For Canada's cinema-going public, the year 2020 got off to a shaky start when it was revealed that Cineplex's beloved Pre-Show host Tanner Zipchen had been let go from his position following the company's acquisition by a British media group. While it's surely a stressful time for him, he may not be missing out on that much pay. After all, the Z-man has alleged that for a time, Cineplex was paying him in SCENE points.
In a new interview with the Star, Tanner said that when he was first hired on, he was paid in SCENE points and free Cineplex digital movie rentals. He was apparently paid enough SCENE points for one free movie a week.
"You can't pay a mortgage with SCENE points," Zipchen told the Star. He eventually fought to earn a salary, and had been doing so for three years until being let go in January.
Cineplex denied paying Zipchen in SCENE points, alleging that he had actually agreed to work for them as part of a contest. Zipchen appears to have corroborated this with a pair of tweets:
In a new interview with the Star, Tanner said that when he was first hired on, he was paid in SCENE points and free Cineplex digital movie rentals. He was apparently paid enough SCENE points for one free movie a week.
"You can't pay a mortgage with SCENE points," Zipchen told the Star. He eventually fought to earn a salary, and had been doing so for three years until being let go in January.
Cineplex denied paying Zipchen in SCENE points, alleging that he had actually agreed to work for them as part of a contest. Zipchen appears to have corroborated this with a pair of tweets:
Despite what the title says, this is not me “speaking out,” but commenting on a larger story about working for exposure in the industry. “I knew what I was getting into. You have to be prepared to make sacrifices. It was a chance to follow my passion & do what I love.”
Tanner Zipchen speaks out on former Cineplex gig, says at first all he got were Scene points dlvr.it/RQ5Mj3
For what it's worth, I always knew I was getting compensated in Scene points for the first year, and was always grateful for them. I used them to pay back those who helped me with my audition and campaign to win the contest.
— Tanner Zipchen (@TannerZipchen) February 15, 2020
Here's hoping Tanner's next gig pays in cash.
