IN PRODUCTION

Two Bees and a Pea Productions, Inc.
Reality Series Concept: “PUGILIST”
December 15, 2008

pu⋅gi⋅list  [pyoo-juh-list] –noun
a person who fights with the fists, usually a professional.

The series PUGILIST is “AMERICAN CHOPPER” meets “The UFC”.

Logline:

As the MMA training gym for some of the highest ranked fighters in the world, CSW owner and world renown trainer Erik Paulson and his partner Freddy “Detroit Diesel” George don’t always agree on how to keep their business alive while staying on top of the MMA fight game.  By churning out top athletes and promoting the sport in lots of different ways they chase business success together… hopefully without killing each other in the process.

The Series:

As a one hour reality series, PUGILIST will have plenty of fight action, along with the personal tension of building careers, the struggles of dedication and the passion for victory in both business and individual fight status.

Every person who walks through the doors of Paulson’s CSW (Combat Submission Wrestling) gym has a story, a reason, a passion and a dream.  From the pro MMA fighters such as Josh Barnett, Ken Shamrock, Cub Swanson, Ginele Marquez, Sean Sherk and Brock Lesnar to the 12 year old kid who, against his parents wishes, loves the fight game and has the scars to prove it;  to Kevin(?) who left his hometown and everything he owned to train with Erik and become a great fighter; to trainer Jay Martinez who is one of the older guys and still has hopes of fight glory; to former champion Todd Medina who is poised for a comeback and up and comer Ben Jones whose looking for his shot at a big time fighting career.

But the rub to this whole deal is that even with the explosion of the sport and the huge fight purses and endorsement deals garnered by the top pros who train at CSW, the gym itself struggles to survive. The tension is felt daily between owners Erik Paulson and Freddy George as their business ideas to bring in money differ and split as they take different corners.  

The various decisions that drive Erik and Freddy are their own unique vision of how to maintain a serious face for the sport and move it forward without selling out just to make a buck on this fast growing sport.  It’s all about the fighter and being ready and able to beat your opponent with endurance and superior skills…this is where they both agree.

Each episode of PUGILIST features an A story and the ongoing B storyline of the gym, its characters and its day to day struggles and successes.

On-Line Application:

The fighters and fans at home will be able to learn a tip or two each episode and log on-line to see specifics and extended fights and trainings. This on-line interaction can also have a layout of the gym explaining the equipment and a demo of its use.  And as a viewing team member, live feeds of special events and announcements can be part of the CSW experience.

The Cast of Characters:

Along with the main cast are reoccurring characters who are real clients of CSW. One example is a Hummer driving mom with the license plate MMA MOM who drops off her two little blond boys for class. There’s the 40 and up non-pros who want to feel fit and a bit bad-ass.  And then there’s the women who are something to behold and feared.  They all enjoy the work, skill and thrill of the fight that Erik has employed at his gym.

The Main Cast:

Erik Paulson is the three time World Shooto Champion and the only American to ever achieve this. His popularity extends through Europe and Japan and is known as one of the best submission wrestlers and instructors in the world.

Freddy “Detroit Diesel” George is Erik’s business partner, ex-body builder and fighter. Freddy is also involved in Tap Out and MMA Worldwide magazines and has in hands in all sorts of business and promotion ventures.  He is a part time bodyguard for Paris Hilton to supplement his income.

Tanya Paulson is Erik’s wife.  She’s a fitness model, business partner and a bit of a mother hen.  She’s also a tough opponent in the ring.

Josh Barnett is known as “The Babyface Assassin” and is ranked #3 in the MMA heavyweight division.

Brock Lesnar

Todd Medina

Ben Jones

Jay Martinez

Bruce and Craig Wilkerson

Kevin?  Moved from hometown and gave up everything to train with Paulson