by Mike Schnitzel
The thirty-something thespian landed a part as fun-loving prankster Monty on producer Rahmen Turner's Web sitcom "After Ours" on the recently launched Hub City TV Web site.
The show is about a group of friends who just graduated from college who share their hopes and dreams with each other, and the goings-on at the club they frequent, where the Rickenbacker's character Monty is the DJ.
"Monty's a clown who likes to make people laugh," said Rickenbacker. "He basically works so he can hang out with his friends and have a good time."
Rickenbacker noted the similarity between his character and himself, saying that liking and identifying with a character helps him as an actor.
A 5-year resident of Valley Stream who grew up in Freeport, Rickenbacker pursues acting for love rather than money. "I love the art of acting," said Rickenbacker. "If you just do it from your heart, the money and accolades will come. Everybody has their own motives, but I'm about the art."
Web television is a new medium for Rickenbacker, who has previously done theater work and voice-over work for cartoons. At first apprehensive about the audience potential for a sitcom airing over the Internet, Rickenbacker came around to believing in the unique aspects that it could provide.
Extolling the advantages of airing the sitcom format over the Internet, Rickenbacker said that episodes will be available for viewing at any time after their initial airing. He is also excited about the interactive format that the show will use.
"After the first episode airs, people can send in e-mails to suggest what they want the characters to do," said Rickenbacker. "We want to keep our audience involved so they'll tune in to see if the writers use any of their ideas."
Not having to worry about the censorship that goes with airing a sitcom on network television, Rickenbacker is excited about the amount of creative control Hub City TV affords its actors and writers. "Ultimately, I want it to reach as many people as possible, and be as funny as possible," said Rickenbacker.
Rickenbacker has acted in many different genres, but prefers comedy, and hopes to one day add film directing, movie, and television work to his resume. He will be featured in the cast of an as yet untitled Broadway play, which Rickenbacker says will be the first hip-hop play in the Great White Way's history. He also recently did voice-over work for seven characters on "B(efore) C(ommon) E(ra)," a show on the Cartoon Network he says will debut in the near future.
On the Hub City TV front, Rickenbacker says that things are beginning to move fast in anticipation of the "After Ours" premiere. In a recent promotional blitz for show, the cast have targeted a college audience, made up of younger viewers who may be more tech-savvy and appreciative of the new and unique approach Hub City TV is taking with their venture. In recent months, they have attended what Rolling Stone magazine called a "packed" launch party at a New Brunswick brewery, been interviewed by college radio and various TV outlets, and attempted to start the interactivity with their audience that they hope will be the lifeblood of the show.
"After Ours" premieres on Monday, May 15 at 8 p.m. on Hub City TV. To watch the premiere, or for more information on the show and Hub City TV, go to www.hubcity.tv., and yes, no remotes are needed.
Comments about this story? MSchnitzel@li-herald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 265.
