Saskatoon's DJ Tanner named new Cineplex Pre-Show host

Saskatoon’s DJ Tanner is taking the path from radio straight to the big screen. DJ Tanner, whose real name is Tanner Zipchen, beat out over 300 hopefuls from across Canada to become the new Cineplex Pre-Show host. 

“It’s incredible. I kind of pushed it maybe to the back of my brain, I’m not saying I didn’t think I would get it, but I didn’t want to psyche myself up for it,” Zipchen said on Gormley Friday morning. 

“Then you get the call and I don’t think it’s even hit me yet.”

Zipchen has been a radio DJ for several years in Saskatchewan. He decided to take the leap into the hosting contest put on by the movie chain by filming an audition tape. After facing off against contestants across the country, Zipchen pulled in more than 10,000 votes to take the position.

Starting in October he will host the 25-minute feature before every movie the chain shows in Canada.

“We are (doing) a little profile piece on me here in Saskatoon and really involves the people here, because they were a big part of me making it that far,” Zipchen said.

“After that the filming will take place in Toronto or other locations as well… Whether it’s interviews or on set or doing some behind the scenes or stuff with production.”

With many hotly anticipated movies set to come out soon, Zipchen said it’s going to be an amazing experience. 

“We are talking some of the biggest movies that we are excited about. I am going to be the pre-show host during Star Wars Episode 7, the next round of the Marvel movies, the next Hunger Games… Who knows what could be coming?” Zipchen said, adding there’s one thing he’s a bit worried about. 

“The HD screen is not forgiving… It’s a giant face on the screen. I’m going from radio where no one sees what I look like to this two-storey movie screen.”

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