More than 50 Chicago artists, filmmakers, designers and creative professionals came together on a volunteer basis to produce Haute Wheels, a three-minute fashion short that will celebrate its premiere July 23 in Chicago.
Directed by Jess Batson, Haute Wheels was co-produced by Batson and Mark Capapas, executive produced by Casey Lock and edited by Patrick Burke of Method & Madness. The project became a community-driven collaboration that brought together talent from across Chicago’s production, fashion and design industries.
Set inside Chicago’s historic Avalon Regal Theater, the film combines fashion, roller skating, performance and architecture while showcasing one of the city’s most distinctive landmarks. The production uses the theater’s striking interior as the backdrop for an original visual piece inspired by themes of beauty, excess and impermanence.
What makes Haute Wheels especially notable is the level of collaboration behind the production. Nearly every visual element was created specifically for the film, including custom couture, wigs, grillz, sculptural nails, cakes and specialty props. More than 50 volunteer artists and filmmakers contributed their time and talents, making the project a celebration of Chicago’s creative community as much as a finished film.
“From the beginning, this project was bigger than the film itself,” said director Jess Batson. “It became an opportunity for artists across disciplines to build something ambitious together simply because they believed in it. Every person brought their own artistry to the table, and Haute Wheels became a reflection of that collective imagination.”
The production also highlights the Avalon Regal Theater, one of Chicago’s historic South Side landmarks. Although rarely open to the public, the theater’s architecture plays a central role in the film while drawing attention to ongoing conversations surrounding the preservation of the building.
The filmmakers said the production reflected the diversity of Chicago’s creative community, with the majority of crew members identifying as women, people of color or members of the LGBTQ+ community.
A number of Chicago production companies and vendors donated equipment, services and support to help bring the project to life, including Avalon Regal Theater, Essanay Lighting, Keslow Camera, Miyus Productions LLC, Victor’s Catering, Dodd Camera, Chicagoland Trucks, Eleven04, Camera Ambassador, 10MGMT Talent, Service Sanitation and Pirrello Digital Imaging.
Premiere
Date: Thursday, July 23, 2026
Host: Method & Madness
RSVP HERE FOR FULL INFORMATION
