Press Release
The new and edgy independent film, “The Campaigners” began production in the world-class city of Chicago this month. This film is bringing together the studio production skills of Gorilla Tango Theatre and the spirit of hungry newcomer film production company, Lilacs and Gasoline LLC.
“The Campaigners” is a fresh comedy set in the small town of Foster Hill and it documents the complete travesty of a local campaign gone wrong from beginning to end. Loosely based on the true story of John Ashcroft and how he lost his campaign by a narrow margin to a deceased candidate, the story begins with Lucas Phillips, a dimwitted man who sets out to make something of his life by running for Mayor of the small town of Foster Hill. With the leadership of Willard, a flask guzzling former campaign manager with a catastrophic history and Lathrop, the down and out no-nonsense speechwriter; the campaign race heads for and diverts from all types of disaster. This film could be considered a cross between Spinal Tap, Arrested Development and a Mel Brooks movie.
“I thank God for this opportunity and I want to use the gifts He has given me to make the best movie possible, “says Ryan McChesney, the Director, Co-Writer and leading man. “My friends and I had a local show back in Missouri and wanted to take that to another level and we also just wanted to write a funny movie. This was really an escape from my depressing life,” he jokes, “and now I feel like they [GTT] gave me the keys to a Ferrari and I don’t have a permit yet. It has been a scary, but mostly awesome experience so far.”
“I love actual production. With pre-production, it all feels like this mountain in front of you that seems impossible to overcome; it doesn’t seem real,” said Melissa Clay, the film’s head Producer. “Once we finally go into production, we’re actually on set and we’re collaborating and figuring out problems that inevitably come up with independent filmmaking, or filmmaking in general, it’s tangible and we’re taking it one day at a time, “said Melissa Clay, the film’s head Producer. “I see the dailies of what we shot and it’s coming together, you’re really accomplishing something.”
“The Campaigners” is delighted to be working with Gorilla Tango Theatre. Gorilla Tango Theatre (GTT) is a year-round theatrical venue where audiences of all ages can consistently go to see a wide variety of talented artists. GTT exists to provide artists with an opportunity to produce their work in professional environment. GTT was created by Second City- and IO-Chicago-trained Dan Abbate and boasts an 80-seat performance space. GTT Chicago is conveniently located at the intersection of Western and Milwaukee in Chicago’s Bucktown neighborhood. Easily accessible by public transportation, GTT is steps away from the Western Blue Linestop and the #49 Western, #73 Armitage and #56 Milwaukee buses. Street parking is readily available. With shows for both children and adults, all GTT performances are on a rating system, similar to the one used in movie theatres. GTT offers a variety of affordable beer and wine for
purchase. Consult the website for rating information, tickets, and details.
ABOUT LILACS AND GASOLINE
Founded by Andrea M. Humanic and Melissa Clay in 2011, Lilacs and Gasoline was created to spurn creativity and promote inspiration by the medium of film throughout the city of Chicago. We provide services related and not limited to screenwriting, film production and post-production.
Chicago is a city full of creative talent, writers, actors, filmmakers, musicians, sounds and sights all around Lilacs and Gasoline is focused on telling your story and bringing your vision to fruition. your story, sharing your style and bringing your vision to fruition.
