By Kathy Chouteau
Ricky Antonio, a multifaceted Richmond artist whose talents include rap and comedy, is on the cusp of releasing his own short movie, “Get Doe The Money Chase,” at a private “Red Carpet Suit and Tie Exclusive Pre Premier Party” Aug. 18 in his hometown.
While the location of the Richmond movie premiere party is private, the nearby “Soundtrack Release Concert” following it from 8-11 p.m. is open to the public.
Antonio produced the soundtrack and wrote the majority of the work on it, with the lineup including rap by the legendary Mistah F.A.B. Another hip hop legend, Magic Mike, will also be on hand for the show. Tickets are $10. The concert’s location will be released upon purchase; to buy tickets, contact Antonio at [email protected] or message him on social media (@iamrickyantonio).
The concert is doubling down as a benefit for Antonio, who lost nearly all his possessions in a devastating Bay Area apartment fire in February 2024.
Get Doe The Money Chase, which Antonio wrote, directed, produced and co-stars in, is a 40 minute action/comedy about a group of guys chasing down money as they experience extreme adventures along the way. And, of course, a lot of music features into the mix.
Along with Antonio, who plays multiple characters—including Quatreece Washington (@quatreesewashington)—the movie co-stars Mistah F.A.B. (@fabbydavisjr1), Mitchy Slick (@mitchyslickwrongkind), King Cydal (@king_cydal) and the director’s friends and family.
“Growing up watching movies, I became infatuated with it, I saw that you can create your own stuff.”
Scenes from the movie were shot partially in Los Angeles in a high rise that reportedly has a lot of Lakers players as residents, according to Antonio. Other scenes will be more familiar to Bay Area residents, including Oakland, Vallejo and Richmond—where Point Richmond and El Tucan make an appearance. He said that legendary rapper Mitchy Slick came to El Tucan during the filming and the eatery even had a Ricky Antonio Red Birria Burrito on its menu for a while. “We were really on the run,” Antonio said about the film.
The private premiere—which will be attended by the media, those associated with the movie, industry movers and shakers, NBA players and other notables—will help Antonio connect with those who can help show it to the public.
“Growing up watching movies, I became infatuated with it, I saw that you can create your own stuff,” said Antonio about his partial inspiration for creating the short movie and accompanying soundtrack. He said that his comedic influences were Eddie Murphy—especially in his roles playing multiple characters—and Martin Lawrence.
He also said Sinbad was a big supporter of his comedic videos, some of which became viral when he impersonated rapper E40 with skits on Instagram, YouTube and Facebook. A line from the social media skits–“Can I have a water doe?”—became Antonio’s catch phrase, and eventually helped him name his movie and flex his own rap skills along the way.
Antonio knows a little something about building himself back up when the chips are down. Growing up in Richmond, he had a rough childhood in foster care and suffered through personal losses to violence in the city.
Amidst these troubles, there were a lot of bright lights, including the famed Coach Carter, who coached Antonio his freshman year of basketball at Richmond High School—and showed him what was possible as his Hollywood movie was being filmed at the time. Also pivotal in his life were his acting teachers at Contra Costa College, Kathy McCarthy Schwab and Tyrie Ivory, who greatly encouraged him in what he called a “transformative” experience.
Antonio says that due to his past challenges, it’s important to him to give back to his community. Among other roles, he’s helped coach basketball at Richmond High School. “Being a person from Richmond…I want to inspire the youth,” he said, adding that he wants them to know that “You can do what you believe.”
Stay updated on the latest Get Do The Money Chase movie and soundtrack info here.
