#SPOTLIGHT ON DAN POLYAK

Why did you join Lipstick City as a producer

I signed on to Lipstick City for two reasons: because I believe in Shea Coulee's vision and because I wanted to work on some sort of creative project that would completely put me out of my comfort zone. 

What was the biggest lesson you took from this experience?

Feed the crew. 

As the art director for the piece, how would you describe its aesthetic?

Lipstick City is a gritty, neon metropolis; it's dark and moody with lush pops of colors juxtaposed with rough textures. I was heavily influenced by the movie Drive, Lady Gaga's videos "Paparazzi" and "Telephone" and Quentin Tarantino. 

You work at Smart Bar, where part of Lipstick City was shot. Why do you think this space -- and the other key spaces in the film -- are important to the drag community?

Chicago is Shea Coulee's Lipstick City the same way it's been Batman's Gotham. A lot of the settings allowed us to showcase modern glamour yet still have something raw. 

SmartBar itself is important to the drag community because it helped pioneer house music and fostered queer culture in the era of Keith Haring. Queen! on Sunday's specifically pays homage to the club and ball scenes in the 80's and 90's. Drag is now being consumed by popular culture now and places like SmartBar help keep its roots firmly planted.