Griffith City Cinemas has has their very own red carpet experience, attending the World Premier of the Australian film BBQ in Albury last weekend.
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But not only rubbing shoulders with the film’s star studded cast on the night, Griffith City Cinema Manager Craig Tesler was also involved in the production of the film, making the viewing an even more special experience.
“I spent a good part of a week on the set in Wodonga,” Mr Tesler said.
“To be part of something like that with the calibre of actors, was really amazing.”
“People ask me whose in the film, and I reply well me! But it’d be a fleeting second of film.”
But the movie’s main star cast included Magda Szubanski, Shane Jacobson, Julia Zemiro, Nicholas Hammond and Manu Feildel.
Mr Tesler said the great thing was they had him working in several different areas when he was there, at one point he was working and watching for continuity, and at another contributed to the script and stood in as Shane Jacobson’s double.
Lana Doyle and Mase O’Meley, also from Griffith City Cinemas went along with Mr Tesler to Albury, and were treated to viewing the movie in the same row as the cast, even managing to speak to and take selfies with the main actors.
“We were invited to the after party as well, and all the stars were there. I set a goal to not leave without a photo with Manu, and I did,” Miss Doyle said.
“He was really lovely, when we first approached him I didn’t want to intrude, but he got up and had a chat, it was awesome!”
Mr Tesler hopes that being able to view the movie will help bridge the gap between production and cinema’s screening events.
“The great thing about taking Lana and Mase, who I am hoping will have a long and happy time in this career, it gives them a bit of a better idea that we are more than just popcorn,” Mr Tesler said.
“The great thing about it was, even though I worked on the production a little bit, we were the only cinema at the after party, so as far as the exhibition side, that’s the advantage that we had.”
Mr Tesler hopes the opportunity for his staff to watch and see the stars will work towards closing the gap between the production of the movie and the showing.
“They put so much effort into making a movie, and we are at the front of the line when it comes to presenting the movie to the public, so if we can be a part of the production, the amount of excitement personally for us, pretty much radiates outwards.”
The film was directed by Stephen Amis, was shot in Mitta in early 2017, and the plot revolves around Jacobson's character Darren 'Dazza’ Cook, a suburban barbecue enthusiast who accidentally gives his neighbours food poisoning during his regular Saturday barbecue, before entering an international barbecue competition with the help of a mysterious Scottish chef (Szubanski) in order to restore his credibility.
Griffith City Cinemas will be holding a special viewing in honour of Australia Day (January 26).