Eric and Frank conceived the characters while working together at the Virgin Megastore in Times Square. Bored with their daily duties, they decided to rename themselves, Eric was Conrad Moynihan, and Frank named himself Rasputin O'Dwyer. The name Johnnie Tramain came from the operations manager at the store.
The plot of a group of industrialists who try and make Long Island their own state was conceived by Eric in the Spring of 2005, during a trip to Montauk, Long Island while researching a novel he was writing at the time. As well it was also inspired by his hometown of Long Island, Maine - which coincidently seceded from the City of Portland, Maine in 1993 to become the Town of Long Island.
The only office location that granted the producers permission to film was the Virgin Entertainment Group. The retail offices at the Megastore in Times Square were used for the interior location of Senator Deakins' Office, and the office of the Brooklyn Borough President.
Eric and Frank almost had their equipment and their footage from the film taken away, when they were caught filming in front of the municipal building in Brooklyn, New York. Several weeks later they acquired permission from the Capitol Hill Police to film on the grounds of the United States Capitol... without a hitch.
Jack Moran who plays Conrad was originally auditioned for the role of Senator Deakins. However, before leaving Jack asked Eric if he could read for the role of Conrad, immediately after he was hired on the spot and given all of Conrad's sides.