have been told any cooler.
The choreography.. I mean let’s just say we didn’t come to play. Overall, it’s a great musical for all.
To learn more about choreographer and creative director Dondraico Johnson, follow him on Instagram.
