Conspiracy Launches As Full-Service Company, Chicago

Conspiracy has launched under the leadership of veteran post-production executive John McGrath. The full-service production and post studio has established a brick and mortar facility in Chicago's West Loop/ Fulton Market, a neighborhood hotbed of thriving galleries, creative media shops, and trendy storefronts.

Conspiracy is the first Midwest facility to feature a fully Ultra HD 4k pipeline from acquisition through offline and finish.

McGrath’s partners hail from a mix of backgrounds forming a group cultured in live action direction and consummate film/video editing, design and finishing. Since opening their doors, the company has already worked with a diverse group of clients including agencies such as Commonground/MGS, Cossette, and Schafer Condon Carter.

As an artist-owned company of equals, the Conspiracy partners have only begun the process of bringing together some of Chicago’s sterling talent, surrounding them with foundational support. The partnership launched with McGrath and Executive Producer Joy Holbrook growing soundly to include esteemed editors Steve Stein (Kellogg’s Cheez-Its “Mature Cheese” with director Christopher Guest), Carl D. Schumacher (Oscar Mayer "The Wienermobile"
with McGarryBowen), Ruben Vela II (Orbit, Sears, and Coors), and Nate Pence (Sailor Jerry Rum, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, and Leinenkugel).

Also comprising the group is a group of female filmmakers and media talent including docu-style live-action director Ky Dickens (award-winning feature documentaries FISH OUT OF WATER and SOLE SURVIVOR (CNN Films)), Director of Client Relations Carrie Hunter (President of Women In Film Chicago, and SAG-AFTRA talent) and Head of Sales Amy McIntyre, who reunites with Holbrook after previously working together for world-renowned tabletop director Peter Elliott and also tabletop house High Road Productions.

Vela speaks for all editors when he says, “We are addressing the need for never ending content through tighter integration between production, editorial, design and finish.”

Holbrook adds, “At the same time, we can approach post production modularly by tailoring a creative plan that works best for the individual project.”
Something else that sets Conspiracy apart from its competitors is McGrath’s division of ownership that rewards the talent with equity in the company. Conspiracy plans to cultivate other markets, always in pursuit of great creative opportunities, instilling a company-wide effort.

“A company of equal partners, focused on the same goal, conspire to create brilliant work, conspire to collaborate and work with the best talent, and always conspire to hone their craft,” states McGrath.

Over the course of 20 years, McGrath brought the first Avid, Flame, and other groundbreaking digital technologies to Chicago. As General Manager/Partner at Cutters Studios, his oversight was instrumental in that company’s success. Conspiracy’s expansion plans will be continuously guided by the search for great creative opportunities for all invested.

Stein says, “It’s actually a really good time to open a new shop. People know they can do a lot of this stuff on their tablets and phones, but they recognize creative talent and experience is what elevates their project above the fray. I’m inspired to help write this next chapter.”

Holbrook brings a deep-rooted production background with work from clients and brands including SC Johnson, Maytag, Kimberly-Clark, and Bayer. She also produced the acclaimed feature length Chicago Cubs documentary, WE BELIEVE. An active member in the Chicago filmmaking community, and Vice President of Women in Film Chicago, Holbrook’s connections provide a leading edge in maneuvering production budgets.

“We’re thrilled that the creative talent in this city, and nationally, has been very receptive.  More than anything else, people want to be surrounded by other brilliant talent. As groups like this come together clients can feel that something special is happening,” notes Holbrook.

McIntyre served as producer of Dickens’ SOLE SURVIVOR and is also credited for production on commercials for Procter & Gamble, McDonald’s, and Neutrogena, to name a few.

“We create relationships,” adds McIntyre, “And at the epicenter of those relationships is creativity.”

Conspiracy is housed within a renovated shoe polish factory and is steps from world-class dining and public transit. The company has already hosted a number of client appreciation events and get-togethers on their private, lusciously landscaped, panoramic roof deck overlooking the city’s skyline. Hunter has just put the finishing touches on the lobby’s centerpiece, a 20 x 7 foot wall artistically constructed of reclaimed antique ceiling tiles.