Podtalk: Director Jeff Tomsic Plays the Game of ‘Tag’

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CHICAGO – When a real life group of friends keep a thirty year tradition alive, playing a game of “Tag,” there is bound to be a film that shares the same name. Jeff Tomsic makes his director debut with a killer cast… Ed Helms, Jon Hamm, Jake Johnson, Hannibal Buress and Jeremy Renner, all still playing that childhood game.

The rules are the game only takes place in the month of May every year, and there are other agreed upon guidelines like no “tag backs.” The kicker is that Jerry (Jeremy Renner) has never been “IT.” Yes, in all the years the crew has been playing the game, he’s never been tagged. The other players see an opportunity during Jerry’s wedding weekend, if they can overcome his determination, his bride-to-be (Anabelle Wallis), and the various women in their lives, as portrayed by Isla Fisher, Rashida Jones and Nora Dunn.

Jeff Tomsic (left) Directs Jake Johnson, Ed Helms and Jon Hamm in ‘Tag’
Photo credit: Warner Bros.

Jeff Tomsic, who grew up in the Midwest, makes his major feature debut as director. He has worked his way up the show business ladder, mostly on the Comedy Central Network, producing and directing hit shows like “Idiotsitter,” “This is Not Happening” and “Broad City.” It was a short film that he wrote and directed with comedian T.J. Miller, “I’m Having a Difficult Time Killing My Parents,” that went to the Sundance Film Festival, and resulted in Tomsic being hired to direct “Tag.”

In the following podtalk with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, Jeff Tomsic relates his directorial approach to “Tag,” with its movie-star-laden ensemble cast, and the film’s true story roots.

By PATRICK McDONALD Editor and Film Writer HollywoodChicago.com [email protected]