Delaware Production The Conspiracists Premieres January 8 |
Directed by Michael Perrie Jr. and produced by Uncultured Swine and Delaware-based King Creative, the comedy mockumentary follows a pair of siblings (played by Terrie Lynne and Christopher Murray) as they attempt to organize the world’s first-ever all-inclusive conspiracy convention, ConCon. However, when Daisy and Eric Sureloc’s dreams of building the conspiracy convention begin to shatter, it’s up to one of them to put the pieces back together. At the same time, the other strives to uncover a bigger conspiracy at play. How did this ultra-low-budget indie film, shot in only 11 days and made for a fraction of a typical production budget, come to fruition… and in Delaware of all places? “It started with a hilarious script, years-long friendships that turned into creative partnerships, the desire to bring a unique story to life, and an ambitious timeline along with a giant leap of faith,” explained executive producers Beatriz Naranjo and Delaware native Edward Layfield, founders of the NYC-based production hub Uncultured Swine. The Conspiracists mark their feature film debut as producers, although they’ve previously produced other smaller-scale projects, including TV pilots and short films.
The original script was written by their talented close friends, husband-and-wife duo Michael Perrie Jr. and Lacy Reily. “As we wander into another time of emotional, political, and social insecurity, conspiracy runs rampant with every new post online,” said Perrie Jr. “You’ll find hours of conspiracy theories ripe for the picking. But there is one simple, beautiful thread tying it all together – people just want to be part of a community. We wanted to write something that makes people think a little, laugh a lot, and come together.” Naranjo and Layfield also partnered with Christopher Robert Bruce, the visionary behind Wilmington-based King Creative, bringing Bruce on as executive producer. The film’s entire production operation was based out of King Creative’s studio at 727 N. Market Street. “I understood their vision and realized this was a huge opportunity, and it meant so much to me to bring a film production on this level to my home state,” said Bruce. “12 of the film’s 13 locations were shot in the state of Delaware, and Chris was pivotal in providing the right connections and partnerships needed to make this happen,” said Naranjo. “From small business connections to location scouting and access to in-house production services and casting, Christopher was an incredibly vital asset that made the entire production seamless.” Most of the cast and production crew have Delaware ties, including lead actress Terrie Lynne, a Broadway star who plays the protagonist, Daisy. Delawareans will see notable local landmarks in the film, including the Hotel du Pont and the Grand Opera House, as well as small businesses like the Siegel JCC, Precious Paws, Delaware Tire Center and Captain Blue Hen Comics.While most feature films cost millions of dollars to produce, The Conspiracists is a SAG Ultra Low Budget (ULB) production with an ambitious eleven-consecutive-day shooting schedule and a $250,000 budget. They managed to make the numbers work thanks to a tax incentive by the Delaware Television & Motion Picture Commission, creative crowdfunding through a nonprofit platform, a few private investors, leveraging local relationships and equity kicked in by the producers. Given the nature of independent filmmaking, Layfield said they were able to cut costs by having everyone on the crew play multiple roles (including hilarious cameos throughout the film). Naranjo is also credited as Production and Wardrobe Designer (overseeing approximately 76 wardrobe needs and multiple set dressing components); Layfield handled hospitality, transportation and catering; producer Maren Lavelle served as the Assistant Director and the Certified Animal Trainer on set; Perrie Jr. stepped in as “The Documentarian” himself; and Christopher Bruce served as the central Location Scout point of contact, Key Grip during filming, Post Production Supervisor, as well as composing an original song for the film with Grammy Nominated Platinum Producer, Herb Middleton and Celebrated Vocalist, Jacci McGhee. The track, “Ooo Wee, /The Truth Will Set You Free”, is the driver for both the opening Title Sequence and End Credits. “What we accomplished in 11 days was truly a miracle,” exclaimed Bruce. “But it was also the result of incredible preparation, tenacious work ethic, and a deep desire to make this little movie a love letter to the State of Delaware! *Full disclosure: Pop Culture Madness helped in the production of the film. |
