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DRIVEN
~ PRESS KIT ~
JENS PULVER / DRIVEN ~ PRESS KIT
INTRODUCTION
In 2010 Jens Pulver, the legendary mixed Table of Contents
martial arts fighter, and former UFC
Synopsis...............................................................3
Lightweight World Champion set his sights
on a comeback after four losses in the Bios..........................................................4, 5, 6, 7
cage. The beginning of this journey was
JENS PULVER | DRIVEN
captured in the documentary feature film A global community driven success story.........8
JENS PULVER | DRIVEN.
Cast & Crew.........................................................9
Hailed as “Beautiful,” “Emotional,” and “Raw and Powerful,”
JENS PULVER | DRIVEN transcends the traditional fight film, Viewer Reviews...................................................10
bringing us an intimate and unflinching look into the world of
Jens Pulver who, though brought up in circumstances that would Contact..............................................................11
have crippled most spirits, found the drive to persevere and
become a champion in his sport.
Press Clips.............................................12, 13, 14
Ultimately, DRIVEN is a film about a universal human struggle,
transcending loss, and overcoming hardship through the many
fights we all share in our pursuit of greatness. It is, poignantly, a film
about one man’s drive, in an increasingly dire American psyche, to
overcome the most trenchant of odds, and redefine his fate in a
quest to provide a more solid future for self and family than his own
meager inheritances would have allowed.
BIOS
Director, Gregory Bayne
Gregory Bayne is a filmmaker living and working in Boise, Idaho. His work
as a producer, director, editor, and cinematographer has appeared in
several short, feature length and documentary films including Trudell,
which premiered at the 2005 Sundance Film Festival, the ESPN produced
Out of the Blue: A Story about Life and Football at Boise State, about the
2007 Boise State Fiesta Bowl Champions, and Purple State of Mind, a
2008 audience award winner at the Tallahassee Film Festival. His work
has shown theatrically, at film festivals worldwide (including the Sundance,
Seattle, Munich and SXSW Film Festivals), and broadcast nationally on
PBS, ESPN and the Sundance Channel.
BIOS
Writer, J. Reuben Appelman
J. Reuben Appelman is a multi-genre writer whose projects include the
feature documentary, Playground, Executive Produced by George Clooney
and Steven Soderbergh, Cha-Cha-Cha, which he wrote in collaboration
with Oscar-nominated director Michael Hoffman, the dramatic conspiracy
thriller, Person of Interest, a children's adventure drama, The Five, starring
Dan Lauria and Madisen Beaty (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button),
and the documentary film, Jens Pulver | Driven, which he wrote and co-
produced.
BIOS
Executive Producer, Dylan Bruno
Dylan Bruno is an actor, writer and producer who's career has spanned
television, film and sports.
Best known from his 5 year stint in CBS' NUMB3RS as 'Det Colby
Granger', Bruno's TV career started in the Steven Spielberg drama HIGH
INCIDENT. Several other high profile TV and film appearances followed
including WHEN TRUMPETS FADE (HBO), SAVING PRIVATE RYAN
directed by Steven Spielberg, THE PENNSYLVANIA MINER'S STORY
(ABC) and WHERE THE HEART IS opposite Natalie Portman, among
others.
He currently lives in Los Angeles with his wife and two sons.
JENS PULVER / DRIVEN ~ PRESS KIT
BIOS
Jens Pulver
Jens Pulver grew up in an environment that few could imagine, and
that would cripple most spirits. At the age of seven, Jens had a
shotgun shoved into his mouth by his abusive father, who had lined up
the children and threatened to kill them all, starting with Jens. By the
age of ten, Jens was fist-fighting the man on a regular basis, and
losing daily.
Since shooting DRIVEN Jens has returned to his winning ways with
an explosive return to the cage at XFO 38, submitting his opponent
in just 49 seconds.
Jens remains 2-0 in 2011 and is currently training for a May bout in
Chicago. In June Jens will appear as a playable character in 505
Games video game release, “Supremacy MMA,” by the Kung Fu
Factory.
JENS PULVER / DRIVEN ~ PRESS KIT
FEATURING
Jens Pulver
Kannika Pulver
Karson Pulver
Abel Pulver
Ricky Christian
Tony Fryklund
Scott Jorgenson
JENS PULVER / DRIVEN ~ PRESS KIT
REVIEWS
VIEWER REVIEWS
“This is the most important MMA film ever made...shows all that's good about the human spirit...”
“Well crafted film… Hell of a story. Soul wrenching and inspiring. Although I love martial arts and warrior culture, I am not well
acquainted with the world of Mixed Martial Arts. Jens Pulver is an incredibly strong and compassionate individual. His is the very
definition of the word, “fighter”. I love the stark black and white interview sequences. Very good contrast to the kinetic fury of the
training footage. The painful memories of his father were well balanced with the sweet and touching relationship that he has with his
own son. As a father of three boys, I definitely felt a kinship with the man. I was amazed at the suspense I felt during the official
weigh-in sequence. Tight… Excellent flick.”
“I thought Riding Giants & Tyson were good, but this is by far the best documentary I have seen to date.”
“I could write a whole in-depth review of the film, but I think “brilliant” and “perfect” sum it up completely…Shot beautifully, scored
beautifully, sequenced beautifully.”
“I never thought I could enjoy a fight movie, but I was very wrong. Not only enjoyable but touching and beautiful as well.”
“This film was very moving and inspirational…(Jens) is a great man, a true champion and more importantly a good person.”
CONTACT
Gregory Bayne
Producer/Director
208.353.2505
greg@thislovelymachine.com
http://jenspulverdriven.com
Emmeli Bruno
Client Services Coordinator
Paolucci Communication Arts
2516 Via Tejon, Suite 114
Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274
310-791-2755 ext:314
323-898-5400 -c
ebruno@PaolucciCommArts.com
PaolucciCommArts.com
JENS PULVER / DRIVEN ~ PRESS KIT
PRESS CLIPS
Jens Pulver and Gregory Bayne: Driven
by Ted Gruber for Chicagonow.com
A look inside of Little Evil's life has finally come to the homes of many MMA fans.
Jen's Pulver has been known as a groundbreaker for the sport of MMA and Director Gregory Bayne decided to capture that link between Jens and the success of
MMA. Many months went into the development and filming of Driven and it has become a success.
Both Jens and Greg were kind enough to sit down with me regarding the movie and what the whole process was like from start to finish.
Jens, with the massive following you have not only throughout your MMA career but outside of it as well, what were your first initial thoughts when
Gregory approached you on doing a movie?
My initial thought was here we go what's this, the fourth guy looking to do a movie about me. The minute he and I spoke I knew who he was having watched "Out
of the Blue: A Film About Life and Football". I also knew he was experienced in the movie area so I was excited to see what he had in mind.
Throughout the movie there were some scenes that really brought us into your personal life that not many get to see of an MMA fighter. How did you
feel with the cameras being on you for a extensive period of time? The cameras didn't bother me at all during the filming process.
As for seeing that side of me, well in the words of Popeye I am what I am. I have demons that scarred me so bad it left me with an everyday roller coaster i just
want to hop the f*ck off. So going inside of an MMA fighter that's ok, but inside the world of Little Evil? Hold on to your boots!
When you finally viewed the final product how did you feel the movie portrayed you and what it took to put it together?
I loved every part of it. I realized though I cry to damn much about sh*t, not that I care but beyond that it was cool to watch and even more fun getting to know
Greg. The guy is a trip and I enjoy the hell out of him, in the world of Little Evil it's great to meet people who aren't completely full of sh*t.
With your family and fans being very important to you, how do you think they will feel while watching this movie?
I hope to god they all get a boost in their morale. Hopefully they take a moment of self empowerment so they can stand on their own two feet with confidence and
pride. So they better know the blue n brown eyed freak call Lil Evil.
How was the relationship with you and Greg regarding the input of what you wanted in the movie and what tweaks were made while in the editing
process?
He was perfect and he read my mind when it came to his filming, and he blew my mind on every clip he let me see. I am lucky to know Greg. Where all the other
things driven, my gym, the Driven Inc shirts, are now gone... Driven the documentary remains, it is a gift that I received and is something we can now pass on to all
of you.
JENS PULVER / DRIVEN ~ PRESS KIT
PRESS CLIPS
Jens Pulver and Gregory Bayne: Driven (Continued)
by Ted Gruber for Chicagonow.com
Gregory, with the extensive time it takes to develop a movie, can you walk us through how you got in contact with Jens and how the movie came about?
I met Jens in the fall of '09, soon after he had moved to Nampa, Idaho to open the Driven Training Center. An old friend of mine was involved with opening the
center, and had mentioned that I should meet Jens, as I might find him and his story interesting. He set up a meet, and for me it was basically decided after that. I
sat down with Jens, asked him two questions, and he talked for an hour. He was truly engaging. After that meet, I went off, did my research, began to develop my
idea for the film, and search for financing.
I was a couple weeks into this process when we found out Jens would be fighting in WEC 47. All of a sudden time was of the essence, and I realized I had the
perfect trifecta for a feature doc. truly compelling subject, with an incredible life story, in a time sensitive situation with a definitive end. I scrambled to get things
rolling, and after several failed attempts to raise financing, shot and put together the first teaser trailer and posted it on YouTube. Based on the groundswell that
created, I then launched the initial Kickstarter.com campaign that got us underway.
I knew from the beginning that I didn't want to do a traditional biography style film. I wasn't interested in conducting a number of "Tell me about Jens" style
interviews with colleagues past and present, or tracking down old footage and photos to do a 'Ken Burns' number with this film. I wanted to capture this moment,
meaning the lead up to WEC 47, as it happened, and concentrate solely on Jens, and Jens telling his story. To me, he was simply the best narrator for his story, so
the direction of how the film would come together was locked in from day one. Luckily, a number of people from around the globe latched onto that vision,
supported it, and we were off to the races.
You have directed other short movies, have you followed MMA well before the movie was being filmed, or was it something you had to learn about while
filming?
I have one other feature PERSON OF INTEREST that I did prior to this film, and have worked as an editor, and cinematographer on several other features over the
past 8-10 years. I knew very little about MMA before this film, and am still educating myself on the sport. I think that part of the success of the film is the fact that I
did not approach it from the angle of 'fan'; I was interested in Jens and his story. I've said it before, I'm driven by curiosity. I do this because I like to learn things in
the process. So approaching this sport cold allowed me to portray in such a way that the viewer would not have to be already versed in the sport to enjoy the film.
Jens's very universal human story drives the film, while the sport provides a very intriguing backdrop.
How much time did you interview Jens off camera before knowing that this was going to be the movie to be shot?
Literally, just in that first hour it was decided. It was so apparent in that first meeting that Jens was a compelling speaker, emotionally honest, and most important
of all, not camera shy.
With the movie being completed only a few months ago, what are your thoughts looking back at the process and what has Jens shown you throughout
the movie?
It's honestly been one of the highlights of my life thus far. Sometimes the best projects are the ones you fall into. I couldn't be more grateful for having had the
opportunity to meet Jens, and for his allowing me to capture what we did in the film. He's a truly courageous individual, and the very definition of what it means to
be a fighter, all of which I think shines through in the film.
JENS PULVER / DRIVEN ~ PRESS KIT
PRESS CLIPS
Jens Pulver and Gregory Bayne: Driven (Continued)
by Ted Gruber for Chicagonow.com
Additionally, I'm astounded by the community of support that has risen up behind this film. To have this film to date be 100% fan funded is an incredible feat, that
neither I, nor Jens, take lightly. I'm very thankful for the support that we've received to ensure this film was made. It's not every day, as a filmmaker, that you get to
connect with such a large cross-section of people that are anticipating your work, so again, one of the highlights of my life thus far.
For the fans that want more information on the movie can go to the http://jenspulverdriven.com. Driven is a movie that took many months to complete and with the
Limited Edition Jens Pulver signed DVD's finally being shipped out, Little Evil finally reveals his life to his fans. Many knew of his background through Jens himself,
but not many get to see his life day by day on what it takes to be a father, husband, and MMA fighter.
Jens Pulver: Driven Local filmmaker takes on UFC's first lightweight champ
by Amy Atkins for the Boise Weekly
Some men are coaxed into lives of greatness. Others are pushed, the shoves leaving bruises on their psyches. Mixed martial artist Jens Pulver trod the latter path
to become a legend: He was the world's first UFC lightweight champion. But what comes up, must come down and Pulver's fall was that much harder because of
his struggle to the top.
Pulver is the subject of local filmmaker Gregory Bayne's new documentary Jens Pulver: Driven, which screens on Friday, Dec. 17, at the Egyptian Theatre. Driven is
a naked look at a man who suffered abhorrent abuse as a child and, as an adult, became a legend in his field due to a myopic focus on practice, fight, win. Bayne
filmed him during the weeks leading up to a career-deciding fight. After garnering the title of champion, Pulver lost four bouts in a row. He returned to the cage on
March 6 to try and regain some of his former glory.
Sitting in a diner booth, bright tattoos poking out from each of his sleeves, Bayne explained that getting Pulver to talk about himself was not a problem. "I met him
and he talked almost a full hour after I asked him maybe two questions," Bayne said, adding a slight laugh. "I found a guy who was engaging to speak with, really
open and seemed emotionally honest. Then he had this back story that was unreal. Then the fight came into play."
The film is made all the more intense through the anticipatory build up to the match. It is a combination of shots of Pulver at home or at the gym preparing for the
fight, and black-and-white confessional scenes in which Pulver speaks directly to the camera. He holds nothing back, and Bayne was right: Pulver is engaging. He
is also charming, quite emotive and raw to the point that it's uncomfortable at times to watch him bleed emotionally. But that is also what makes this documentary
so utterly viewable. Even if you had no idea what MMA stands for or why anyone cares about Pulver, by the end of the film you will have a better idea--on both
counts.
When BW called him in Chicago, where he is currently training, the one succinct statement he made was in regard to how he felt about having Bayne follow him
around: "I loved it."
Pulver will be in attendance at the Boise screening. He said he's a little concerned that no one will be there. Not because it isn't a great film--"Greg is a genius,"
Pulver said--but because he doesn't know why anyone would want to watch a movie about him. "I'm popular, but I ain't famous," he said.
But people will want to see this movie. And once they witness this tragic and triumphant tale of love, loss and redemption, Pulver may have more hands than he
can imagine gently tugging him back toward the top.