Conspiracy, first all-4K facility, expands its space

Conspiracy partners Joy Holbrook and John McGrath

Since opening for business three months ago, Conspiracy, Chicago’s exclusive all-4K production-through-post facility, is in the throes of expansion, having doubled its West Loop space for starters.

Launched in June under the leadership of veteran post executive, John McGrath, Conspiracy is an “artist-owned company of equals,” as the eight notable partners call themselves.

The company is currently working out of 5,500-sq. ft. of space over the top two floors of a four story loft building at 170 N. Sangamon.  With a lease signed for the 5,200-sq. ft. two lower floors, Conspiracy now occupies the entire building.

“This gives us the capability to expand our services: production, creative editorial, design, finishing, color and a potential sound room,” says managing partner McGrath.

“Conspiracy is the Midwest’s first 100 percent ultra HD or 4K pipeline, a 10 Gb fiber optic network, moving from camera acquisition through offline editing, through design and finish, to all of our work stations and through every monitor,” he adds. 

“Resolutions are always going to increase and our facility is capable of 4K high dynamic range 4K, and to whatever new technology lies ahead.”  

Launched by McGrath and executive producer Joy Holbrook, both Cutters alums, the partnership is comprised of popular national advertising editors Steve Stein(Kellogg’s Cheez-Its), Carl D. Schumacher (Oscar Mayer “The Wienermobile”), also previously at Cutters; Ruben Vela II (Orbit, Sears, Coors), from Optimus and Nate Pence (Sailor Jerry Rum, Leinenkugel) from Digital Kitchen.

Amy McIntyre, executive producer and head of sales/partner, moved from MK Films Group, where she had the same title, along with award-winning director/partner Ky Dickens.

A commercials producer, McIntyre also produced Dickens’ acclaimed feature documentary, “Sole Survivor.”

Director of client relations/partner is Carrie Hunter, who is the new president of Women in Film Chicago; Holbrook is WIFC’s vice president and both had worked at Cutters for 10 years.

Of their new company Holbrook says, “We’re thrilled that the creative talent in this city, and nationally, has been receptive to our new concepts and experience.  

“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.”

The company has been working with a diverse group of clients, including agencies Energy BBDO, Commonground/MGS, Cossette and Schafer Condon Carter.

Conspiracy partners: Back row, left to right: Amy McIntyre, Ruben Vela II, Stephen Stein, Joy Holbrook. Front row: Carl Schumacher, Nate Pence, Ky Dickens, Carrie Hunter