Feature Production 2026
Logline:
After her local park is shut down, a listless young adult teams up with two old hippies and a mysterious tree-hugger to save it from becoming luxury apartments. As their protests continue to fail, they take more drastic measures and push themselves to their limits.
Synopsis:
This is an absurd & scary world. As individuals, it feels like so much wrong is happening, and there’s nothing we can do.
The Park People is a satire about just that. Four normal people, young and old, unsure of what to do to help.
That is, until their local park is shut down.
With a much smaller problem to solve, they team up to learn about and fight the absurd system they live in.
Inspired by modern indie dramedies and classic satires alike, The Park People takes place at this exact point in time in the evil version of Madison.
It’s a comedy about people, place, and protest.
The actual ‘Park People’ are two young adults and two old folks:
Katie; a listless young student,
Parker; a tree-hugger down on his luck,
Rickie; the sweetest old soul you’ll ever meet,
Tom; a grumpy, former revolutionary.
When it starts to feel impossible to stop the park’s destruction, their ideas turn from simple picket lines and sit-ins, to egging buildings and possibly, maybe committing a felony.
This is the place they go to escape from the world. They’ll do anything to keep their peace.
The Park People has something for everyone; relatable characters with snappy dialogue, young and mature romance, a search for solace, goofy slap-stick, political satire, nature, and an urgency in its themes about humanity and hope for the world.
Forward
The Wisconsin way
This production will be done in a grassroots way as a huge local effort in Madison, WI!
Local talent, crew, catering, businesses and more will all benefit from filming this feature.
Once it’s done, The Park People’s release will drive tourism to Madison through its theatrical run and further marketing.
The story will resonate with Wisconsinites and beyond. It’s about finding community and fighting for what’s right.
At the end of the day, it’s in our state motto, ‘Forward.’
The Short Film:
This proof-of concept short displays the production style and tone of the feature without a budget.
password: BBClarke
