Driven: The Tony Pearson Story

A documentary feature film–

From Tequila Mockingbird Productions, in association with Generation Iron and Vladar Productions, chronicling the life and career accomplishments of legendary bodybuilder Tony Pearson.

AbouT Tony Pearson

Tony Pearson was once called the “Michael Jackson of Bodybuilding” due to his appearance and incredible posing routines. He became an icon that helped define professional bodybuilding in the 1980s.

Now Tony enters his final competition at the age of 63 while also recalling the harrowing child abuse that led to his inner, and ultimately outer, strength. Driven shows how a person can rise above their situation and be stronger physically, mentally and spiritually… simply by picking up a weight.

Early Life and Passion for Bodybuilding

Tony Pearson’s childhood is one of struggle and strife. Being raised by his Aunt in extreme poverty – he was forced to pick cotton and lived in constant fear of abuse. The gym ultimately became his escape from the fear – and one of the few examples of having freedom in his life. His journey into bodybuilding began during his teenage years when he discovered a passion for strength training and muscle building in the gym. Inspired by the physiques of renowned bodybuilders of his time, Tony set his sights on becoming a professional bodybuilder himself.

A Message From The Director

Tony Pearson began pursing his dream to become a world-renown bodybuilder in 1976 at the age of nineteen. He packed his bag and took a bus from St. Louis to California with only $75 to his name and a drive to be the best. He did not have a support line, he did not have a plan, he did not have home, if he failed, this was it. In spite of the obstacles ahead of him, in two years time he would win the 1978 Mr. America title. 

I often simplify myself as a filmmaker with the short statement: I tell stories, some true, some not so true. A lover for the weird and strange fictitious worlds, and a steadfast determination for capturing the honest relationships we share as humans. I was surprised how much in common I shared with Tony as an artist despite knowing nothing about the world of bodybuilding. To him, bodybuilding is an art form, one that requires dedication and strength both physically and mentally. Filmmakers require the same characteristics, and yet both Tony and I suffer from the relatable feeling of never quite feeling “good enough” always a desire to be better. The opportunity to tell his story also represents my own drive to dream as big as he did and to push myself to capture his larger than life story on large format cameras, incorporate animated sequences, and pay special attention to color. Tony Pearson: Driven is a documentary unlike any other its category simply because it is NOT a sports documentary, it is a human documentary. That is a very important distinction, because this is not a story about his rockstar success in the fitness world, or how he traveled the country to adoring fans. It is a story about perseverance in a world that doesn’t want you.

 America is often seen as the country of opportunity, hard work, and success. Tony Pearson spent his childhood in a rundown shack, overcame child abuse, overcame the deeply embedded racism in America, and took the national stage to truly earn the title of Mr. America. 

- Andrew Menjivar

PRESS