Screenwriter Peter Papageorgiou’s “Pumping Up” to Hit the Big Screen

They say write what you know and that’s exactly what up and coming actor and screenwriter Peter Papageorgiou did. “I grew up in Queens in New York and my writing has the edge of New York mixed in with the wit of ethnic cultures colliding,” Papageorgiou said.

What Papageorgiou knows well is Queens and that’s the backbone of the independent film “Pumping Up”. The movie is a mix of comedy and drama and revolves around three local friends who work out at an old gym. Dancing with the Star’s Tony Dovolani is set to star as Tommy, a weightlifter who joins his friends every year in the annual “Mr. Hercules” weightlifting contest.

The film will depict how the competition affects the lives of the three friends and their personal relationships. It will also have a 1970’s & 1980’s remix soundtrack, so says Papageorgiou. “Think of ‘Saturday Night Fever’ in a gym!”

Papageorgiou says Dovolani read the screenplay, loved it, and signed on. Once he did, the frenzy began. Dovolani recently told People magazine that he’s going to have to hit the gym, “I have to gain 15 pounds of muscle”.

The film will be executive produced by Antonio Saillant, owner of Angel Light Pictures. In addition, Tony Timpone, longtime editor of both Fangoria Magazine and its website, Fangoria.com will also be in the producer’s seat.

The $5 million film is in pre-production right now and will be shot late this year in and around Queens. Meanwhile, Papageorgiou has set up camp in Hollywood where he is looking for his next big break. Papageorgiou has seen success as an actor with parts in “Ghostbusters II” and “Amongst Friends”, plus commercial work, but his real passion is behind the scenes as the one writing them.

“Currently, I have written a TV pilot called Late Bloomers. It’s another comedy, but this time it is really edgy and off the wall. I have grown so much as a writer and actor that I could not have written this ten years ago. I wrote the pilot script along with a show bible. So, I am really into it!” Papageorgiou said.

Being tight-lipped about the particulars of the show plot, Papageorgiou did reveal some information. Nick Manousakis of Manousakis Films has come on board to help produce a Late Bloomers promotional video that is being cast right now. Manousakis is also helping pitch the show to some cable networks.

“Once we approached some up and coming actors about this project they jumped at the chance to be part of this promo that we are shooting. They are doing it because they believe in the project and really enjoy the characters in this pilot,” Papageorgiou said.
Kim Williams (formally VP of Casting at Fox), who now heads her own production company Mangolia Films, and Andy Kleinman from Aeroplano Productions are also attached to the Late Bloomers project.