Becoming Ricardo Brings Webseries to the Boogie Down
BY Jenni Ruiza (@RuizaJenni)
Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and even some parts of Staten Island have all been put on the map by different films, shows, and web-series’ but what does the Boogie Down lack? A big-budget film studio like that of Silver Cup in Long Island City. With all of the locations that have been featured here and the talent we’ve brought to you so far, it’s no wonder the Bronx is beaming with bright lights and cameras. The web-series, “Becoming Ricardo” is a project near and dear to my heart. Where else can you get slapstick comedy with intelligent innuendo, and ridiculous banter with a gorgeous Latino cast?
With the release of the pilot last December and to some amazing reviews (even a major shout out from the soon-to-launch network FUSION [an ABC/Univision joint venture] as one of the top web-series to have on your radar) and fanfare funding half of the season for over $10,000. “Becoming Ricardo” makes its anticipated comeback with its second episode, “I Got The Part”. In the pilot, Jesenia Cruz auditions for a role in a major hit crime TV series (think Law & Order) as a man named “Ricardo Montalban” – the second episode (if it’s title didn’t tell you what happens next) sets the story for what’s in store for the rest of the season and introduces you to some crazy-yet-familiar characters.
We introduce Ron Rivera as Jesenia’s obsessive ex-boyfriend who’s just been released from prison on the count of selling counterfeit shoes. Comedian Roman Suarez takes on the role of Jesenia’s father aging about 30 years and over-protective as any other Puerto Rican dad would be when an ex-con visits his daughter. You’ll see a familiar face that you would recognize from revolutionary freestyle songs like, “I Wonder If I Take You Home” and “Head to Toe” – you know her! Lisa Velez-Mello (Lisa Lisa and the Cult Jam) makes a comeback into film and TV by exploring her comedic side as the meddling Latina mother!
Then of course, our stars – the insanely talented, Jesenia, (of the one-name moniker) and equally wonderful, Sofia Rodriguez, kill each scene with their antics and Lucy-and-Ethel-esque relationship. Filming in locations all over The Bronx, like Pelham Parkway, Woodlawn, and Mott Haven – it’s a sure thing that you’ll feel right at home Uptown when you watch the series. If you grew up with shows like “The Honeymooners”, “Laverne and Shirley” and “I Love Lucy” and remember watching Dustin Hoffman’s “Tootsie” – “Becoming Ricardo” is a guaranteed piece of web-series history that you won’t want to miss. Enjoy the second episode below and share with your friends!
For more on Becoming Ricardo, visit www.becomingricardo.com and subscribe to their youtube channel for the latest episodes at www.youtube.com/becomingricardotv
Find out more about Bronx contributor, Jenni Ruiza, at http://www.jenniruiza.com/. Follow her on Twitter @RuizaJenni.
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