Rio Mangini – Bella and the Bulldogs

By: Jamie Steinberg

Q) What are the recent projects you are working on?

A) We’re on hiatus right now, but we start filming Season 2 of “Bella and the Bulldogs” this summer! I’m so excited! I’m extra excited because Ace has been made a series regular so get ready for a lot more McFumbling! I’m still playing piano everyday and have a few performances coming up.

Q) Please tell us about the premise for “Bella and the Bulldogs” and about your character Ace.

A) Bella is a cheerleader who becomes the quarterback for her school football team after she throws a football and everyone sees she has a rocket arm. She’s always wanted to play football and she’s really happy, but she has to juggle between a team full of boys who aren’t used to a girl in the locker room and her girlfriends – the cheerleaders. A lot of funny and ironic things happen to the kids – all the time! My character, Ace McFumbles, is a mini-Ron Burgandy with a better mustache. He’s the reporter for his school news and he takes himself VERY seriously! He has these great suits and always wears a mustache. He always wears great socks, as well. It’s like he “puts on” his own character with the whole get-up. He will do anything – and I mean anything – to get a story! Ace does a lot of crazy things like popping out of lockers and trash cans. He has chased a tornado and rode a horse to school. Ace is crazy and fun. I’m so lucky the writers go so crazy with him! I love him!

Q) What made you want to be a part of the show?

A) Well, I went to the audition! Originally, Ace was supposed to be a puppet. I think at the last minute someone said, “Make him a boy.” I’m sure glad they did! I’m so lucky.

Q) Was there instant chemistry when you began working with the cast or did it take some time to develop?

A) I think it was great in the beginning and is just getting better! My castmates are all really funny! I love them all. I look forward to getting to work more with each of them in Season 2! One of my favorite scenes was in episode two, “That’s Some Gossip Girl.” Bella comes into Ace’s office when she’s accused of leaking team secrets and she’s trying to find information from Ace. I loved getting to work with her one-on-one and i hope to do more of that. Most of Ace’s scenes are in his studio alone or with Chauncy – his cameraman. He’s funny, too!

Q) You have great comedic timing. Is it something that has come natural to you or have you had to work at it?

A) Oh wow! Thanks! I’d like to say that I work on it, but I think it’s just me.

Q) What have been some of your most memorable moments from filming “Bella and the Bulldogs?”

A) There have been so many! I got to ride a horse, or actually I got to sit on a horse, and I’m allergic to them so that was cool! I did a wild stunt during “Tornado Afraido” where I was on a wire and flying from a flagpole during a (fake) tornado.

Q) What makes the show such a great fit for the Nickelodeon network?

A) Nickelodeon is the bomb and really smart! They know exactly what they are doing! They put out great shows! Our show is great because there are a lot of strong good messages and it’s hilarious. There’s the whole “girl power – don’t let anyone take you down” message. Then, there are lots of good lessons about trust, friendship and loyalty. I’m proud to be a part of a show I can be proud of! People are always telling me how great it is and good for the kids that make me proud and I’m proud to be on Nick.

Q) You are a part of social media. Do you enjoy the instant fan feedback you receive when episodes air?

A) It’s fun and crazy. I like to see my numbers go up. Sometimes we get together to watch the shows and I like to tweet during that. I’m hoping to get 100,000 one day.

Q) What would you like to say everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and  your work?

A) Well, THANK YOU! THANK YOU! I’m the luckiest kid in town! Keep watching “Bella and the Bulldogs” Saturday nights on Nickelodeon.