Video Interview: Ricky Butler

Published: April 25, 2007 1:01 AM EST
By: Isaac Joseph Davis Junior
(Juniorscave.com)

Check out this newest interview with Ricky Butler who can currently been seen on YouTube making us all laugh. If you have not had a chance to join this site, you may want to join when you get the chance. Think about it—you might be missing some great videos like the ones that Ricky does on YouTube. Ricky was kind enough to take the time to do an on-line interview with our publication. Check out this recent interview:

JC Videos: Could you tell our audience a little about yourselves and how you begin on YouTube?
Ricky: I've been making videos on YouTube for about a year now. I remember vacationing in Acapulco last May when I began doing some impressions and characters I created over time while we were in the pool. My friend Janis encouraged me to get started doing some videos. He told me about YouTube, and then I realized: This is how I can get some ideas out. I grew addicted to the entire process of video making, from the improv, acting, writing, and even filming. I've got many stories you'd be amused at.

JC Videos: Your videos are very fun to watch; I have been hooked since I started watching them a few weeks now--do you work on a script or wing it?
Ricky: At first, I would improv the entire thing. Over time, I realize that you need to have some substance behind your material, so now I write a lot of "go-to lines" as I call them. I write a lot, but sometimes the best material comes when I improv.

JC Videos: What is your ultimate goal from doing these videos?
Ricky: Ideally, SNL.

JC Videos: You seem to have a huge following--what do you feel is the formula for your success?
I was fortunate to get featured on YouTube. Things seemed to blossom from there. Though the Political/Celebrity Impressions video was featured, I'm more known to my subscribers for my sketch work, such as my "EMO Adventures" series. People frequently ask me how to get more viewers, and the best advice I can give them is to not put out anything you would not want to watch.

JC Videos: What type of response do you get from your fans?
A lot of positive feedback, especially on the EMO Adventures series. I enjoy fooling around with new characters - some of which go over better than others. Fortunately, most of my fans give very constructive criticism to help me grow as an artist.

JC Videos: What have been some negative feedbacks have you received?
I have some characters you either love or hate: the High-Stress Dad comes to mind. On the featured Impressions video, I would get random "You suck" comments, which really are pointless in itself. I constantly ask "What didn't you like?" I want to improve! I've learned to not take anything personally. Some people find Jim Carrey and Mike Myers to not be funny, and I consider those guys to be comedy gods. If people don't like them, I'm not offended if they don't like me.

JC Videos: Have you ever received an email from a fan who was offended by your video? How do you usually handle those?
I tell them to get a sense of humor and grab a beer.

JC Videos: How far do you want to go with this project?
I'm willing to do these videos as long as there is a demand for them. Hopefully, one day I can do this full time.

JC Videos: Where do you see yourself in the next few years (meaning--are you hoping to branch further than YouTube)?
I'd love to be on a TV show such as SNL or MadTV. I think I would fit in perfectly. I have a feeling YouTube in the coming years is going to morph into something as powerful as TV. I'm not quite exactly sure what I mean by that statement, but it's going to be fun to see where YouTube will go next.

JC Videos: It's time for shameless plus time: Any updates or new releases that you would like to plug?
I'm working on two projects with Gir2007 (who made "Pancakes" and "Beat Souffle") and I expect good things. One is about a guy who is obsessed with fishcakes and another about a guy who cannot sleep. Both have original soundtracks by Gir2007. I also have numerous "Emo Adventures" planned and another Impressions Round table which should be interesting. Stay tuned!

JC Videos: It's been a blast--Thanks for the opportunity to interview a really talented and funny person.
Hey, it's been fun. Remember: You can't spell manslaughter without Laughter...



Photos used in this story were provided by Ricky





Check out Ricky's YouTube's account:
http://youtube.com/profile?user=showmanROT