A Note from Breaking Dawn Director Bill Condon
Posted on 30. Apr, 2010 by AmyO in News
The Official Twilight Facebook page has just posted this note from Breaking Dawn director Bill Condon-
Greetings Twihards, Twifans, Twilight Moms, Team Edward, Team Jacob and Team Switzerland,I just want to say hello to all of you and let you know that I’m stoked to be getting underway on the adventure of making BREAKING DAWN. As you’ve probably heard, I’ve been given a very warm welcome by Stephenie and Team Summit – who are super-focused, as you know, on getting these movies right.
I’m pretty busy bringing myself up to speed on what you already know by heart: I’ve read BREAKING DAWN twice, rewatched Catherine’s and Chris’s movies 2-3 times each, have all four CDs playing in my car, and have Catherine’s notebook, Mark Cotta Vaz’s companion books, and even Volume 1 of the graphic novel here on my desk – a corner of my office is starting to look like Hot Topic. I realize that this barely qualifies me for “newborn” status in the universe you’ve been living inside for a few years now, but a guy’s gotta start somewhere.
Like many of you, I’ve always been slightly obsessed with vampires, dating back to the prime-time series DARK SHADOWS, which I followed avidly as a kid. But that alone hadn’t been enough to get me interested in making a vampire movie, even though my early screenwriting and directing efforts grew out of a great love for horror movies and thrillers. Since making GODS AND MONSTERS thirteen years ago, however, I’ve been yearning for a return to a story with Gothic overtones.
The wonderful world that Stephenie has created has obviously struck a chord with you, and I don’t think it’s difficult to see why. For me, her characters are simultaneously timeless, yet very modern. Rooted in a beautiful, real landscape with a great sense of place, Bella, Edward, Jacob, and the rest of the Forks/La Push menagerie, experience emotions that are primal, and universal: desire, despair, jealousy – and it all comes to fruition in BREAKING DAWN. This is a final chapter in the best sense; not just wide in scope and scale, but emotionally charged and intense throughout.
I’m a huge admirer of the already-iconic Kristen, Robert, and Taylor, and wanted to be the one to work with them as they face the challenges of bringing your beloved characters to the end of their journeys. Really, what could be more fun than that?
Please feel free to ask questions in the comments section below, and I’ll do my best to answer them. I hope that this will be the first of many occasions I’ll get to check in with you as we set to work bringing BREAKING DAWN to the screen. I am excited and grateful to have all of you alongside me for my TWILIGHT journey.
All best,
Bill Condon
P.S. Answer #1: No, there won’t be any musical numbers
I ♥ the TwilightMOMS acknowlegement 
27 Responses to “A Note from Breaking Dawn Director Bill Condon”
Deb Zerbe
30. Apr, 2010
Hi Mr. Condon,
I’m so stoked your directing Breaking Dawn, I would only like to request one thing that needs to be in Breaking Dawn, o.k. two sorry.. The feathers and when Rosalie makes Jacob’s dinner in a dog bowel and puts FIDO on it. Those two parts crack me the most. My favorite part is the last two pages of the book, when Bella allows Edward to finally see her thoughts, that part gives me tear. Your the best…
Thank You, Deb Zerbe Reading, Pa
Lily
30. Apr, 2010
@ Deb Zerbe…You should also tell Melissa Rosenberg because she’s the one writing the script..
I too cracked up on the FIDO…lol
Jan H.
30. Apr, 2010
I look forward to seeing the work you do with Breaking Dawn. Already from your greeting I see that you understand that the love of these books is cross-generational and not limited to the 10-15 year olds. Please don’t forget that even though this book does have gothic overtones, it is still above anything else, a romance.
Wishing you the best.
Jan H. , Kansas
jenn h
30. Apr, 2010
We cannot wait for you to bring Breaking Dawn to the big screen. Just a few suggestions:#1- i would love to see Edward actually eat a piece of wedding cake. It’s just a little something that made me snicker. #2- i agree with deb about the banter btwn Rosalie & Jacob…you gotta have a few of the blonde jokes! #3-Kate (from the Denali clan)-i think you should go for more of the “tom boy” for her character. #4 – The Birthing scene – all i’m saying is just please be careful!!!!!!! Thanks again for even giving us the chance to voice our opinions!!!!! Good luck with everything!!!!
Leslie Simpson
30. Apr, 2010
Hi Mr Condon,
I am super excited about Breaking Dawn, but at the same time I am very sad. The twilight books have been my best friend for the past few years, and I will hate to see it all come to an end. I know it may sound crazy but they inspired my little girls name. My daughter was born February 13, 2010 and I named her Isabella Rosalie L….
I wish that I could be apart of the final movie, but of course everyone does. Congratulations on being apart of such an overwhelmingly touching saga.
Tera
30. Apr, 2010
I am very excited also for Mr. Condon to work on Breaking Dawn. I loved his letter to the fans; you can tell just by the letter that he will work hard on it. I love the humor in the letter to fans too and as Jan H said also, I too am glad he realizes that this saga isn’t just for younger teens.
I agree, there are so many parts too I’d like to see in the movie; but yes defiantly the feathers scene and Rosalie and the Fido dog dish one!!!
Marianne
30. Apr, 2010
Well this just got me totally stoked that Bill’s onboard for Breaking Dawn. What a great letter! Right now I’m just hoping that the work is split into two films so the last installment can be given a proper wrap up and not be rushed.
Marianne, South Carolina
V
30. Apr, 2010
I am impressed to read that you understand our world of Twilight. I am excited beyond words for this movie! One of my favorite parts of Breaking Dawn is the wedding. I can just imagine how beautiful you are going make it. My daughters favorite two parts are when Alice and Jasper come running in at the end to help save the day. The other is when Jasper is squished between Alice and Esme at the end. She is Team Jasper all the way!
Thanks for taking this on,
V, Oklahoma
Lily
30. Apr, 2010
Rumor has it that BREAKING DAWN will be a 2 movie deal…..PLEASE don’t torture US the fans
PLEASE…make this a 1 movie flick…NOT 2…I know i don’t speak for myself when I say this but as a true fan..I DO NOT mind sitting through a 3-4 hour TWILIGHT film. I’d rather sit for 3-4 hours than wait a few months or a year to see part 2 of book 4…which I honestly feel is unfair to US. Common…Condon…hook it up..wedding..honeymoon (feathers)..childbirth..up until HAPPILY EVER AFTER 
It should all match cover to cover…Like 4 books = 4 movies 
Marianne
01. May, 2010
They’ll never make a 3-4 hour movie. You’ll get 2.5 at best if there’s only one film and A LOT will be left out. Gotta be two movies to do it juctice.
Just my $.02
Marianne
01. May, 2010
Errr JUSTICE even. Too early for typos
E. Looper
30. Apr, 2010
I’m very excited that the final chapter of the Twilight Series has been placed in your most capable hands and obviously you are chin-deep in researching the characters and the overall feel of it! For me, Esme’s Island with all of it’s romance and nervous honeymoon anticipation that lead up to their first night together there and ultimately, to their first night together after Bella’s transformation in their stone cottage where they “just weren’t going to make it” across their bedroom was fabulous. I admit, I was totally wrapped up in the newness of Bella and Edward’s physical relationship and I ended up wanting more! I understand that can be tricky with the target audience of the series, but there are thousands and thousands of women who also love it. Are you at a point yet that you can elaborate on how you’ll portray their physical relationship?
Best wishes and thanks for the opprtunity to ask questions!
Brittani
30. Apr, 2010
I’m very impressed with Bill Condons open letter to the twilight fans… It’s nice to know he’s jumping head first into the land of twilight
Susan
30. Apr, 2010
I am so excited that you will be directing Breaking Dawn. It is my favorite Twilight book. Please include some of the humor of the book in the movie. I would especially love to see Bella arm wrestle Emmett. I would also love to see Edward smile and laugh like he does in the books.
I hope that there will be two movies because I would like to see as much as the book as possible. I am a 56 year old Twilight Mom and I am obsessed with Twilight.
leslie
01. May, 2010
Mr. Condon:
What a wondrous eloquence you have. Your letter to us brought a tear to my eye. A man who truly GETS this.
Summit and Stephanie made an excellent choice. I think I have only read speculation, but has it been decided on whether there will be one or two movies yet? I, as well as countless others, vote two for a myriad of reasons. Obviously there would be too much of this amazing last book that would have to be omitted if only one movie were made and, selfishly, we all want as much as we can get to deliciously devour!!!
Again, congratulations from a 62 year old twilight obsessed (grand) mom who can’t wait!
P.S. If there is ANYTHING you need help with, fetching coffee for you OR ROB, holding an umbrella over your heads, throwing myself over a mud puddle so you can safely walk, just let me know and I’m on it!!!!
Jo Foster
01. May, 2010
Welcome to the world of Twilight Mr Condon! We are fiercely protective of Stephenie’s world, aren’t we? Along with others, I too am looking forward to Bella and Emmett arm-wrestling, and the Dog Bowl scenes – most especially, Edward and Jacob’s response to Rosalie! I feel that that scene injects a necessary humorous pause amongst the despair of that section of the novel. Wishing you a trouble free filming, and no adverse weather conditions.
twinky
01. May, 2010
Readings all of these comments just puts a HUGE smile on my face this rainy morning. Bill, you seem to be off on the right path and LOOK forward to watching my favorite book in the Twilight Saga come to life!I dunno if I really care either way if the movie becomes 2 parts or remains a really long 1 part. I’ll still be buying my ticket many times over. During the wedding scene when Bella is descending down the stairs w/ Charlie and she finally sees Edward waiting for her……Hold on a sec…..I’m already tearing up…She realizes he will always be hers and she will always be his…Forever… Well I couldn’t read that the first 2x b/c the pages were so blurry from my unending stream of happy tears. Just saying
Katie
01. May, 2010
When is Breaking Dawn going to hit theaters?
Lerae
01. May, 2010
Dear Mr. Condon,
Let me start by saying that I am excited that you will be directing Breaking Dawn.
I loved reading your letter and appreciate your dedication and enthusiasm for wanting to make Breaking Dawn into the best movie possible. As a reader you would want every inch of this book in the movie but that is not possible, so for me there is — The wedding, Esme’s Island, The birthing scene, when she is changed and when she let’s Edward read her thoughts at the end. But there is soooo much more your a Great director and you will nail this.
But what I would like to know is will this movie be in 2 parts. I don’t know how you could get all of this into 2hours and have this be the end of THE TWILIGHT SAGE.
Nancy
01. May, 2010
Hello Mr. Condon!
What a great way to make all the fans feel a part of this wonderful conclusion to the Twilight Saga!! Bravo and great luck on the project. I’m very much anticipating what you will do with this last book.
My question has to do with the music, however. I was wondering if there was any room for a fan, like myself, to get a song into the “Breaking Dawn” movie? I just think it might make the fans excited to know that we are actually part of the last movie?
I’m a singer/songwriter who would love to submit a song inspired by the series.
Thanks for your consideration!
Mina Angotti
01. May, 2010
Congratulations Mr. Condon on entering the World of Stephenie Meyer.
First and foremost, the most profound reason for the success of the World of Stephenie Meyer has been the amazing way in which Stephenie has told a story. And not just any story, but a love story.
I was introduced to the Saga from my then twelve years old daughter who heard about the books from school friends. I bought her the series, and she read the entire series four times. She was immersed in the characters and the relationships and the details of the love story. She was so excited about the series that she told more friends and all her aunts. Conversations were at times serious, and at other times very comical.
What Stephenie has done with a lot of integrity in her brilliant writing is to engage many generations to interpret a profound love story. And it is left to the imagination of each reader to continue the dream. Reading is one of the greatest ways to enter into dynamic worlds.
Summit Entertainment has entertained the world with the series, and we have had the privilege of meeting incredible actors and directors. I pray that the challenge of the series will motivate you as the new director to respect the integrity of the final chapter of the series.
As always, I am Canadian, Team Aro and privileged to be a part of this site.
sgryder1973
02. May, 2010
Mr. Condon-
My 37 year old mind was totally impressed with your letter to fans. Keep it true to the book and we will be there, multiple times, with bells on! I want to see the action behind the scenes of the book, but I DO NOT want it to deviate from the orginal plot.
Want me some action, but NOT at the expense of SM story.
Yeah BD!!
LisaLisa
02. May, 2010
I am so encouraged by your thoughtful letter. It is clear that you recognize how important these movies are to the fans and how crucial the fundamental love story is to us. This movie is the culmination of every character’s journey and our journeys with them as fans. You have our trust to visually represent Bella and Edward’s love story in the midst of an action-packed plot. Please remember that it’s their love that dazzles us and keeps us so loyal.
I’m sure you will have many long discussions and will hear every kind of opinion about the birthing scene. I would like to add mine – that the gore inherent in the situation is the least important element to show visually in the movie. Giving the impression of it instead will be more powerful than any direct look that could overpower the vivid emotions of the scene. Our minds will fill in the blanks without having to see too many details.
I wish you luck and an enjoyable journey while making this movie. You’ve already demonstrated that you have what it takes to make this an amazing end to a beloved saga.
Debbie
03. May, 2010
Hi Mr. Condon,
Thank you for your heart-felt letter. I’m so happy to see you also embracing the twilight world as so many of us already have. I would love to see Edward’s crooked smile that Bella loves so much and her getting on her tip-toes to kiss him. I didn’t see that in the previous movies and it is mentioned many times in the book. I also love the banter between Bella and Edward as it is so critical to all the books in showing their committment to each other and has been the frame-work for both of them in believing in each other that this relationship will work as they are/were so unsure of themselves. Anyway, I could go on for hours but a big thank you for doing this movie and many best wishes to the job ahead of you. I’m with Leslie, if you need anyone to throw themselves over a mud puddle…….We ALL can’t wait!! THANK YOU!!!!!
Heidi
03. May, 2010
Awesome letter Mr. Condon!
I am so very excited to see what you come up with for the final movies!
The title is “I Only See You” and the artist is Paul Benton. You can hear it on iTunes. One place I can picture it is at the wedding. Maybe Edward is watching Bella across the crowd as she interacts with the guests. Just a thought.
I just wanted to try one more time to suggest a song that I think would be perfect! (How many times have you heard that?) Anyway, I have absolutely no connection to the artist. I just think it sounds like Bella and Edward. I hope you’ll listen to it and see what you think. At the very most, you’ll lose 3 minutes and 40 seconds of your life that you’ll never get back.
Thanks for reading all of our comments. I hope they at the very least give you a smile. Have a fantastic day!
Jennine
04. May, 2010
Welcome Bill,
I recently was in Charoltte NC for Twilight Convention 2010 and was so impressed by the actors and their sweetness and love for their fans. I agree with the 2 movies. There were some holes left to fill in at some points in the movies if the books were not read. Please give us 2 movies! I know it will be torture for some but well worth it!!!
Sylvia V.
05. May, 2010
Mr. Condon,
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for such a wonderful and beautiful letter. This tells me that you are a very understanding and senstive person, for someone to take the time to write a letter to us “Twilight” fans in my book is “inspiring”. You have a daunting task ahead of you and I wish you all the best. It will be a difficult, exciting, exhausting and exhilirating job ahead of you, but, I’m betting that you will brilliantly pull it of, ( Dreamgirls, need I say more).
They are so many scenes that are so vital to the making of this movie, but I have to say, “The Wedding” along with Bella proclaiming to Jacob that she will consumate the marriage is very important and also, when E/B drive away and you hear Jacob howling in the background, very prolific.
Isle Esme, very important scenes when Bella is walking to the beach at night while Edward waits, music background to me would be “Beau Soir” by Debussy, very beautiful and romantic. Definitely when she finds she’s pregnant, I could go on and on. LIke I said before, a very daunting task ahead of you. I wish you all the best, and look forward with anticipation to seeing “Breaking Dawn”.