At Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Katy, Texas, movie magic is the name of the game. But, that magic couldn’t happen without our dedicated crew behind the scenes. One such integral member of our troupe is Abraham Nino, the lead projectionist at our La Centerra location of Alamo Drafthouse Cinema.
With seven years of experience under his belt, Abraham has become not just a vital part of the team but the person responsible for everything seen and heard on our screens in our LaCenterra location. He ensures that every guest's experience is a tailored adventure. Abraham has continually shown an immense capacity for growth and progression within the company. Every step forward reveals his ability to take on new responsibilities with dedication and confidence. That’s why we chose him as the latest recipient of our Employee Spotlight Award. So... who is this man behind the screen?
Lights, Camera, Action: From Food Runner to Lead Projectionist
Abraham’s adventure at Alamo Drafthouse began in 2017 when he started as a food runner. He had previously worked at NRG Stadium as a food runner for the box seats. He even worked at the stadium when the Super Bowl came to Houston! But when he applied for a position at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, he set his sights on a path away from the kitchen. “I wanted to become a projectionist from the start,” he recalls. Still, he stayed on, gaining invaluable experience within the theater first.
After about two years as a runner, an opportunity opened for a projectionist position, and he jumped at the chance. “I decided to give it a shot,” he explains, crediting a former projectionist, Noah Fife, as a vital guide who coached him through the transition. “Without him, I wouldn’t be here. He was a great teacher and mentor.”
Today, Abraham wears the badge of lead projectionist, a role he was promoted to after the cinema reopened post-pandemic.
A Day in the Life of Abraham Nino
As the lead projectionist, Abraham’s day is filled with responsibilities. “I start by checking the schedule to see what’s playing and how we’re getting the films,” he explains. Movies come in various formats—digital files, hard drives, or satellite downloads. Physical reels are now more of a nostalgic artifact. “Everything is digital now, but we keep the physical reels in storage for safety,” he adds, highlighting the evolution of film projection technology.
Abraham ensures everything is ready—from playlists to trailers—making sure every detail is accounted for before the lights dim. He enjoys the technical aspects of his role and the thrill of showcasing new releases to eager audiences.
What’s Life like Outside the Theater?
Outside the projection room, Abraham is a multifaceted individual who enjoys reading, gaming, and watching movies. “I also love to do video editing,” he shares, showcasing his creative side. He’s currently immersed in gaming with friends, particularly enjoying a Star Wars-themed game.
When asked about a fictional character he relates to, Abraham doesn’t hesitate: “Probably Truman from The Truman Show. He discovers the truth about his world and overcomes obstacles to reach his goals.” This connection reflects Abraham’s personal and professional growth journey.
Star-Studded Encounters at Alamo Drafthouse
In his years at Alamo Drafthouse, Abraham has had a brush or two with fame, meeting actors from iconic films like Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. “I met two of the kids from the original movie!” he shares with excitement. Paris Themmen, who played Mike Teevee, and Julie Dawn Cole, who played Veruca Salt, visited the theater during a showing of the original 1971 film. He also recalls meeting Peter Billingsley from A Christmas Story during another special screening event.
Abraham’s Bright Future Ahead
Abraham Nino’s journey at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema embodies the spirit of dedication, passion, and love for the cinematic arts. His experiences—from a young food runner to a seasoned projectionist—highlight the many facets of the film and dining industry and the thrill of sharing stories with audiences. As he continues to help bring films to life on the big screen, one can only anticipate more exciting moments that await him and the moviegoers in Katy, Texas.
In the words of Abraham, “Every day is a different experience here,” and that’s precisely what makes working at Alamo Drafthouse a magical ride for both employees and guests alike. Whether you’re indulging in the latest blockbuster or revisiting a classic, the heartbeat of cinema thrives under the watchful eye of Abraham and his team, ensuring that every film night is unforgettable.
