His script included 20 revisions, but writer/director Eric Ustian never wavered about where his film, Most Guys Are Losers, would take place and be shot—Naperville, IL. “I always knew it had to take place in Naperville.,” says Ustian. “I wanted to promote the city and I love this place. I loved growing up here and in Chicago and wouldn’t shoot it anywhere else,”
While the script attracted Hollywood heavyweights like Mira and Paul Sorvino, Ustian cast about 75% of the actors from the Chicago area, many of them being familiar names. Ustian said, “Belmont Cameli originally auditioned for a different role. We knew he had talent and wanted to see him read for the role of ‘Trevor,’ a former Naperville North High School quarterback. When Belmont presented his next read, he was wearing a Naperville North football jersey. I thought—this kid is either a method actor, or he actually played football at Naperville North… turns out he did play there.”
In addition to Cameli, Ustian also cast a then-unknown South Side actor Kevin Miles. But, chances are you know him from the endless stream of national commercials he’s done as “Jake from State Farm.” Ustian took advantage of his hometown, with some “hometown discounts” as well. He managed to stretch his movie budget by filming part of it in his mom’s house. “Her rates were pretty impressive,” he said, “You can’t beat Free.”
Some of the film was shot at his friend’s bar, Frankies Blue Room, and the crew took advantage of capturing scenes on Naperville’s scenic Riverwalk. Most Guys Are Losers is a romantic comedy taking place over Thanksgiving weekend in Chicago. There, a college kid from California seeks approval from his girlfriend’s dad, a bar owner and author of the dating book, “Most Guys are Losers.”
The cast includes:
The film began shooting in November 2019. The pandemic put a pause on the intended production timeline, but it’s finally expected to premier in major cities this July 1.
