the future of the gym series
What makes a successful comedy show ... relatable people, in relatable situations and a relatable location.
61 MILLION people have gym memberships, the gym industry is a $27 billion a year industry in the United States, increasing at a rate of $1 billion ever year! With the potential to extended to a $78 billion worldwide market! There are currently no gym themed, major network sitcom styled shows and no show with a more relatable, universal world wide theme. The relatability of our content puts our demographic to all genders from 22-55 yrs old.
We've taken a successful documentary style sitcoms concept and given it a unique modern twist and fresh spin.
This is a show about 6 people in a gym, employees and members, enthusiasts and novice and their experiences with friends, family, and life in a big busy gym. Though out every season each main character will have an overall individual story arch of growth and change. Additionally, as in life, every episodes will have daily challenges and shenanigans with other gym members, family members and groups in the gym.
The sitcom pilot 25-35 pages/ Beat sheet- Teaser + 3 Acts/ SAG Top Line budget of 75-100K per episode/ Shot single camera with a smart and witty tone
CREATOR, PRODUCER, SHOW RUNNER
Erick Szot is an American film and television actor. Born in Miami, Florida and raised to Puerto Rican and Polish parents. He worked in retail management and business management for almost twenty years before pursuing his acting passion at the age of 38. With in a few years of getting into acting Erick quickly moved up into stand in work, featured parts and lead roles in many independent projects.
He then created the comedy web series "Gym Shorts", which he is starring in, producing, directing and the show runner for.
In 2018 Erick Szot founded Captain Entertainment, along with his friends, to help promote and highlight the talented Florida film market. Captain Entertainment's first project was "Gym Shorts", the web series about the small failing gym URanUs Fitness, which serves as the proof of concept and prequel to "In The Gym".
CAPTAIN ENTERTAINMENT CO.
Have you been teased enough? Well, what are you waiting for? Start reading about the main characters, the pilot episode summary, basic story lines, what's special "In The Gym" and development of the characters for the whole season. Watch the 90 (sec) pitch video, the 30 (sec) teaser trailer or get obsessed with the catchy theme song. Finally, watch the award winning "Gym Shorts" pilot, which is the "In The Gym" PROOF OF CONCEPT VIDEO. Bonus at the end, there are ideas for additional characters and story plot lines for further development.
THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME OUT OF YOUR SCHEDULE TO READ THIS PITCH.
main characters "IN THE GYM"
“Kevin” Gym Newbie (early 40's)
“Kevin” Gym Newbie (early 40's)
“Kevin” Gym Newbie (early 40's)
An average guy, divorced, going through a midlife crisis. Kevin needs a fresh start and a new direction in life. Kevin’s character is the most grounded in reality and relatable. All these other characters live in their own strange bubble of reality, while Kevin can see below the surface and sees them for who they really are and not just the shiny veneer they project in the gym. He honestly still doesn't understand this crazy gym world, and just wants to make some new friends.
“Brad” Gym Manager (mid 20’s)
“Kevin” Gym Newbie (early 40's)
“Kevin” Gym Newbie (early 40's)
The manager of his mom and dad's gym. He is sweet but not business savvy, and floats through life on his charm and good looks. He just wants to make his parents proud. Brad relates most to his dad, a short, shy, beta male. He desperately wants the approval of his mom, a hard-core, ex-military alpha female. Brad wants to make the gym inclusive and diverse. He is often overwhelmed and has taken on too much responsibility with this gym, having never had any before.
“Oz” Gym Trainer (mid 40's)
“Kevin” Gym Newbie (early 40's)
“Oz” Gym Trainer (mid 40's)
He is the head trainer, and the only reason the gym runs as well as it does. Hired by Brad‘s mom, his mission is to run the gym like a well-oiled machine, despite Brad. Oz executes Brad's mom's rules and the Front Desk team (the Sami's) reports only to him.
If he could have his way, the gym would only be filled with athletic hard-core gym enthusiasts and higher-income clients. Ultimately, Oz wants to find love, have a family of his own outside of the gym. Oz is the brother of Wesley from U*Ran*Us Fitness, but they have no idea they are related.
“LoBo" Gym Rat (mid 20's)
“CiCi” Gym Maneater (mid 30’s)
“Oz” Gym Trainer (mid 40's)
A popular gym member. A former fat kid turned bodybuilder, he is an only child and has never worked a day in his life...except on his body. He changed his name to LoBo after the fire because he wanted it to sound more masculine. He is very competitive, sexually diverse, and has an aggressive yet friendly personality. LoBo also has slightly OCD personality traits. He’s super masculine in appearance, yet has an extremely effeminate demeanor. "When he opens his mouth a purse falls out."
“CiCi” Gym Maneater (mid 30’s)
“CiCi” Gym Maneater (mid 30’s)
“CiCi” Gym Maneater (mid 30’s)
A member of the gym, who is used to getting what she wants. She is intelligent, successful, manipulative, extremely driven, and slightly materialistic. After the fire, the resident gym vixen decided to reinvent herself by going into marketing and changed her name to be more marketable. In her personal life she has a string of exes and is very guarded. Having been burned in the past, she comes across as perfectly satisfied with going through the gym's rolodex of men. However, she may be unwilling to admit to herself that she could want more.
“Lola” Gym Slacker (late 20’s)
“CiCi” Gym Maneater (mid 30’s)
“CiCi” Gym Maneater (mid 30’s)
Another survivor of the fire, this actress now goes by her stage name, Lola. Lola is slightly flaky and believes herself to already be famous. She saved a celebrity's dog’s life and became the dog's full time dog-nanny. Lola never actually works out, is very fashionable and is always doing her hair and makeup because she needs to be camera-ready. The only reason why she comes to the gym is because she is best friends with Brad and LoBo and needs to escape her family life.
what's special "in the gym"
"Gym Maintenance Team"
The point of view of the camera is in the eyes of the maintenance crew.
It’s not a “fly on the wall” point of view...it’s the maintenance crew from across the room. The interaction with the maintenance team initially appears to be an interview or testimonial. In reality, characters will be absentmindedly talking to him/her as if in a confessional, but the camera will turn to reveal a maintenance person standing there waiting to clean. They are constantly cleaning up the gym and the bathroom areas, picking up trash, vacuuming, dusting, wiping down the machines, etc. The maintenance character isn’t always seen and never has lines. They deliver little more than a judgmental look or aloof expression as they go about their work in the gym (kind of like when you're talking to your cat).
SAMI the "Front Desk Team"
S.A.M.I. stands for Social And Media Influencer.
This role is a marketing tool to target local celebrities and influencers to increase viewers and are attached to product placement. SAMI's are the front desk employees, always greeting every member in a friendly yet sarcastic manner. You can also find them anywhere throughout the gym, in the locker room, juice bar or office, but they will offer no help and engage in only seemingly polite, meaningless conversation. They don’t pick up weights or clean up, but can always be recognized by their signature lollipop. The Sami Team will get developed as a whole entity but have no individual story arc or backstory and are lead by Oz (kind of like the worker bees ruled by their Queen...or the Borg). They are a revolving door of employees, played by any gender, and you'll find several in each episode as this is a big gym and can have multiple Front Desk Employees.
Sami is hot and may try and convert you to boot camp...resistance is futile
“Random Gym Moments”
The random gym moments really bring the gym to life.
We've all seen them next to us in the gym, those crazy characters working out in crazy ways. These are the perfect moments for product placement. It's a busy gym and there is always something going on. Sometimes it's a cutaway scene, but also in the background of scenes with main characters you can observe some oddball behavior. You never know what someone will do next...or who they may be. The gym has a life of its own: busy, crazy and chaotic.
PACK MENTALITY IN THE GYM
Boot Camp Pack
Boot Camp Pack
Boot Camp Pack
Gym Hierarchy: Highest tier
The "Campers" think that they are the best pack in the gym. Thinking they have free reign over anything in the gym, they take all the free weights and platforms they want and get the best class schedules.
Barre Pack
Boot Camp Pack
Boot Camp Pack
Gym Hierarchy: Top tier
The "Barries" don't think they are the best... they KNOW it. It's like ballet, but on steroids. Hence why they are a bit snobby but have earned it. They can basically kick your ass but look as graceful as a swan doing it.
Boxing Pack
Boot Camp Pack
Boxing Pack
Gym Hierarchy: Middle tier
The "Doggies," as the other packs refer to them. These are the grunts of the gym. They don't care much about the politics of gym life, as long as you let them get out all their pent up aggression during class.
Spin Pack
Zumba Pack
Boxing Pack
Gym Hierarchy: Middle Lower tier
The"Doctors" (only some of you will get that reference) are just speed and adrenaline junkies. Other groups look at them like addicts. They will tell you they can stop at any time.
Yoga Pack
Zumba Pack
Zumba Pack
Gym Hierarchy: Lower tier
You know, they may look all peaceful and innocent...but watch out, the "Posers" are sneaky and underhanded gossips. They love to start trouble and instigate wars between the packs.
If one of them is smiling at your face, it's probably because three of them are talking about you behind your back.
Zumba Pack
Zumba Pack
Zumba Pack
Gym Hierarchy: Lowest tier
The "Betos" as they refer to themselves (thats the creator of Zumba) have numbers on their side and a complete lack of caring what the other packs think of them.
"Dumb Dumbs," as they are referred to by the other packs, are thought of as undisciplined and out of control.
Betos just want to DANCE and HAVE FUN!
where everyone knows your...
...Favorite Pre-Workout!
"THE JUICE BAR"
Every great series has it, from "Cheers" all the way to "Friends" Central Perk...the local watering hole.
Well, we are no exception. Stop by before, during or after your work out routine. Anyone is bound to be there talking behind someone's back, having an inappropriate conversation, recovering from a workout with Oz, or just trying to escape their everyday lives with a delicious protein shake.
Compared to the juice bar in U*Ran*Us Fitness, the juice bar in THE GYM, will be bigger, longer... and OMG hopefully not sweatier... eww
...AND SO MUCH MORE
THE GYM's juice bar is also a great place to advertise your gym brand. Wanna promote your brand? You know everyone that comes in the gym will see it here!
IT'S YOUR ONE-STOP SHOP FOR GOSSIP, ESCAPE AND COMMERCE... OH, AND JUICE I GUESS.
(hopefully there will be WiFi)
"IN THE GYM" pilot episode summary
WEEK ONE
A person, standing outside of a large gym, in what looks like a (GYM MAINTENANCE) uniform, sees a slightly overweight, middle aged man, about to walk in the gym.
Kevin (40) hasn’t experienced much of life outside of work. He’s divorced, still going through his midlife crisis and needs to find a new gym. Kevin’s previous trainer went crazy and burned his old gym to the ground. His old trainer is now in an insane asylum for the “Mentally Handicapped, Yet Cute and Buff”. Kevin still needs purpose and direction in his life so he walks into a new gym. In the gym Kevin meets Brad (mid 20’s GYM MANAGER) the manager of the gym, and son of the owner. Kevin also recognizes Sam (GYM GREETER) the front desk person from his last gym and is introduced to the head trainer Oz (40’s GYM TRAINER). Kevin tells Oz he looks exactly like someone who used to run his previous gym but Oz, annoyed, denies knowing what he’s talking about. Confused Kevin asks if he can just look around the gym since he’s considering being a member. Its a big size gym, but doesn't seem too busy right now. He gets the feeling its kind of a "mom and pop" kinda gym by the cliental he does see, even though the size seems to say otherwise. A young nerd on the treadmill machine, a boy scout troop selling protein bars near the juice bar, elderly aerobics class.
A BIG TIME GYM...
While walking around the gym, Kevin runs into another familiar face. Lola, a Latin beauty (20’s GYM SLACKER) with a dog by her side. She hugs Kevin and fills him in on everything going on in her life after the fire and gives him the lowdown on the new gym. She explains about Brad, he’s sweet and naïve and his parents own the gym. She also explains that Oz while he may look like the former Gym Manager, it’s not possible since unfortunately he was burned in the fire and is currently in the hospital. Lola then realizes her dog has disappeared and runs off. Kevin continues walking around the gym and runs back into Brad. Brad asks how was the gym and the two of them talked briefly about why Kevin needs a new gym. Kevin just wants to find a place he can fit in, hopefully make some new friends and a new life. Brad wants a more diverse open clientele and definitely tries to talk Kevin into signing up for membership. Oz wants more competitive, rich clients as members so he walks up and tries to discourage Kevin from joining. Ultimately Brad succeeds and Kevin get signed up.
Kevin is excited to start his new life and walks in on his first day not knowing the gym shenanigans he's about to endure today. Kevin meets the more competitive and slightly crazier members in the gym. The whole atmosphere in the gym has changed today. He even passes by a familiar Sami, who actually ignores him.
It’s loud, busy and hectic, and Kevin is confused and slightly afraid. Yet over all of the noise Kevin here’s some familiar grunting. Another familiar face, he walks up and is greeted by LoBo (20’s GYM RAT). LoBo and Kevin catch up and again Kevin is filled in to what’s new with LoBo since the fire. They are interrupted by Oz who yells at Kevin for being late to the session and drags him to a different part of the gym to start training, all the while going over his ground rules
WITH TOO MANY PERSONALITIES!
Oz’s workout routine for Kevin is grueling, and Kevin wants to die. Kevin kind of gets the impression that Oz does not want him here. Sore and in a lot of pain Kevin is having a moment talking to himself in the bathroom mirror. (like a testimonial) Kevin wonders aloud, what has he gotten himself into. He didn’t realize when signing up that Oz promotes a highly competitive gym atmosphere and it’s not quite the family and friendly gym he thought it was. Then you realize Kevin is not alone, there is a maintenance man trying to mop the floor where Kevin was standing patiently waiting for Kevin to finish his conversation with himself. Kevin is limping his way through the gym and sees who he thinks is another familiar face. He approaches a blonde beauty on a leg machine and asks “hey, you look familiar” and she replies “I always do”. CiCi (30’s GYM MAN-EATER) a former gym member, who since the fire has reinvented herself with a new job. Kevin starts to talk to her and tell her how happy he is to see another familiar face when she gets up distracted by Brad walking by, calls out Brad’s name and runs after him.
Kevin just smiles at the camera and says “Maybe this WILL be like my last gym.”
The camera turns around relieving the maintenance person again, who’s whipping down a machine and looking at Kevin, confused as to why Kevin keeps talking to him. He just watches Kevin limp out of the gym, continuing to clean.
"IN THE GYM" season summary
WEEK TWO
Brad’s mom, (50’s GYM OWNER)
ex-military alpha type female, calls and talks to Sam to let them know she’d be stopping in today. Brad’s parents own the gym. Brad wants desperately to earn his moms approval and respect but fears she’s coming in to fire him. Brad‘s mom shows up and meets with Brad in the office and tells him she’s thinking about selling the gym. Kevin comes in to trains with Oz. Oz is still working Kevin hard. CiCi sets her sights on Brad but Brad has mommy issues and is scared of strong aggressive women. In walks Rose, (40’s RIVAL GYM OWNER) Oz’s nemesis. Rose came in to speak with Brads mom, who she has a crush on, about the gym. Rose also enjoys taunting Oz. She’s been besting Oz since
their time in basic training. Lola continues with her blog. She blogs about her makeup tips, her celebrity dog she is in now a nanny for, and about her acting auditions she goes on. She needs more viewers, so try to think of new ways to get more viewers. LoBo starts training for a new competition.
WEEK THREE
Another day in the gym, while Lola is working on her blog she sees someone she recognizes from an audition. She meets another actress (20’s GOOD ACTRESS) who was actually working out at the gym. The good actress tells Lola that she got the gig they auditioned for and all the other gigs she’s gotten. Lola is very impressed and slightly jealous. Sam lets LoBo run the juice bar while he takes a break. Sam tells CiCi that Oz has a crush on her and she decides to uses that info to manipulate Oz to try and get Brad. Kevin comes in to work out and meets an (OLD MEMBER) who gives him advice. Kevin and Lola end up hanging at the juice bar with LoBo. Lola tells the boys she feels threatened by the good actress and doesn’t know what to do. CiCi tricks Brad into training her. Brad needs help with the books and doesn’t want to look bad to his mom and asks Kevin for help. Oz starts to fall for CiCi.
LoBo, Kevin and Lola bond over protein shakes.
WEEK FOUR
Today in the gym, one of Lola’s (FAMILY MEMBER) drops by the gym unexpectedly. Lola is annoyed because the gym is her sanctuary away from her family. Oz gets a phone call and has to leave because of a family emergency. Brad has to take on some of the responsibilities of training some of the members, and LoBo offers to help too. Kevin trains with LoBo and LoBo teaches Kevin about the diversity in different sexualities. Brad has to train a (COMPETITIVE CLIENT) of Oz’s. Rose, the rival gym owner visits unexpectedly while Oz is away to assess the gym and the employees. Oz comes back just in time to see Rose leaving. CiCi hires Sam for a one of her marketing campaign.
WEEK FIVE
A new day in the gym, Kevin comes in to train with Oz. Oz takes it easier on Kevin today. CiCi has a visitor today, her (GAY SIBLING) is visiting her and stops by the gym to work out. CiCi’s sibling is cute, very friendly and liked by everyone. CiCi tries to not get distracted by her sibling and continues working out and working on her campaign with Sam. Lola feeling she needs better training, in acting, and hires an (ACTING COACH). LoBo bonds with CiCi’s sibling. Lola practices with the acting coach and thinks he’s helping her. Lola doesn’t realize the acting coach is quite insane. Kevin sees this and tries to tell Lola. Brad thinking he needs to hire a new trainer and interviews a few applicants. Oz, after a good day training Kevin starts to like Kevin. Kevin still leaves sore but at least he doesn’t want to die.
WEEK SIX
The next day in the gym, Brad hires a (NEW TRAINER). Smart and nerdy with many fitness degrees, the new trainer is well liked by members. Kevin even trains with the new trainer. Oz is threatened by the new trainer, and vows to destroy him. CiCi’s (EX-HUSBAND) comes to workout at the gym. He’s handsome, powerful and considered by her to be the love of her life. CiCi is very visibly distraught by him working out in the gym. CiCi starts to act crazy, and even fakes being pregnant. Oz sees CiCi’s vulnerability. LoLa tries to help CiCi with her situation and they bond. LoBo comes in today and is saddened by the news he lost the competition he had been training for. Brad starts to not trust the new trainer. Kevin discovers the new trainer works for rival gym.
Oz tell CiCi he’s in love with her.
SEASON FINALE
Finally In the gym, LoBo dealing with his loss, thinks about making more changes in his life, he breaks up with his “sugar partner”. Lola hears from her agent who tells her the great news, she got an acting gig. She’s excited but very nervous that the character requires her to be homely and wear no makeup. (BRAD’S DAD, 50’s) a short, shy beta type man, comes to visit for the day. Brad looks up to his dad, and tries to get some insight into the future of the gym. Lola and CiCi having bonded recently decide to move in together. Lola gives CiCi advice, after the events of her ex being in the gym, to gives Oz a chance. Brad helps Kevin get ready for a date. LoBo decides to go to bartending school and gets a job as a bar back. Kevin plans to meet his date (COFFEE GIRL) at the gym juice bar before they go out for dinner. Brad gets some news from his mom about the future of the gym. Kevin’s ex wife walks in with a surprise for him. She is pregnant with his child.
"Erick Szot" BEST ACTOR 2019
"Gym Shorts" BEST ENSEMBLE CAST 2019
"Gym Shorts" BEST OF FLORIDA 2019
"Gym Shorts" BEST WEB SERIES DECEMBER 2018
additional content "IN THE GYM"
Additional Characters
Midget (is that PC?)
Cool Mom
Perfect Couple/ swole couple
Equipment Hog
Weirdly Aggressive Stretcher
Locker room thief/use someone’s stuff guy
Conversation guy
Bro Brigade/ Jock pack
Sweaty Guy
Expert Guy
Groper Guy
Spot me/you Guy
Doesn’t re-rack right guy
Eating in the gym guy
Excessive cologne/ deodorant guy
On the phone/ inappropriate convo guy
Impatient guy
Lying about sets/ weights guy
Crazy dancing treadmill guy
Out of shape guy gives work out advice
Weird breathing apparatus guy
Water boy
Old Casanova
Lady with baby
Spotter guy
Yoga girl
Shake weight guy
Loud talker guy (with headphones on)
Hooker/ escort girl/ guy/
Stripper troop practice
Inappropriate clothing guy/ girl
Superhero guy
Spin class instructor
Counting reps guy
Creepy guy
Boner guy
Really not gay guy (thinks he is)
Drag guy/girl
Suit guy
Karate guy
Asleep on machines guy
Random naked guy
Overly hyper guy
Science Guy
Personal space guy/ space invader
Holding machines guy/ super-setter guy
Inappropriate space guy
Cursing guy
Emo girl
IF YOU MADE IT THIS FAR, YOU DESERVE ANOTHER SPECIAL THANK YOU
FOR TAKING YOUR TIME TO MAKE US FEEL SPECIAL ...
FROM THE BOTTOM OF ALL OUR HEARTS, MUCH LOVE FROM CAPTAIN ENTERTAINMENT CO.
Additional Plot Stories
Lola gets a new dog
Kevin gets on a bike
Pack gets a new leader
LoBo gets to train
Chad gets a visitor
LoBo gets a flashback
CiCi gets jealous
Pack gets a war
Brad get a second chance
Kevin gets a friend
Oz get a rival
Kevin gets a new car
Oz gets played
Chad gets a job
Brad gets a clue
Lola gets a commercial
CiCi gets an ex
LoBo gets an epiphany
Gym gets a new owner
Brad gets a review
Chad gets a new home