Jane Lynch directs campaign for Illinois Tourism through STORY

Actress, producer and writer Jane Lynch can add “director” to her impressive list of titles. She recently directed a series of commercials for Illinois Tourism and was the primary actor. The comedic vignettes are part of the new Middle of Everything campaign that promotes Illinois as state that’s at the centre of all sorts of fun and excitement.

Created for the Illinois Department of Tourism via Chicago ad agency OKRP, the spots were shot under strict COVID protocols. Cliff Grant was the Executive Producer for the production company, STORY, and Marsie Wallach was the line producer.

The project was for familiar territory for Lynch. She was born in Illinois and still has family in the Chicago area. Her acting credits include over 80 movies including Best in Show and Julie & Julia and more than 100 TV shows including The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Glee. Early in her career, she acted in many TV commercials.

Illinois Tourism – Middle of Everything

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Agency O'Keefe Reinhard & Paul/Chicago
Production Company STORY
Director Jane Lynch

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Credits

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Agency O'Keefe Reinhard & Paul/Chicago
Production Company STORY
Director Jane Lynch
Creative Director/Art Director Angela Coster
Creative Director/Copywriter Marisa Rhines
Chief Operations Officer Brenda Donahue
Production Manager Ashley Saluga
Producer Nathen Gigsb

Executive Producer Mark Androw
Executive Producer Cliff Grant
Line Producer Marsie Wallach
Production Supervisor Mary Langenfeld

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She was introduced to STORY by Andy Richter, another comedic actor who directs commercials through the company. For several years, Lynch was the emcee for the DGA Awards and is now a DGA member.

“I started my career working in commercials,” Lynch explained, “and I’ve worked with directors in every type of media. I have wanted to be a commercial director for some time, and this was the ideal beginning. I am a big fan of Illinois and wanted to help promote it. Cliff Grant and the people at STORY made the transition from in front of the camera to behind the camera very easy for me.”

“The only snag,” she added, “was the actress I had to direct. She was always late and temperamental.” “I will never work with her again,” quipped Lynch with a smile.