![\"Matthew](\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/www.towleroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Matthew_Aaron_Landline.jpg?resize=600%2C338\")
<\/p>\nIndie Film \u2018Landline\u2019 Makes History After Getting Licensing Blessing from Chicago Cubs<\/b><\/p>\n
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Filmmaker Matthew Aaron spoke with\u00a0Entertainment Weekly<\/em> about the significance<\/a> of securing licensing from a Major League Baseball franchise for his LGBTQ-themed film Landline<\/em>, which became available on demand this week.<\/p>\n The comedic independent film\u00a0tells the story of lifelong Cubs fan Ted, played by Aaron, who is reevaluating his life after professional disappointments, and decides to go \u201coff the grid\u201d with his husband from his cellphone and the internet as they save up for a new home.<\/p>\n In a welcome landmark development, the Chicago team\u2014and reigning World Series champs\u2014agreed to be featured, even allowing filming at their iconic Wrigley Field.<\/p>\n EW reports<\/a>:<\/p>\n While the film\u2019s message about genuine relationships amid an era ruled by cyber ties is relevant to the ever-evolving cultural landscape, it\u2019s the LGBT-related themes that are making waves on the indie scene. According to Aaron, with the help of MLB\u2019s Robin Jaffe, the film became the first film with queer characters to earn licensing\u00a0support from a\u00a0national sports league.<\/p>\n \u201cIn my research, there\u2019s never been a film that stars LGBTQ actors made with the association of the MLB, the NBA, the NFL, or the NHL,\u201d Aaron tells EW of the film, which also stars Parks and\u00a0Recreation<\/em>\u2018s Jim O\u2019Heir and comedy staple Tom Arnold as Ted\u2019s supportive uncle and father, respectively. \u201c[But]\u00a0it\u2019s not a film about being gay<\/a>. It\u2019s about two husbands who are going through their marriage together \u2014\u00a0typical, normal problems that everyone has.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe never thought we were going to get [licensing for] the Cubs, and we never thought we\u2019d get [to shoot at] Wrigley Field. We were just hoping that my character would be able to wear a Cubs jersey here and there for a couple<\/a> thousand dollars,\u201d Aaron explains. \u201cRobin really wanted to support indie filmmaking, which they\u2019ve never done before, and they wanted to support this film. To top it all off, they wanted to support a film with LGBTQ leads in it.\u201d<\/p>\n Aaron, 33, also pointed out that\u00a0he sought to cast LGBTQ actors in his film,\u00a0such as trans<\/a> actor Avi Roque, as well as\u00a0several\u00a0gay<\/a> cast members.<\/p>\n Watch the trailer below:<\/p>\n<\/p>\n The post Indie Film \u2018Landline\u2019 Makes History After Getting Licensing Blessing from Chicago Cubs<\/a> appeared first on Towleroad<\/a>.<\/p>\n