On October 12th, the motion picture BIGGER lands in theaters as the largest-budgeted bodybuilding themed production of all time. In the weeks leading up to the release, DigitalMuscle.com presents this exclusive series taking you inside this remarkable project. Thanks to House of Pain Apparel for sponsoring our coverage!
By Dan Solomon
Publisher
In the celebrity-driven business of movie making, true artists like George Gallo seldom seek the spotlight. A celebrated painter, musician, writer and director, Gallo’s renaissance-man skill set would make Shakespeare blush.
When Hollywood learned the story of bodybuilding pioneer Joe Weider was headed to the big screen, all eyes were on who would fill some of the film’s coveted roles. Trade publications have praised the cast assembled under the watchful eye of ambitious Producers Steve Lee Jones, Scott LaStaiti and Camila Castro. From Academy Award nominated Robert Forster (Jackie Brown) and Tyler Hoechlin (Road to Perdition) to Julianne Hough (Rock of Ages), Aneurin Barnard (Dunkirk), Kevin Durand (Wolverine), Tom Arnold (True Lies), along with DJ Qualls, Steve Guttenberg and Victoria Justice – there’s no shortage of experience and star power to help bring this remarkable story to life. But make no mistake about it, the decision to hire Gallo to direct may prove to be Executive Producer Eric Weider’s biggest score.
Gallo has been around. In Hollywood circles he’s credited for creating a new career path for Robert De Niro when he wrote MIDNIGHT RUN, the box office hit that gave way to the tough-guy actor’s comedic stylings in a role miles away from Vito Corleone. As a screen writer, he hit it big when he wrote the Will Smith blockbuster BAD BOYS. Gallo has been lauded for his ability to maneuver from one genre to the next with keen sensibility. As the director of the Weider biopic, Gallo appears completely in his element.
“This film is about a visionary who viewed the human body as sculptures from the Gods.” explains Producer Steve Lee Jones. “I needed a director who was a real artist, and George is a reknown painter who sees the world as art, much like Joe. His genius was evident every day on set. Soon the world will see.”
As a co-executive producer on the film, I’m afforded the privilege of spending time on set. While marveling over the wildly talented cast and crew, I am drawn to the artistry and tactical precision of the film’s director. Gallo’s ability to see each moment through the lens of an artist is what makes him a joy to observe. With talented Cinematographer Michael Negrin (Director of Photography) by his side, each scene is more stunning than the next, carefully navigating the layers of a period piece spanning nine decades.
In the years prior to his death, I often told Joe Weider that his life story would make for a helluva movie. His response was typically to dismiss the idea, fearing that any attempt to tell his story would completely miss the mark. Joe knew his journey was about far more than muscle and he doubted anyone would go the extra mile to understand it. Thanks to a beautifully crafted Andy Weiss/Brad Furman screenplay and the artful touch of a brilliant director, Joe can sleep easy. His story is in very good hands. BIGGER lands in theaters on October 12th.
Also See: Full Cast & Crew at IMDB
Flex Magazine
Joe Weider Story Coming to the Big Screen
Deadline Hollywood
Gallo to Direct Tyler Hoechlin in Bodybuilding Pic
Dan Solomon has earned a reputation as a leader in the world of fitness & bodybuilding publishing. Having conducted many of the industry’s most wide reaching interviews, Dan served annually as host and lead commentator for the Mr. Olympia contest, the Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic, also having appeared as moderator at the Olympia Press Conference. In 2018 Dan was named Chief Olympia Officer by American Media to oversee the Olympia brand and its showcase event held annually in Las Vegas. Additional Credits: Co-Executive Producer for the movie BIGGER, The Story of Joe Weider, Creator of the Pro Bodybuilding Weekly radio show (2005), a first of its kind program, for which he was awarded the IFBB’s Lifetime Achievement Medal by co-founder Ben Weider. Prior to creating Digital Muscle, served as Senior Features Editor at Muscular Development Magazine and has worked with many of the top brands in both nutrition and media. Dan’s favorite thing to talk about? Baseball.
