The Polybius Conspiracy
The Polybius Conspiracy is a seven-part series that tells the complex story of two men united by a decades-old urban legend. Polybius, a mysterious arcade game from the '80s whose alleged existence in the Pacific Northwest is fueled by myth and an obsessive online fan base, and which may have factored in the abduction of two teenage boys.
The Polybius Conspiracy is produced by Jon Frechette & Todd Luoto.
Episode One – The Player
An investigation into the origins of the Polybius legend leads to Bobby, who claims the game was responsible for his abduction as a teenager. In the thirty-five years since, Bobby has remained steadfast with his story, going so far as to organize a for-profit walking tour while obsessively searching for the one person he believes could corroborate his allegations. Local players from the Portland arcade scene cast doubt on Bobby’s story, as do journalists who refute the game as ever having existed.
Episode Two - The Missing
As a man comes forward to potentially corroborate Bobby's story, the path forward plunges into the darkness of another Oregonian legend: the infamous Shanghai Tunnels.
Episode Three - The Cassette
The search for answers leads the team to a retired journalist with a bizarre connection to Coin Kingdom, and unsettling allegations of abuse at an international youth academy.
Episode Four – The Rewind
Sometimes journalists pursue a mystery; other times, it pursues them. An unexpected phone call from Naomi Halbrook leads to more revelations, while a competing documentary project about Polybius leads to conflict.
Episode Five – The Seller
New clues about the whereabouts of Rubin's missing partner shed light on secrets Bobby might prefer stay hidden. The team looks into how one might go about vetting the authenticity of a Polybius cabinet.
Episode Six - The Code
Questions about Bobby result in a surprising lead, as Rubin comes to believe he's cracked the code on Polybius.
Episode Seven - The Final Level
Fact, fabrication, history and hoax converge as the search for Marc comes full circle.
The Team
Jon Frechette
Co-Producer
Jon Frechette holds degrees in film production and language arts. As an undergraduate, he was the recipient of the Cinetech Most Promising Filmmaker award. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.
Todd Luoto
Co-Producer
Todd Luoto had the privilege to occupy roles for Sundance Film Festival, Fox Digital Studio, and Super Deluxe. His creative work has screened at the Tribeca, SXSW, Slamdance, and AFI Film Festivals, among others.
Music throughout The Polybius Conspiracy is by Anenon, Chris Fitzpatrick, Hrishikesh Hirway, Jon Frechette and Restricted. Episode Artwork is by Jin Lim. Logo design is by Kevin Blanchard. Avatar design is by Jonathan Moura.
