Actor George Pogatsia is set to star in East Island Films new drama, Without Seoul. The action thriller follows Pogatsia as Alan Morrison, a former U.S. Navy pilot, as he seeks to save his Korean-born wife from a radical isolationist political movement called the Preservation.
— Writer and director Donald Dingerson chose Pogatsia from two-dozen actors he interviewed for the part.
“George conveys intelligence, but still has a blue-collar appeal to him,” Dingerson said. “He’s perfect for the role, which requires that combination of tough and smart qualities. I watched his reel 15 to 20 times before hiring him. He did outstanding work in two different episodes of Law and Order as well as The Sopranos, in diverse roles. I wanted someone with that emotional range.”
Without Seoul is set to begin shooting this September in Kansas, and will be released in 2010.
“I’m looking forward to working with Don,” Pogatsia said. “The script is thought provoking, action packed… and I get to kick some butt!”
About George Pogatsia:
The New York native honed his craft appearing in over twenty art house films, plus a co-starring role in the final season of The Sopranos. He made memorable appearances in season 15 of Law and Order (episode Gunplay), as well as the long-running crime drama’s season premiere (episode Rumble) last November. His performances earned praise from both shows’ producers as well as stars Jesse L. Martin and Dennis Farina.
Pogatsia is also a screenwriter. His feature The Pizza Tapes,which he plans to star in, is slated to begin production later this year.
The Pizza Tapes uses pre-conceptions of Italian-Americans and African-Americans along with familiar circumstances to a comedic effect by showing what happens when a popular Brooklyn pizzeria is mysteriously placed under surveillance. Several recognizable actors have expressed interest in participating in the project.
George Pogatsia is the cousin of late Golden-Globe nominated actor Gregory Rozakis.
