DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Moviegoers everywhere will experience a true #TakeMeBackTuesday with the magic of the original Step Up movie returning to the big screen for one night, kicking off a new generation of passions, obsessions and rivalries tied to the highly anticipated premiere of the new YouTube Red Original series, Step Up: High Water. In addition to the original Step Up movie, the “Step Up: High Water Premiere Event” will feature the first episode of the Lionsgate TV series Step Up: High Water, executive produced by Channing and Jenna Dewan Tatum, Adam Shankman, Jennifer Gibgot and Holly Sorensen. The event will also feature a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the series.
The “Step Up: High Water Premiere Event” screens in cinemas nationwide for one night on Tuesday, January 30, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. local time from Fathom Events. Following the cinema event, Step Up: High Water launches on YouTube Red Wednesday, January 31.
Tickets for “Step Up: High Water Premiere Event” can be purchased online by visiting www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. Fans throughout the U.S. will be able to enjoy the event in more than 750 select movie theaters. A complete list of theater locations is available at the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).
Based on the Step Up film franchise that grossed $650 million at the global box office, Step Up: High Water is a heart-pounding, sexy, music-filled 10-episode drama focused on several ambitious young dancers in a contemporary performing arts school in Atlanta. The edgy and authentic new series touches on real issues around diversity and complex relationships -- and of course, boasts some serious dance moves.
Executive Producers Channing and Jenna Dewan Tatum, Adam Shankman, Jennifer Gibgot and Meredith Milton are bringing back the flashback feels to audiences nationwide, reuniting after 11 years for this new original drama series. Holly Sorensen (Recovery Road, Make It Or Break It) serves as series Creator, Executive Producer and Showrunner. Original songs for the series are created by four-time Grammy® Award-winning singer/songwriter Jason “PooBear” Boyd and “Jingle” Jared Gutstadt, the President, co-founder, and Chief Creative Officer of Jingle Punks.
The series stars Ne-Yo as “Sage Odom,” the legendary founder of Atlanta’s famed High Water Performing Arts School. Naya Rivera plays “Collette,” a former dancer turned High Water administrator whose passion for her students is only matched by her history with Sage and secrets of her own. Lauryn McClain (Tyler Perry’s Daddy’s Little Girls, Spider-Man [animated series]) plays “Janelle,” an ambitious dancer navigating the Atlanta hip-hop scene after she and her twin brother “Tal,” played by Petrice Jones (iBoy, Play The Devil), are uprooted from suburban Ohio to live with their “Uncle Al” played by Faizon Love (Couples Retreat, Elf). As the pair settle into their new home, new school and new life, they meet “Dondre,” played by Marcus Mitchell (High Strung, Odious), who introduces them to Atlanta’s party scene where they learn that High Water is auditioning dancers.
“The Step Up franchise has put a well-deserved spotlight on the professional dance scene, and the new Step Up: High Water series will make it shine even brighter,” said Fathom Events CEO Ray Nutt. “We’re excited to partner with YouTube Red for the first time to give audiences an exclusive look at the first episode on the big screen, paired with the original film, so moviegoers can get the full Step Up experience.”
“YouTube Red is excited to present the next generation story of the compelling Step Up franchise,” said Susanne Daniels, Global Head of Original Content, YouTube. “We are thrilled to be in business with the original team behind the iconic films.”
“Step Up: High Water combines an iconic property, a visionary network partner and incredible world-class talent,” said Lionsgate Television Group Chairman Kevin Beggs. “The result is a noisy, high-octane, music-filled addition to YouTube Red’s programming line-up that will continue to build their ever-expanding audience.”
Watch the trailer here. For artwork/photos related to “Step Up: High Water Premiere Event,” visit the Fathom Events press site.
About Fathom Events
Fathom Events is the leading event cinema distributor with participating theaters in all 100 of the top Designated Market Areas®, and ranks as one of the largest overall distributors of content to movie theaters. Owned by AMC Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: AMC), Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK) and Regal Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC) (known collectively as AC JV, LLC), Fathom Events offers a variety of one-of-a-kind entertainment events in theaters such as live performances of the Metropolitan Opera, top stage productions including Newsies! The Broadway Musical and George Takei’s Allegiance, major sporting events such as Mayweather vs. McGregor, epic concerts with artists like Grateful Dead and Dixie Chicks, the yearlong TCM Big Screen Classics series, inspirational events such as Steve McQueen: American Icon and In Our Hands, and beloved anime titles like Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away. Fathom Events takes audiences behind the scenes for unique extras including audience Q&As, backstage footage and interviews with cast and crew, creating the ultimate VIP experience. Fathom Events’ live digital broadcast network (“DBN”) is the largest cinema broadcast network in North America, bringing live and pre-recorded events to 897 locations and 1,387 screens in 181 DMAs. For more information, visit www.fathomevents.com.
About YouTube Red
YouTube Red is a subscription that gives you access to YouTube Red Original Movies and Series, a premium music service and an uninterrupted experience across YouTube. YouTube Red is currently available in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico and Korea.
About Lionsgate
The first major new studio in decades, Lionsgate is a global content platform whose films, television series, digital products and linear and over-the-top platforms reach next generation audiences around the world. In addition to its filmed entertainment leadership, Lionsgate content drives a growing presence in interactive and location-based entertainment, gaming, virtual reality and other new entertainment technologies. Lionsgate's content initiatives are backed by a 16,000-title film and television library and delivered through a global licensing infrastructure. The Lionsgate brand is synonymous with original, daring and ground-breaking content created with special emphasis on the evolving patterns and diverse composition of the Company's worldwide consumer base.
