
Home	Monday, 5. January 2009

Latest News

06/03/2008

THE ZOMBIE CARETAKER ***TRAILER ONLINE NOW!***

The trailer for "The Zombie Caretaker" can now be seen at various places. You could check out Ricardo's YOUTUBE page at:

www.youtube.com/rlacombe

or his MySpace videos from:

www.myspace.com/rlacombe

or check him out on Facebook where The Zombie Caretaker group has been open for some time.

This trailer gives a hint at the cinematic levels that Ricardo and colleagues are pushing on current projects and as said before, marks a LONG awaited collabortaion of Troika+Ltd, Zool Films and Breaking Point Productions. Check the trailer now and await the final release SOON!

OR BETTER STILL WHY GO TO THE DOWNLOADS SECTION WHERE YOU CAN DOWNLOAD IT NOW!!!! Yes....you can download and SAVE TO KEEP this fantastic trailer for the upcoming film!

06/02/2008

THE ZOMBIE CARETAKER ARTWORK REVEALED!

As work is nearing completion on THE ZOMBIE CARETAKER, we can exclusively reveal this sneak peek artwork just in. Keeping in the style of the film it is a real treat to see the action-horror duo of our starring pair, Topher Holland and Sally Dalziel, immortalised forever in this fine poster artwork. Stay tuned for more Zombie Caretaker news as it comes in. Remember that the hook up of the Troika boys (Ricardo Lacombe and Lee Civico-Cambell) with the legendary Breaking Point Productions (Sally Dalziel) and the wild mind of Zool Films (Topher Holland) can only mean pure cinematic genius! We can't wait!

27/01/2008

THE ZOMBIE CARETAKER!

Ricardo recently hooked up (at last!) on a project with one of the UK's most innovative and unique filmmakers, Topher Holland of Zool Films (www.zoolhq.com). Ricardo, Topher, the ever brilliant Lee (Civico-Cambell, Troika+Ltd Co-Founder), and the awesome Sally Dalziel (of Breaking Point Productions and long time Troika+Ltd friend) all set to work on a unique B-Movie / Horror inspired piece, titled The Zombie Caretaker. The piece is now in post production.

Created by the surreal and hugely entertaining mind of the Zool Films legend, this piece stars Topher and Sally (in a VERY rare appearance ON camera and not behind it!), and the ULTIMATE zombie role from Lee, stretching his talents yet further as he consistently does. The visuals were pushed to the maximum, with Ricardo filming some brilliant steadicam footage for the piece. He even stepped from behind the camera to play a small cameo role, and the whole production truly demonstrates what 4 massive talents can do in such a short space of time....and still make a piece better than that some companies take MONTHS to produce!

And all of this shot and edited in GLORIOUS High Definition!

Stay tuned for exclusive footage and details coming soon and of course keep checking www.zoolhq.com. The Zombie Caretaker....you heard it here first.

See below for some exclusive Raw Footage stills. (NB: These are RAW, unprocessed footage stills and do NOT reflect the final quality after colour grading and post production techniques have been applied)

17/01/2008

WHAT'S RICARDO UP TO?

Many people are often asking what Ricardo's current projects are, and the answer to that changes day to day. However, some projects or collaborations are very much in greenlit or full production (or pre) phase and so we can state some very definite projects below.

LEE CIVICO-CAMBELL "BWOY" SCRIPT

Work has now been ressurected on the much-discussed Lee Civico-Cambell story / script based on the world of Backyard Wrestling. This laugh-out-loud, yet highly emotional story is now having the script edited by Ricardo before Lee makes final touches and this project has now been greenlit for full pre-production, with a view to shooting in the half of 2008. Casting has already begun. Ricardo will be not be directing this piece, as it will see the Directorial debut of his Troika+Ltd co-founder and good friedn, Lee Civico-Cambell. Ricardo will be working as Director Of Photography, Editor, and Compser. The two are, as we speak, continuing to develop the script which has alreayd shown outside interest from exceptionally high sources. Stay tuned!

FAFTV POWERHOUSE ROLLS ON!

The majority of Ricardo's time is now committed to continuing work onthe FAFTV Projects. These are spread amongst many developing projects and commissions, including a major onine student broadcast commission, several one-on-one deals with professional comedians in stand up, and a networking deal tieing various comedy club venues and artists together under one "comedy network" hub. All of these projects are highly demanding, highly ambitious and all succeeding well! Due to the intense nature of the production costs and skills involved, Ricardo is committed to concentrating on these projects in order to give maximum opportunity to the fellow independent Film and TV individuals who are all part of the extended family of talent that Ricardo surrounds himself with. The more these projects suceed, the more work for those looking to break into paid, entertaining work in the industry.

THEO CANE GARVEY'S "UNIT ELEVEN"

Possibly the most epic story and extremely visually ambitious and daring film EVER created in the realm of independent film-making, Theo Cane Garvey's follow up to Purgers and Plague World...titled "Unit Eleven" is currently in pre-production stages, set to begin shooting WITHIN the first quarter of 2008. Ricardo and Lee are working as Producers on the show, in honour and respect of the work Theo has put into THEIR projects. Unit Eleven is developing quickly with the schedule for not only rehearsals being devised, but also the time-frame and development of some of the most ambitious DIgital FX work EVER seen in a film of this budget and "independent status". Ricardo, Theo and Lee have always sought to show those "In the know" just how far they can exceed potential...and Unit Eleven will send shockwaves to anyone working in Independent Film for it's production values, EPIC story and world, and as mentioned it's highly ambitious Digital FX shots.

Ricardo is honoured to be working very closely with Theo on the Photography of the show, and will also be in editing assist, and score composing. As well as those all important digital FX shots of course! Theo will of course be creating the make-up and in-shot FX.

You read it here first, Unit Eleven is coming and you will Theo, Ricardo and Lee will MAKE you believe just what is possible!

SALLY DALZIEL'S UNDER-WRAPS FILM

Ricardo has long regarded Sally Dalziel as one of the most informed and all round talents in the world of Indenpendent Film. Her overall knowledge of all aspects of film-making has long been regarded by Ricardo as PERFECT material for Producer material, and it is with GREAT pleasure he can finally announce his committment to developing and shooting an "under wraps" project that Sally has conceived and drafted the initial story for.

At present Ricardo is working on script duties with Sally and more details on this unusual and entertaining piece will be posted as they continue. Sally has worked on many Troika+Ltd and FAFTV projects, and it will finally be time to see her take centre stage with her won creation. Stay tuned and remember where you heard her name first!

MULTIPLE KAROLYN DAVIS PROJECTS

Ricardo has many works in development with his partner Karolyn Davis, whose lust for life and creative musings continue to inspire or create very workable projects across many media. Some projects (film based) are currently in shoot-preperation, with others in various stages of development. Karolyn has time and time again shown a real creative flair in her ideas and Ricardo has decided to act on the best of these by putting them into production. Karolyn's ambitious and dynamic nature will see her fully involved at all stages and once again....you heard the name here first. (Karolyn has often helped out with other projects including Gaylon Peglegg in which she first had a role. Since then she has appeared in Extraordinary Lives: Hippo Boy as well as assisting in various FAFTV projects. She also writes in her spare time and is a talented illustrator also).

GEOFF WALSH - OUTROADS PROJECT

This one comes directly from Ricardo:

"What a treat that one of our early collaborations with Geoff, from the Outroads band project, STILL bears fruit today. Since making the Amigo Mio Bacon video for Outroads, Geoff has since worked on Extraordinary Lives: Hippo Boy (who can forget that CLASSIC piece of music from him!)

Besides being possibly the nicest guy you will ever meet, Geoff is also, in my opinion, one the greatest musical talents I know of, or heard of. I sincerely rate this guy up there with ANY of the legends of music that I have grown up listening to, and his music has the deepst soul poured into it with every bar, every note. With my praise for this awesome talent in mind, I have committed to making a Video Project ofr (and with) Geoff. Myself and Lee are constantly developing various ideas for this project, which wil not be a music video...but more a film-based project to really show the world at large what a talent this guy is. It is my honour to help see his music in visual form, and myself and Lee are both striving to make it absolutely right before the cameras start rolling. Hats off to you Geoff!"

16/01/2008

The first EVER Troika+Ltd film, A JESTER'S TALE, feature length spoof documentary is now ONLINE for you to view in 12 digestable parts. This full feature was instrumental in Ricardo and Lee obtaining credible status. In case you don't already know it was the first EVER attempt to actually make a film. Editing software and skills were learnt purely for this project. The equipment was VERY basic. But the heart and soul of a great idea were born and this first ever attempt to make a film was actually offered a broadcast deal! An awesome achievement that spurred Troika+Ltd on to far greater things in record time! Based on a concept by Amanda J Tyson, this classic piece was dubbed in one review as "The Spinal Tap of poker!".

Head to www.youtube.com/rlacombe and the first video will lead you to the other parts in sequence.

So sit back and enjoy this seminal masterpiece that has been popular with Troika fans since the start.

And remember that at: http://www.manfishcake.blogspot.com/ you can read the full Blog which not only features IN the film, but was also written alongside the filming of the show to complement the mutli-media approach, which led to an exclusive trailer launch on Poker Plasm (www.pokerplasm.com).

09/01/2008

OK folks, GAYLON PEGLEGG Episode 1 is now online!

It can be seen on either YouTube or MySpace and the links to those channels are:

www.youtube.com/rlacombe

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.channel&channelid=129998573

So point your browsers to EITHER location and get watching Gaylon Peglegg Episode 1 NOW! You simply won't believe your eyes!

08/01/2008

It is with great pleasure, and a shock decision, that Ricardo has negotiated the release of his first two films online! That's right folks, the much talked about (and much requested on DVD!) A JESTER'S TALE and GAYLON PEGLEGG are both soon to winging their way to online viewing! More details will be given when a link is available, as each show will be availble in several newly edited sections. Ricardo asked me to pass on the folowing information:

"Putting JESTER'S TALE and GAYLON PEGLEGG online has long been requested. Initially myself and Lee (Civico-Cambell, Troika+Ltd Co-Founder) have resisted the urge to do so as we have constantly used both these shows in development of other projects. They have both served their purpose as we have moved on to far bigger and different projects now. It is a reminder where these films stand in my career....Jester's Tale was our first ever film, shot on the most basic equipment (truly!) and my first ever editing and scoring work. It was snapped up for a broadcast deal which never made it to fruition due to the poker company selling on and the brand involved folding. But how many folks out ther ein the movie and TV world can say their first EVER attempt to make anything watchable, get's a broadcast interest? Hmmm? Exactly! Gaylon Peglegg represents our first move into HD shooting, with better gear and more thought. It also was where I learned to cut my teeth on visual FX. oh, how far I've come since then...and both these films are WITHIN 2 years old! Anyway....we decided the time was right to finally put em online for those who have not yet seen them. Enjoy amigos!"

A link will be published on this site in soon, so keep tuned!

10/09/07

As part of the mighty FAFTV (www.faftv.com) powerhouse of networking and development, Ricardo was recently in London with Tom and David Howell to speak to a major player in the world of online student activity. More to follow soon on this hook up with a leading online enterprise as it develops, which will take FAFTV in a direction and undertaking that most production companies wouldn't dare to attempt. The weather was nice, the business at hand enjoyable and the FAFTV juggernaut powers on in record time. Pictures courtesy of Tom Howell.

10/09/07

BACK IN FULL FLOW AFTER SOME INTENSE WORK!

It's been awhile but www.ricardolacombe.com is back in full flow. Ricardo has been extremely busy on what could be the UK's most ambitious project in film, TV and online broadcast at this time!.....F.A.F.TV. Ricardo has been working intensly with Troika+Ltd partner, Lee Civico-Cambell, and with the Leicester writing team of Tom and David Howell.....to form FAFTV. The full site will be launching in November at WWW.FAFTV.COM and is essentially a broadcaster of online comedy from around the UK...but hold up. We're not talking user-uploaded content or exisitng material. We are talking about an industry networked broadcaster, in house production company, marketing team, script developer and talent scout agency! FAFTV is utilising the many skills of the Troika+Ltd power house of production to fully commission, develop, shoot, edit and promote the best comedy talent in the UK (and beyond!). Full details will be available soon....and it is absolute FACT to state that FAFTV will change the shape of both online broadcast AND independent film making. With private equity investment already sourced, and some advertising and tie-in deals with MAJOR players....FAFTV is going to be the most highly ambitious project for Ricardo AND a landmark venture for the industry. This is not egotistical boasting. This is fact. No on ehas attempted the scale of what Ricardo and his fellow FAFTV crew are about to unleash.

As part of the pre-launch work, Ricardo was recently part of TWO pre-launch promotional videos soon to be aired soon on www.faftv.com. Joined by Lee Civico-Cambell and Tom Howell, an awesome shoot took place in various Sheffield locations. On camera was the mighty Theo Cane Garvey showcasing his amazing camera and visual flair (as well as being the strongest cohort of FAFTV and Troika+Ltd for many years now). They were also joined by a new addition to the team, Will Winfield, who was on hand to assist on sound and creative elements and is a name who you will be hearing ALOT from in FAFTV and Troika+Ltd productions. Also on set were Heather Simmons (with friend Ula), the mighty Freaky Frenzy himself, Dale of TDF fame, and of course the legendary Mr B, Blitz, Bulletz...you know the name by now! Check www.faftv.com soon for this in-your-face promo slot.

17/06/07

I am pleased to announce that WWW.TROIKAPLUSLTD.COM is now up and running. The site is in very early stages of development but has some cool content for your reading pleasure already. There are bio's of Ricardo and Lee (Civico-Cambell) as well as some really cool stuff to read. Coming soon will be more up to date info on current projects (Ricardo and crew have so ssssoooooo busy of late there is much to update!) and also video stream content will be online as soon as is possible. So although early, please put WWW.TROIKAPLUSLTD.COM in your favourites as major news coming soon!

17/06/07

BREAKING NEWS!

Please keep checking back to www.ricardolacombe.com for information on a MAJOR new development from Ricardo, Lee Civico-Cambell, David Howell and Tom Howell. The four are in talks with a major online investor with a view to launching a project that is scrictly under-wraps. Once developed over the following months it will provide a MAJOR outlet for filmakers in the region (and beyond) to get instant exposure and recognition for the material they can provide for the project. A note on this from Ricardo:

"I cannot wait to launch details of this exciting project. Since creation, Troika+Ltd has sought to bring together, develop and give recognition to filmmakers in the independent scene. This has been done while we were still developing ourselves, so it has always been my greatest ambition to see Troika+Ltd at the forefront of development...especially within South Yorkshire.

This project, once finalised, will see us being able to do what Troika do best...bypass the stale, out-dated production techniques that exist in the indepenedent film world and catapult talent to where it should be...in the public eye. Balls to following funded shorts schemes, balls to 5 minute pieces at local cinemas that no one gets to see, balls to archaic bodies that merely push paper round and play at filmmaking.

Myself and Lee have ALWAYS thought big from day one, much to the nay-saying of "those in the know". Everytime we have set to achieve something, we have done so. Everytime someone has told us our plans were ambitious beyond our position, we have proven them wrong. This project represents the begininng of a legacy for filmmakers in the region and we cannot wait to start getting all those talented individuals out there a unique and truly revolutionary opportunity to get their names out in the public domain."

More on this exciting project as it is finalised.

You can also check out WWW.TROIKAPLUSLTD.COM for more information as it happens.

17/06/07

The second half of the Extraordinary Lives test material has now been completed. Jeremy Tapsill: The World's Most Controversial TV Host will sit alongside Hippo Boy (see below) as half of the double whammy to display the amazing writing talents of Tom and David Howell, and the outstanding production values of Troika+Ltd, with the piece being produced by Ricardo and Troika+Ltd founder Lee Civico-Cambell. Ricardo directed the piece and has now completed editing, sound design and visual FX (of which there were many!).

Tapsill features a some daring visuals, with Ricardo utilising bold techniques to place HD camera technology in places most filmmakers would not dare to go, and achieving a "hidden camera" style without compromising on the full HD quality. Only Troika+Ltd could present such a feat and pull it off in this style.

A personal note from Ricardo:

"The Extraordinary Lives projects have been my most enjoyable shoots to date. I cannot thank enough the amazing writing talents of David and Tom (Howell), and the exciteable drive of Lee (Civico-Cambell) in getting these amazing pieces to film. Although this is "test" material, the production values I put into it are second to none and I see them as complete pieces regardless of future development. I am SO proud that Troika can turn out material in a matter of weeks that some out there would love to be able to do in several MONTHS! This is the Troika way and it's paid off yet again. Without further ado, I MUST thank the Tapsill cast and crew for an unforgettable weekend where new friends were made, and working relationships developed. So...huge thanks to: Lee Civico-Cambell, David Howell, Tom Howell, Sally Dalziel, Jill Hirst, Heather Simmons, Paul Cambell, Joey Ramone, Judy Kimani, Rachael Todd, Richard Somerville, Layla Kippax,...and my man, Mr Blitz, aka Bulletz. You all did the bizniss and we got a piece to go alongside the mighty Hippo Boy to now take forward and score big with. Nice work people! Thank you all soooo much from me"

Stay tuned for updates on the Extraordinary Lives series as it enters into development for full production and broadcast on a major TV channel...SOON!

17/06/07

A personal note from Ricardo:

Stay tuned for updates on the Extraordinary Lives series as it enters into development for full production and broadcast on a major TV channel...SOON!

01/05/07

Ricardo has recently had the pleasure of Directing (and Co-Producing) the test footage for the Extraordinary Lives series for development with Parmount / Channel 5 in the future. Co-Produced and Co-directed by the infamous Lee Civico-Cambell and written by the hottest up-coming comedy writers in the UK, David Howell and Tom Howell. The first installment for the test footage was for the Hippo Boy episode which documents the abuse and tragedy of the World's Most Modern Freak. The shoot was a tremendous success and a masterclass in operations, getting nearly 2 hours of QUAILTY fooatge in a tight, tidy, yet fun filled day. Incorporating some amazing performances from the cast, quality contributions from writers, crew and cast, visual effects work and most importnatly a great day for all who were there. This also gave opportunity fro Troika+Ltd to finally work on set with Sally Dalziel of Breaking Point Productions who baptised herself in the Troika methods and proved herself as the most valubale of crew members! Some STUNNING make up design was on show from Tanya Jackson (TJ Makeup) also, who will surely be recognised for her amazing talents in the field, and has landed the job if this rolls to full production, just on her attitude to the job alone. Huge shout outs also to: James Carroll, Paul Cambell, Chris Boydell, Sarah Brown, Alex Adams, Karolyn Davis who represented their acting talents and have contributed to a stunning and hilarious piece of film history! More to follow soon as the next installment will be shooting soon....in the meantime, enjoy these stills of the production.

11/04/07

DEVIL'S DUSK work continues.....an alliance of Sheffield Filmmaking talent!

Ricardo has spent the last 6 days continuing work on the Deranged Pictures show, Devil's Dusk. Directed by Mat Rowan Maw (Deranged Pictures), Photographed by Rob Nevitt (Spectral Films) and with Ricardo representing the Troika+Ltd powerhouse, this alliance of filmmaking talent in Sheffield also features spectular make-up by Tanya Jackson (TJ Makeup), Horror Effects by Theo Garvey (Like he needs any intro to readers of this site! Corruption Corp represent!) and some brilliant Production and Art Design by Stephen Ridgeway (Creative Clockwork)....as well as a stunning cast of very talented actresses and actors.

Ricardo mailed in these recent behind the-scenes pictures via mobile (apologies for lo-quality) and has indicated that the filming has gone extremely successfully so far. The hours have been gruelling with often 16 hour days finishing at 5-6am (!!), Ricardo has not only been on-set to aid with editing later, but also in any available role as D.O.P. Assist to Mr Nevitt, Sound Recording, Visual Effects Consultant and general crew all-rounder. Further shooting is required but Ricardo has already indictaed an early start on his Editing work and looks forward to a further weekend of shooting and some highly ambitious Post Production work that will bring the Troika+Ltd name to the fore, alligning with the mighty Deranged Pictures....you have been warned!

Click the stills for larger versions

24/03/07

GAYLON PEGLEGG TRAILER ONLINE NOW!

Yes ladies and gents....it's time to say your prayers once again as the Gaylon Publicity campaign plows on with this new Gaylon Peglegg TRAILER! Although it will be online in various lower quality formats (MySpace, YouTube etc) you can download a larger version NOW on the DOWNLOADS PAGE. This trailer was edited exclusively by Ricardo to help promote the film as it is pushed to various copmanies for development.

So check it out NOW as Gaylon Peglegg continues to bless us all in this awesome online trailer! DVD to follow soon folks! More on that later....

05/03/07

UPDATES UPDATES UPDATES!

Apologies to those who have emailed about lack of updates this last week or two. Ricardo has been busy on various projects and his fine webmaster (that's me) has barely had a chance to catch up with his many commitments. So here are some updates on various projects and developments!

LEE AND DAVE DO....STAND UP continues to shoot

The spoof / real / who knows concept that is Lee And Dave Do....Stand Up continues to shoot. The non-linear structure and concept for this unique piece means that developments are constant and improvisation a MUST. Recently Ricardo shot various plate footage for a CG Composite laden scene wich sees Lee and Dave interview the Belly Laugh Boys, a Chuckle Brothers tribute act.....played by....well...Lee And Dave! On hand on set was the legendary Theo Garvey to assist on this highly technical endeavour. Not only was the Green Screen work effective, it was brilliantly acted by the two leads and is an hilarious skit. During interviews with real comedians, there will be various "fake" characters. Who knows which is which!? (Except this one of course!)

DERANGED PICTURES COMMISSION

In a much-anticipated and long awaited union, Ricardo has signed on board to work for Deranged Pictures, the Sheffield based filmmakers who are at the cutting edge (litterally judging by the body counts!) of UK indepedent horror film-making. The piece in question is called THE DEVIL'S DUSK and whilst attending a recent audition session to help out a fellow crew, he signed on board for DOP Assist work and also to cut into his already hectic schedule for a 4 day shoot, AND editing duties.

"I'm really looking forward to this one. A chance to work on someone's elses project for a change! I knew that more editing work was going to a be a risky idea with my diary already chock full on Troika+Ltd's projects....but c'mon man...it's Deranged Pictures, it's a horror film, it's just gonna be so cool!"

Check out www.derangedpictures.com for updates and details on this and other projects and check back here for updates after the Easter weekend shoot to see how the editing process develops.

SWINGERS IN SHEFFIELD - New Current TV Doc!

Ricardo and the Troika+Ltd company have accepted another commission for Current TV and this time the subject in question is based on the activities and lifestyle of Swingers in Sheffield! Showcasing yet another diversity to the Troika+Ltd pallet, this fun and upbeat piece will be yet another broadcast deal for Current TV, having already had the Backyard Wrestling doc and another project (see below) accepted for broadcast on the new SkyTV based Current TV launching on March 12th in the UK!!!

This project is of particular note as Ricardo and Troika+Ltd welcome to the fold a new Troika+Ltd collaborator, Sally Dalziel.

"I met Sally during the launch and screenings for the 2 Weeks 2 Make It video competition. I remembered her passion and excitement for film-making and have been seeking her out ever since. It is my GREAT pleasure to welcome Sally on board a Troika production for this cool Swingers doc and I cannot wait to see what we can develop in the future. Sally also has a film production company called Breaking Point...and I can assure you you wil lbe seeing alot of this awesomely enthusiastic and passionate lady in the film world soon!"

THE LEICESTER BOYS! Tom And David Howell

Through some recent contact with Lee Civico-Cambell, two writers from Leicester recently came to Sheffield to discuss some future work with Ricardo and Lee. These two writers are EXCEPTIONALLY funny and about ready to burst onto the TV scene with work they are completing for Channel 5 and the Paramount Comedy Channel! You will be seeing their work of Sir Peter Maxwell (remember the name!) on your TV screens soon enough and have spoken to Lee and Ricardo about a future project which will hopefully follow the same route as their current project. Such is the talent of the brothers work that from simple beginnings on web-based comedy sites THEY were approached to develop and shoot a pilot for their Sir Peter Maxwell creation. It was an honour to have them come to Sheffield and Troika+Ltd has commited heavily to the work with Tom and Dave for the future, beginining with some test material to shoot soon.

However, Ricardo would like to add:

"Although I am stunned and excited to be working with Tom and Dave....I think they may have alittle Jew in them...and I gotta tell you, I'm watchin those lizard jew fucks closely. They have something sinistar about them. Lee heard a rumour that they were smuggled into Leicester along with some prostitutes by an Albanian Pimp....but this has yet to be proven".

VIOLENT TENDENCIES - New Current TV Doc!

Ricardo has completed work on yet another commissioned documentary titled "Violent Tendencies". Troika+Ltd shot the piece with exclusive access to an underground fight club in Sheffield and captured footage far too graphic to display on this website. The piece is hard hitting and controversial and demonstrates Troika+Ltd's attitude to go further than other crews and document activity that most would not want to admit even happens behind the safety of the street lights on Sheffield streets. Ricardo has edited the piece tastefully for broadcast but even in a less offensive form early reports say that it is eye-opening viewing and uneasy to see bored youths releasing their violent fantasies for real in the darkness of a Sheffield industrial lock-up. This piece, once broadcast, will define the talent and uncompromising dedication that Ricardo and Troika+Ltd show in making films others would not even dare to.

CURRENT TV LAUNCH EVER CLOSER!

The launch of the new SkyTV based CURRENT TV, the UK branch of the higly successful American internet and TV channel is almost. March 12th is the expected date! With last minute deadlines and frantic action it looks very likely the first Current TV / Troika+Ltd commissioned doc "Backyard Wrestling: The Move Of The Future" will make the initial launch line up. More details to follow as everything is confirmed, but if all goes to plan then Ricardo and Lee's amazing and exciting film will roll onto 10 million screens in a matter of weeks. And don't rest up afterwards as both the Violent Tendencies (which has completed post production) and the Swingers In Sheffield (beginning shooting imminently) will be hot on it's heels and again showcase Troika+Ltd as a leader in UK TV and Film Prodcution. Ricardo adds:

"I can't wait for this to be aired. It's a fucking great piece and we have had such a blast with the BZW boys since filming. Now the rest of the country and beyond get to see this film in their living rooms. Better still is the fact that with only 13-14 months since we STARTED working on our first ever film, Troika+Ltd is now broadcasting not one, but THREE commissioned pieces on UK TV and international web based broadcast. Now, not to brag (oh fuck it...go on!) but that is quite some achievement for 2 guys who had never even made a film prior to 14 months ago! So keep checking your Sky channels for Current TV and check out our films. I would be honoured to hear what anyone out there thinks!"

21/02/07

On Saturday 17th Feb, 2007 Ricardo was host and compare at the first ever TROIKA+LTD screening event. This private, invite only event was hosted at Sheffield's LANTERN THEATRE. A huge thanks to Keith Derbyshire of the Lantern Theatre, Kenwood Park Road for his assitance and access to the venue.

In attendence were Ricardo and Lee Civico-Cambell along with many stars of Troika+Ltd's productions, including Theo Garvey (Gaylon, Backyard Wrestling, Outroads video), Dave Oxley (Gaylon, Backyward Wrestling, Lee And Dave Do), Amanda J Tyson (Jesters Tale, Gaylon, Outroads video) and many many others.

The event consisted of a screening of A Jester's Tale, in it's new, vibrant re-colourised version. Followed by a one-off private performance by Geoff Walsh of Outroads (who Troika+Ltd made their first music video for...and for who Troika will be producing a new video for shortly!). This was followed by a sneak preview for the audience of the soon to air on Sky TV - Backyard Wrestling documentary. This was a special treat fro Ricardo as his fine friend Danny Pheonix of BZW (and Nathan aka Blade) were in attendence as special guests. Finally the night was topped with the unveiling to public of Gaylon Pegelgg: Part I, which was massively recieved and hailed by all present as a roaring success!

On the back of the audience response, gaylon will now be vigourously promoted to various production comapnies for development and broadcast.

Ricardo acted as compare for the evening, introducing and discussing the evenings films and music and will return to the stage for similar future events. A huge thanks from Ricardo to all who atteneded this awesomely successful and entertaining evening!

30/01/07

"Ricardo here! A HUGE thanks going out to Adam, Danny and all of the BZW boys, for the honour of letting me hang out at their latest event...Natural Born Thrillaz. It was my great pleasure, on my limited knowledge of the action, to get to participate in a real live Wrestling event. As we await the broadcast details for Troika+Ltd's BACKYARD WRESTLING: THE MOVE OF THE FUTURE documentary on Current TV, we continue to be inspired by the craft and dedication that these guys put into their work. If you have not done so yet, you MUST check out www.bzwrestling.co.nr for more details. And if you want to see me hanging with the BZW boys...as well as some of the TDF Crew (great friends also to Troika+Ltd) then shoot on over to the BZW site often to get details on the February release date for the Natural Born Thrillaz DVD. So once again, a mighty thanks for letting me get in on some fun at the show...taking cracks to the back, boards to the head, lightning bolts from Damien (I kid you not!), jumped on by Rayzel (ugly fucker) and taken out by the freak Jackyl. Keep checking www.bzwrestling.co.nr for more info. You know you wants to!"

21/01/07

HOT NEWS!

Late to press on this....Shooting has already started on Ricardo's latest venture, and the latest Troika+Ltd production! In association with Troika+ co-founder Lee Civico-Cambell and Troika+ friend Dave Oxley. Due to the Backyard Wrestling MOVIE being on hold (for logistics reasons) Ricardo, Lee and Dave have pulled forward this project to the fore and already begun on shooting. Initial reports from outsiders say that this material is HOT! Possibly the best Troika+ project to date!

Under the banner of LEE AND DAVE DO..... the current project is "LEE AND DAVE DO...STAND UP COMEDY". This part reality, part doc, part spoof, part sketch, part drama pilot episode sees Lee and Dave taking on the world of Stand Up Comedy, with a view to learning, studying, interviewing and analysing Stand Up Comedy in a variety of situations. The pair will aim to write and perform 2 very different stand up routines..before a genuine Comedy Club audience!

The concept will be continued into further shows which at last brings together Lee and Dave in tandem in a truly unique approach which once again pushes the norm and showcases brilliant talent in front and behind the camera. Ricardo is directing, co-producing and photographing this hilarious show, which he will also be editing alongside Lee and Dave personally for a truly 3 Person creative extravaganza.

A Lee And Dave Do....website will be up and running shortly to dedicate to the making of and development of project, which will document the local Sheffield stand-up scene, pay homage to the legends of stand up comedy, delve into the fundamentals of comedy in general, interviewing real comedians and promoters, showcasing Lee and Dave's amazing comedic talents and also document 2 men's attempt to embarrass themselves in front of a live audience! Stay tuned.......

01/01/07

IMPORTANT NEWS!!! A major landmark has been reached with the final completion of Ricardo's long-awaited Sit Com Spoof...Gaylon Peglegg. The first in the series of shows based around the character creation by Lee Civico-Cambell, the show has been in prodcution for 6-8 months now and marks a major accomplishment in making a fully finshed, VERY polished professional piece...without doing it in the conventional manner. Full details on it's completion can be read at the Making Gaylon blog site (see links). A personal note from Ricardo on this amazing career landmark:

"Having JUST finished the final sound mix, FX work and last minute polish up, I am so so happy to say that Gaylon Peglegg is now finally finshed and ready to unleash onto the world! I know this our film and all but I have to say I am confident people will be blown away with waht we have achieved. On no budget I may add! A huge career and personal landmark for me, and also a huge FUCK YOU to the folks who say you need to do things a certain way. I should point out that while this has been in the works, we have also 1) Set up a production company 2) Shot and completed a music video 3) Shot and completed a documentary for a major US TV company 4) Developed and fleshed out the script for a self financed feature film 5) Pitched, had accepted and started work on SEVERAL documentaries for a MAJOR US TV company who are about to launch on Sky TV this year..featuring OUR work 6) Pitched successfully and had green light to develop further TWO feature film ideas for a major UK film prodcution company, as in cinema release projects! 7) Started on development on several new concepts for shooting in first quarter of '07 and 8) Managed to have fun doing it all!

But I must put my hand on my heart and TRULY thank the cast and crew on Gaylon. Every frame oozes quality and humour and talent and that is not just me putting in the hours, that is the amazing people who contributed to it.

Lee Civico-Cambell, Amanda J Tyson, Theodore Garvey, Dave Oxley, Karolyn Davis, Ruth Civico-Cambell, Andy Hill, Chris Boydell, George Coles, Magi Coles, Graham Frost, Elaine Broomhead, Emma Greaves, Matt Civico, Jama Hussein, James Oxley, Luke Travis, Olivia Oxley, Gabrielle Egley, Ieuan Badkin, Jamie Kemp, Jarrod Jones, and Quiwan (whose surname I never did get!). All your fine work shines on screen and I look forward to seeing you all at some screenings we will soon be organising. Until then...my heart felt thanks are with you all for your contributions."

Gaylon Peglegg will now be released onto the world via screenings, festivals, pushes to production companies and TV execs, as well as used as a showpiece for yet MORE work in 2007. Please keep checking in for details of where you will be able to see the show being screened, or feel free to contact Ricardo directly from the contact page for more information.

19/12/06

Ricardo and Troika+Ltd co-founder Lee Civico-Cambell are currently involved in a commissioned documentary fro Current TV, the American TV and Internet Documentary Broadcaster. The two recently hooked up with Troika+ friend Theo Garvey of Corruption Corp Films and were honoured to work for the first time with the mighty Ben Wilkinson of Deranged Pictures, one of the most daring and passionate independent film companies in the UK. The first part of shooting saw Ricardo and team concentrate on BZW - Battle Zone Wrestling, (see Links Section) the most innovative Backyard Wrestling Federation in the UK, and beyond.

A personal note from Ricardo:

"A MASSIVE thanks to Danny and Adam, the founders of BZW, and all of their amazing team of wrestlers and friends. A fantastic day was had, and I know I speak for the team when I say that this was an amazing experience. The passion and dedication to the sport came across on camera in some truly stunning footage. The warmth and hospitatlity extended by all the BZW guys was humbling and I look forward to not only presenting what will be an amazing documentary which truly reflects their talents, but also to working with them again in some capacity in the future. And a massive thanks to Ben Wilkinson of the award-winning Deranged Pictures for joining the crew and getting a celeb ref spot too! Awesome work. Go check BZW's brilliant website NOW! Awesome stuff!"

The documentary for Current TV will be aired on the new UK Channel which launches in early '07 and will have an estimated 12-14 million viewers. Stay tuned for other documentary content for the channel from the Troika+ boys soon!

03/12/06

WWW.RICARDOLACOMBE.COM is THRILLED to announce that you can now download and watch THE MAKING OF GAYLON PEGLEGG!!! Yes folks, all you Gaylon followers out there can see this EXCLUSIVE 14 minute Documentary Making Of film, created for Troika+Ltd by the fantastic Theo Cane Garvey. This funky and funny Making Of incorporates NEVER SEEN BEFORE FOOTAGE from the show, behind the scenes, deleted material AND interviews with Ricardo Lacombe and Troika+Ltd Founder Lee Civico-Cambell. So please check the Downloads section NOW to see this amazing film and a taster of the final show! HUGE thanks to Theo Garvey for his brilliant and dedicated work, I am sure you will all agree the end result is a brilliantly put together piece of work!

25/11/06

Work has been completed on the Outroads "Amigo Mio (Bacon)" music video for the 2 Weeks 2 Make It competition. Tapes are handed in and we await the judges verdict! Ricardo, Lee Civico-Cambell, Amanda Tyson and Theo Garvey all worked VERY closely with band leader Geoff Walsh on the project and all are very happy and proud of the result. It was an intense 2 week period to complete an entire video from concept to final cut and the video featured some subtle use of digital effects which had Ricardo back to After Effects for a solid 3 days (with about 4 hours sleep!). We are pleased to annouce you can see the video for this fantastic track right NOW in the DOWNLOADS section of this site.

Ricardo would also like to make the following public apology:

"Ladies and gents...I wish to hereby publicly apologise to the follwing ladies: Anna Kawalek, Lizzy Love, Sian Williams and Bethany Garnett. During shooting of the Outroads music video all 4 went out of their way on a VERY cold Saturday to come and play parts in a scene from the video. On the day all performed brilliantly and really got into the spirit of a busy shoot, with many strangers around......and when coming to edit, the take needed for the video did NOT include them! This is HIGHLY unfortunate and is unfortunately unchangeable now. I just wanted to go on record on both publicly apologise to them....and make the following announcement to anyone who is reading this.....

As director and one half of it's production company, I hereby dedicate this video to these four exceptionally nice ladies! I do not say this lightly as this video took DAYS of work and little sleep to complete and the whole team are very very very proud of it. So I take it very seriously that these enthusaistic ladies got let down by the camera just not actually landing on them in shot...and state agian that this video is DEDICATED to these 4 girls by way of humble apology to them. IF (fingers scrossed!)...IF it should happen to win this competition, when accepting first place I will let the whole crowd know it is dedeciated to them too. Sorry girls! I bow down before you!"

15/11/06

Ricardo is currently involved in a really exciting music video competition called 2 Weeks 2 Make It, organised by the South Yorkshire Filmmakers Network (see Links). This intense competition involves being paired, at random, with a local unsigned band...and with 2 weeks to the second to concieve, implement, shoot, edit and post produce a music video for them. TROIKA+LTD are paired with a BRILLIANT band called Outroads and Ricardo wishes to express to all that this band should be on your CD players RIGHT NOW! Troika+ are currently organising the shoot for this video over 18th and 19th November, with the following week for post prodcution and visuall effects. These will be aided by the ever present Theo Garvey of Theo Garvey Effects (see Links). Check out the bands website at www.outroads.co.uk and make sure you buy a CD while you are there! More to follow as readers can soon assist invoting for the finished video in an online vote! It has to be said that due to the intense nature of this project work on the final leg of Gaylon Peglegg is on hold until after the competition!

29/10/06

Shooting has now finished on Gaylon Peglegg and Ricardo has a self imposed deadline of 12/11/06 to now complete editing, visual effects, audio and music score before Troika+ Ltd commit to a 2 week music video project.You can of course read all about the final days photography in the streets of Sheffield at the Making Gaylon blog site (see Links). As this project draws to a close Ricardo will commit 100% to it's finalising, apart from the development of the next Troika+ Ltd feature, provisionally titled B.W.O.Y. (all will be explained), which is now in the stages of creating some improvisational classes for the actors.

26/09/06

At present Ricardo is head down in pre-production work, in intense sessions for the startling and amazing quality CG Visual Effects work for Gaylon Peglegg: Exorcist (see Film Section). This occupies most of his time due to the intense nature of the work. Visual effects work is expected to continue until mid to late October 2006. More can be read in the Making Gaylon Blog site! (see Links). Pictured left is an improvised Green Screen set / shoot in Ricardo's apartment.

He also has a new film project in late stages of development with Troika+ on an emotional comedy, centred around a main character played by DAVE OXLEY (see the Making Gaylon blog on the Links page). Dave is a super talented and very