Latin Post Exclusive Interview: "$10 Million Bigfoot Bounty" Stars Speak On Their Campaign to Get Cast in Star Wars Episode 7
The Star Wars community is a large, and loyal, bunch, and it is through this community that I met Rictor Riolo and Dax Rushlow (pictured), the stars of SpikeTV's show The $10 Million Bigfoot Bounty. What do they have to do with Star Wars, you ask?
Well, being Star Wars fans since the beginning, they wanted to be a part of the new movie, directed by JJ Abrams. They created an "audition" video that has since gone semi-viral, in the hopes that casting director April Webster will check it out and cast them in even a walk-on role. (Hey, stranger things have happened thanks to the Internet...)
First, let's talk a little bit about their show: 10 Million Dollar Bigfoot Bounty is a American cryptozoology reality show that currently airs on SpikeTV. The show premiered on January 10, 2014 and concluded its first season on February 21, 2014. The show is hosted by Dean Cain, Dr.Todd Disotell, and Natalia Reagan. Nine teams of big-game hunters and Sasquatch hunters are instructed to find proof of Bigfoot, a hominid-esque figure reportedly seen in the wilderness.
In each episode, the teams are given a specific challenge and one team will be eliminated in each episode. If the teams manage to find evidence to prove the existence of Bigfoot, they will be awarded $10,000,000. However, the proof must stand up to scientific testing in order for the team to receive the money. If no conclusive evidence is found, the teams will be eliminated until only one remains -- at which point the remaining team will receive $100,000.
"I personally never go by the rules. That's how I got on Bigfoot Bounty," Rictor told me during our interview. "I made a video hitting on the Vice President of SpikeTV's original programming. It got me the gig. Granted -- there was a casting process, but my original partner for the show dropped out the day we were going to casting finals. So I was out of the running and my casting director told me there was nothing she can do for me. It was out of her hands. So I went above her head and went after the big guy at Spike. It worked for a reality show, but I don't think that would work with April Webster. I think I need to give her and the process a little bit more respect this time by playing by their rules. But then maybe a public appeal might work in our favor?"
I admired his chutzpah and figured an interview with him and his co-hort was in order. The video, too, went so viral that it made the official Star Wars website... so maybe the Powers that Be at Star Wars might give him an "in" after all? Check out their audition video here.
Here's the rest of our interview. April Webster, if you're reading this... enjoy!
Tell me a little bit about your backgrounds. Who are you? What do you guys do?
RICTOR: I'm a webcaster and Bigfoot freak that waits tables while not doing Internet shows on Sasquatch and zombies. I was first noticed by the Bigfoot community by my artwork, and then Spike TV noticed me through my webcast After hours with Rictor. Sort of the Domino effect. One thing lead to another.
DAX: I had 2 Bigfoot sightings when I was younger. I now research these beings to find out what they are. I enjoy the outdoors and motorsports. I have always been a Star Wars fan and just like to have fun.
How did you get involved in your Spike TV show?
RICTOR: I believe Spike was looking for different online Bigfoot personas on Youtube and it was through my webcast, After Hours with Rictor, that I was noticed. I tend to stand out being that I'm outspoken and outgoing, and always wearing my leather jacket.
DAX: Spike TV contacted me do to my ongoing research of Bigfoot and I believe they wanted eyewitnesses on the show.
What's next for you guys after the show?
RICTOR: Dax is continuing to look for Bigfoot up in Massachusetts while I'm working on our website and getting ourselves seen by Star Wars fans. We can always do another reality show, but we want to take it to the next step. We just want to be in the new Star Wars movie, no matter how big or small, being that we have been looking forward to episode 7 for over 30 years.
DAX: I am continuing my Bigfoot research and trying to get on one of the new Star Wars episodes.
Now, onto Star Wars -- how did you guys become fans?
RICTOR: I have been a fan since day one in 1977. I have the costumes, lightsabers, blasters, and action figures to prove it. I would have to say The Empire Strikes Back is my favorite movie because of its swash buckling romance and Darth Vader showing everyone how it's done! The music, John Williams' score, is by far the most memorable out of all 6 films.
DAX: I went to the movie theatre 14 times when I was 7 to watch the first Episode in 1977. I was hooked. I collected all kinds of Star Wars items. I even collect lightsabers to this day. I liked Star Wars because of the story line and of course the special effects.
Who is your favorite Star Wars character, and why?
RICTOR: Luke Skywalker. When I was 8 years old, I wrote Mark Hamill a fan letter and he wrote me back saying, "May your aim be true" and throughout my life I have always tried to keep that in mind.
DAX: My favorite Star Wars character is Luke Skywalker. His overcoming the odds and becoming a jedi in Return of the Jedi was the best. Luke's green lightsaber in that episode caused my love of lightsabers.
What inspired you to make this video? What do you hope to accomplish?
RICTOR: Oftentimes in resumes you don't get to see who the person is or their personality. Well in our video, you get a taste of who Dax and Rictor really are. Plus, our names already have a Star Wars sound to them,. you have Rictor Riolo and Dax Rushlow!
DAX: Rictor and I made this video because we both believe we know how to entertain people and wanted to use out spot on Spike TV's Bigfoot Bounty to try and further our show business. I actually flew out to California to put this video together with Rictor and we also did some videos in Disney with our lightsabers at Star Tours.
If you could give one message to April Webster, what would it be, and why?
RICTOR: For me, it's always about the kids. I received an email from a fan of Bigfoot Bounty that said his grandson's face lit up and was thrilled to see me and Dax with our lightsabers out looking for Bigfoot. The fact that we made a kid's day, made falling into a river all the more worthwhile. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity showing others that anything is possible. That is my message to April Webster.
DAX: I believe Rictor and I have the know how when it comes to what Star Wars fans want. Its has been a childhood dream to be on Star Wars and I would love to help touch some people out there the way The Star Wars Saga touched me.