Warrenton’s eight-screen movie theater is under new management and changes are coming. Warrenton 8 Cinema has hired Eagle Theater Management, a consulting and management firm based in Illinois, to operate the theater on its behalf.Dave Demien, president of the local cinema, says the new company will work with owners and staff to reconnect with the community and bring some excitement to the theater that Demien, his brother Russell and Dennis Orne opened Jan. 26, 2007.“We are community people, not theater people,” said Demien, who is also president of Wentzville-based Demien Construction. “We looked for an experienced operator who was familiar with operating community theaters and dedicated to making movies affordable and fun.”Eric Gubelman heads Eagle Theater Management and has been in the Illinois exhibition industry since 2004. He and his wife Susan built a five-screen theater in Robinson, Ill. followed by another small theater in Clinton, Ill. Last December, the Gubelmans opened a six-screen theater in Streator, Ill.“Our team is excited to be working with the local theater manager Stacy Glover,” said Gubelman. “Your W8 Cinema is a first-class facility in a small town, and we hope to have some fun and bring new promotions and events to Warren County.”Byron Connor, who manages the Eagle Theater’s Clinton facility, will be the regional manager for the local cinema.The official start date for the management switch is Sept. 15, but changes are underway now. The theater held its first ever free popcorn Thursday last week. Gubelman said that is a regular feature.“Bring your own container on Thursday, and we will fill it,” he said. “Eat all you want, but eat what you take. This is one of the ways we are offering families an opportunity to make a night out at the movies easier.”Gubelman said there are more changes ahead, but said many of the specifics will be announced later this week on the theater’s Facebook page. He did say there would definitely be a free summer kids movie series and he would not be surprised if residents would be doing the time warp this Halloween in a special event featuring “Rocky Horror Picture Show.”The exterior of the theater will get a fresh coat of paint. Other improvements will come. “We have a number of facility improvements in the works, but we have to plan and sequence them,” he said.He added that a comprehensive customer survey would soon be available on Facebook so that area residents can weigh in on what improvements they would like to see.“We’re going to be listening closely,” Gubelman said. “While we can’t be all things to all people, we are dedicated to adding value, being a lot of fun, a little quirky and a lot independent. Eagles don’t flock.”Movie times can be found each week in the Warren County Record, online at www.w8cinema.com and on the cinema hotline at 636-456-9032.Warrenton 8 CinemaSubmitted photo