Atlanta-filmed ‘Step Up’ series to premiere on big screen

In 2006, “Step Up,” a romance/dance film catapulted Jenna Dewan and Channing Tatum into stardom (and later marriage) becoming a surprise hit in theaters.

It was such a big hit that every two years a new version was released. When the film hit five franchises in 2014, it was just a matter of time before it became a television series.

“Step Up: High Water,” premieres Jan. 31 on You Tube Red as a TV series based on the original film franchise but moviegoers can catch it a day early on the big screen with a special one-day viewing from Fathom Events.

On Jan. 30 at 7 p.m., 11 metro area theaters will show the original hip-hop classic film followed by the premiere of the first episode of the new series. There will also be a special behind-thescenes look at the making of the series which is filmed and set in Atlanta.

The original “Step Up” starred Tatum as Tyler, a kid gone wrong who gets a second chance when he becomes the janitor at a performing arts school in Baltimore.

Jenna Dewan Tatum played Nora, an uptight dancer who learned how to loosen up with Tyler’s help. The plot unfolds in standard fashion ending with a final showcase in which Tyler and Nora kill it on the dance floor and win accolades from the school.

The other four films in the franchise stick with the same formula — earnest brunette paired with bare chested guy — as everyone goes through some sort of conflict before a final dance in which all the trials are made worthwhile. Other versions of the film have been set in New York, Miami and Las Vegas with some appearances by characters from previous films.

The Atlanta-based TV series was executive produced by Channing and Jenna Dewan Tatum among others and stars Ne-Yo as the founder of a performing Arts school in Atlanta .

The series brings fresh faces to the franchise, not relying on those who appeared in previous films. Expect the 10-episode series to deal with issues of diversity, complex relationships and life in general with a whole lot of dancing thrown in.

For tickets and more information on the premiere event, visit www.fathomevents.com.