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    Gateway Film Center Geeks Out

    Can’t wait until Friday to see Marvel’s new flick Guardians of the Galaxy? Die hard movie nerds would tell you that there are many opportunities across Columbus to sneak in a screening to this or any major blockbuster the night before its official weekend launch, but Gateway Film Center (1550 North High St.) hopes you’ll take that fandom one step further.

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    The film center has offered Geek Sneaks – early previews of major releases – for a while, but they are upping their game in time for Guardians with pre-show parties and added, Geek Sneaker-only entertainment courtesy of local filmmaker and producer Mike McGraner.

    The idea sprang to the mind of Gateway president Chris Hamel earlier this summer, when he took his son to Nite Owl Theatre at Studio 35. McGraner directs and produces the program, which stars beloved Columbus icon Fritz “The Nite Owl” Pereenboom.

    Says McGraner, “He saw my preshow and overall presentation and liked it very much.”

    Hamel isn’t alone. Both McGraner and Peerenboom are nominated for Emmys for their work on this season’s Nite Owl Theater.

    Hamel and McGraner chatted over drinks, “geeking out” about movies, and Hamel quickly offered McGraner the job.

    “I saw his work and thought, we’ve got to get him at the film center,” says Hamel.

    “I honestly couldn’t be happier at this moment,” says McGraner. “Nite Owl is selling out every show and I am getting paid to be creative.”

    And what exactly does he create? Two separate pieces of pre-show entertainment crafted to pique the excitement of moviegoers.

    With McGraner’s help, as well as that of Jordan Hanhilammi, who crafts flick-appropriate cocktails and food specials, the Gateway’s Geek Sneaks are evolving into a pre-show bash catered to each new film in the program.

    Sixty minutes before the start of a Geek Sneak, the party kicks off in Gateway’s lounge with drink and food specials, as well as the first of two videos created by McGraner. At the 30-minute mark, patrons are directed into the auditorium, where a second video runs on the big screen.

    “The planning is a huge deal for me. The lounge show I want to feel like a tailgate party for the main event,” McGraner explains. “The in-theater experience has to be twice as cool and have you geeking out with anticipation for the film you are about to see. Ninja Turtles, for example will be a complete history of all incarnations of the characters.”

    There’s no additional cost for Geek Sneak tickets, and the McGraner videos are attached only to these events. Miss the Geek Sneak and you will miss the pre-show.

    “I will give ticket holders a fun, nostalgic hour that will hopefully be worth the price of admission alone,” he promises.

    Check out the event this Thursday prior to Guardians of the Galaxy Geek Sneaks. The film screens every hour from 7pm to midnight, with Geek Sneak parties beginning an hour prior to each screening.

    And be sure to cheer McGraner and Fritz on to their Emmys, which will be announced Saturday (8/2).

    For tickets, showtimes and additional information, visit www.gatewayfilmcenter.com.

    A full slate of movie reviews is available on my website www.maddwolf.com. You can also follow me on Twitter @maddwolf and like me on Facebook at facebook.com/MaddWolfColumbus .

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    Hope Madden
    Hope Maddenhttps://columbusunderground.com
    Hope Madden is a freelance contributor on Columbus Underground who covers the independent film scene, writes film reviews and previews film events.
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