Interview With Todd Standing: Slyvanic Bigfoot
Due to the controversies that surround the “Sylvanic Bigfoot” project, we decided to do a quick Q&A style interview with Todd Standing.
If you are not familiar with the “Sylvanic Bigfoot” case, I suggest you check out this link to get yourself familiar with what GhostTheory and a reader who goes by “ME” have uncovered in the quest to find the truth about the Sylvanic project.
The interview questions were asked a week prior to our knowing of ME’s investigation and what he had uncovered. What follows are questions from the editors at GhostTheory.
One of our readers (Henry), made this comment:
Then feel free to read on where he contradicts himself describing first: Sylvanic… is the name of the canyon pass that leads to an enormous valley…” then in a later blog posting tells us that the valley is accessible only by a tunnel through the mountains, or by belaying down a mountain. So how did the bison get in there?GT: Can you explain these discrepancies in your story?
The easiest way I knew of to get into the Sylvanic area was through a small tunnel that went under a mountain. There is a shot of this short tunnel in the mini documentary. The tunnel comes out in the canyon pass that leads to the valley. The alleged bison picture and accounting of bison in the Sylvanic area was a letter from someone else. I have never seen bison in that area.
GT: Surely you must be aware of the ‘Georgia Bigfoot hoax’ or the and how that played out for Tom Biscardi, or the ‘Johor Hominid hoax’ and how it crushed Vincent Chow’s reputation. Why do you think that withholding evidence or key information would be beneficial for yourself and these creatures? Surely no one in their right mind would go out and hunt them.
I absolutely know people do hunt and attempt to kill these animals. Dr. Grover Krantz openly advised people to kill one for the sake of proving its existence. I have personally been met by dozens of men whom have offered to pay me a significant amount of money to help them track and kill one of these animals. That would be disastrous. These animals live in groups and are devoted to one another, similar to their closest living primate relatives like chimps, gorillas, and humans. To kill one you would be risking your life unnecessarily and you would likely have to kill multiple members of the group as they would come back to defend their fallen family member. If you’re going to take on a group of primates that are over 7 feet tall weight in excess of 400lbs, that the first nations people refer to as the “Boss” or “Master of the Wilderness”, you are a fool as well as a blood thirsty killer. Especially since they are a peaceful, harmonious species that has caused you no harm.
It is imperative that my new research site remains confidential entirely for the sake of these animals. This species obviously has every desire to keep away from humans. Any sustained human presence to a Bigfoot habitat will result in these animals losing their home, whether you are hunting to kill them or just peacefully trying to get a picture. Loss of habitat equals loss of life.
If you really want to start studying this species find your own research site. If you don’t know how, we would be happy to teach you.GT: If you search around the web for any information about the “Sylvanic Bigfoot”, most reputable researchers and Cryptozoologists seem to label your project as an obvious hoax that is marketed to selling a book or DVD documentary. With all this bad press, why don’t you approach the situation from a different perspective? It’s safe to say that the “Sylvanic project” has been active for a few years now and has not made any progress. In fact it seems to be treading backwards.
The initial media that I did was an enormous success. From the Canadian petition for species protection to the amazing men and women from around the world we now collaborate with. I have done no press or interviews for over 2 years and in that time rumours of all kinds have spread. People whom know this species to be a reality are fed up with all the hoaxes and B.S. I don’t blame them. Most of what we do is radically different from other researchers out there; our approach is very open minded and cooperative. Einstein said “Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds”.
People will believe when we have found a body that has expired due to natural causes.GT: When you do go out to the wilderness to capture evidence of these creatures, why only bring a video camera of poor quality? In other words, why isn’t there any film of these creatures filmed in zoom and HD quality? It seems that going through all the trouble of hiking out there, you would at least rent good digital cameras to get clear evidence.
I think our video evidence is very good quality. Both videos where shot from less than 40 yards away. There is very little shake in the camera. And when you have no idea what direction the animal will be moving, you do not zoom in. Remember the animal you see in video 3 is moving faster then the fastest man on the planet could run, twisting and turning though dense foliage.
What most people don’t know is these videos were made to convince forestry officers to come with us. Our goal was to prove to forestry officers that we could get within 50 yards of these animals. The next step was to get them to come out and witness this species for themselves. Officially no branch of forestry or wildlife enforcement agency would come with us. Even now, for the last 2 months I have sent emails, letters, and made hundreds of phone calls to Primatetologist, Anthropologists, CNN, BBC, you name it, looking to take some one out on a series of expeditions to show them this species up close and personal. Let them make a video or take pictures. But no one steps up to the challenge when they understand the dangers of expeditions.GT: Do you think you will find a Bigfoot corpse? I would think these creatures are organized enough to bury their dead (or at least entomb them). If this is the case, how will you attempt to proceed with proving their existence?
I know we can find a body that has expired due to natural causes. All it will take is time, patience and perseverance. Or perhaps someone else will. That’s why now, more than ever, our work is focused on cooperation.
GT: Why has the scientific community disbelieved you? How much quality evidence have you presented them?
The Scientific community is very conservative for the most part. The only evidence that will make them believe is an intact body. And rightly so. The fact that the most man like primate on the earth exists and no human can produce a body is to me nothing short of a miracle. These animals have evaded modern science to date. The reality of these animals will shake the pillars of the scientific community to its core. But before such a shock to the system can transpire, absolute proof must be presented.
GT: Do you plan on releasing more evidence in the near future?
I do hope to continue to release new evidence. Even today anyone that helps us with our work by gathering signatures for species protection or continually works towards the betterment of these animals is sent privileged information. Specifically, non-publicized chronicles of new experiences we have had with these animals in the past 2 years. Evidence we have observed first hand that at the very least will help people understand how amazing these animals are at evading humans.GT: Why do you feel talking to the press is the best way to release information? Surely there has to be someone of a neutral nature who would be happy to be your advocate on this issue.
Talking to the press has worked very well for us in the past. Because of the fantastic support I received through the media 3 years ago, thousands of people showed up for the showings of our mini documentary that allowed us to gather thousands of signatures we had certified in our petition. The Sylvanic cooperation expanded exponentially thanks entirely to the media. I believe the messages we have to send out to people are important ones. I know when definitive proof is found people do care enough to ensure the survival of these animals.But make no mistake about it, when we do find a body the media will be the last
to know. The body will be presented to the appropriate government agency
whom will then publically make “Bigfoot a protected species” throughout North
America. Through a cooperation between wildlife enforcement agencies and the
scientific community, Bigfoot habitats will be identify and protected. The ethical
study of these animals will be unlike anything the world has ever seen.GT: Even with a find like this, you cannot find anyone scientifically qualified who would hike into their domain?
There are several scientists we cooperate with, and Michael, whom is the backbone the Sylvanic team, is a biologist from Great Falls, Montana. It was his strategies that made video 2 and 3 possible. He was present during the filming of video 2 and 3. There are currently 6 wildlife and forestry officers that are a part of the Sylvanic team—off duty of course, and not on any official capacity. Unfortunately, we have no one with hands on experience working with great apes, wild or captive. A scientist with practical great ape behavioural knowledge would be an enormous asset to our team at this point. Belief in Bigfoot in not a prerequisite. In fact, a firm non believer would be far more beneficial.
GT: Will you take the GhostTheory team along? we’re fit, tough and don’t talk much.
To scientists or media that are interested in coming out with me, there are a few things you need to be made aware of. There can be no more than the two of us. No teams, crews, sound guys or camera men. An expedition with me will take at least 6 days. After the first day you are in grizzly, black bear and mountain lion country. You are carrying food that attracts them, besides being food yourself. If you make one of a hundred minor mistakes like coming across a fresh kill or not recognizing predatory behaviour you will die. Often it is very difficult to sleep at night with all the potential predators lurking in the dark, so during the day when you are abnormally tired you’re more likely make a mistake that will cause you injury. Injuries can easily become life threatening when you are so far from medical attention. Avalanches, wolverines, landslides, badgers, rattlers… are all realities you will deal with on a daily basis.
You have to be in great physical shape. Daily treks are the equivalent of running a 30km marathon. From rock climbing over 1000 feet up, to crawling on your hands and knees silently for hours on end. And it may take a dozen of these expeditions before we are a success.
Most want me to guarantee their safety. The exact opposite is what I guarantee. I guarantee every time you trek out into this wilderness you are absolutely risking you life from one moment to the next.Any seriously interested applicants can contact me through the website.
GT: That was a joke Todd….
We wish to thank Mr. Standing for taking the time to answer our questions.
What ever the truth may be about the Sylvanic Bigfoot, the truth will soon come out as more and more investigative work is being done from both sides of this argument about the existence of the place called Sylvanic by Mr. Standing, the evidence presented and the questionable actions that have been made.
Written by Javier Ortega - javier@ghosttheory.com
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Hello Mr. Standing, (or is that Mr. Rockwell?),
Glad to see you respond to the safe questions Todd, but I see the same old embellished drama in those responses of yours. You even seem ‘almost’ unfazed by what has been recently discovered about you. It’s not normal you know. So how about answering the real contradictions that have been excavated in the big Sylvanic dig? Of course I heard you say last week on blog radio that you will just ignore those who criticize you, but Todd, you can’t run from the “turth” forever. :^)
I also noticed that you’ve adapted your story in one sense. Instead of a “hole” into Sylvanic, it is now a “tunnel”. That’s the first time I’ve EVER heard you describe the entrance as having any length or having any cave-like properties Todd. That’s quite the significant geological feature to never ever mention before now. I guess you caught that thread over on bfro criticizing the “hole under the chain of mountains” eh?
But don’t you see, you’re being inconsistent when you do those change-ups, that’s what makes your stories consistently unbelievable.
You do remember describing it this way right?: “All the while looking for a 2foot by 2foot hole that goes under this chain of moutains.” Sorry, but that and so many more of your outdoor descriptions is so funny. lol
Not once in 5 years have you ever mentioned a tunnel. Why is that Todd?
From one outdoorsman to another, just how do you survive out there? hehe
Nice Javier! ‘We don’t talk much’. We’ll be out there chatting away like a couple of extroverts
Glad to see that Todd responded at least!
So, in one breath he’s tried to get every news agency in the country to accompany him to Sylvanic. In the next breath he claims you have to be nothing short of a Navy Seal to survive the journey. Actually almost promising sure death should you attempt it. As Me mentioned, seems a bit dramatic to say the least. Todd, have you invited Jeff Meldrum to go? I would almost bet that he’d jump at the chance.
As I’ve said before, I always gave you the BOTD simply because of the absence of concrete proof either way. This interview does nothing to validate you or your quest. Frankly that saddens me as I really want to believe in someone that has this animal’s best interest at heart. Based on what I know so far that person doesn’t seem to be you Mr. Standing.
Not entertaining the tough questions further magnifies the negative.
By the way Todd, the truth is, you sidestepped the gist of the first four central questions asked of you. Really everyone, read closely what is being asked and compare his responses. Todd, is it just your nature to be so evasive?
I suppose as a ‘Film Producer’, you are just “Sticking to the Script” right? Are you hoping what has been dug up, will be water under the bridge if you just ignore it? Guess what Todd, that’s not going to happen this time.
Oh and of your portrayed assurance in finding a body. Get real! You really don’t know very much about sasquatch do you? Hundreds of field researchers have been looking for years/decades. I’ve got news for you, you have nothing on even the least experienced of them even if you were a legitimate in your claims, which I don’t put much stock in.
Hey I’ve got a really good idea for you. I think you should hook up with the Georgia Boys. Yeah, that’s it!
According to them, they are “THE BEST BIGFOOT TRACKERS IN THE WORLD”.
And according to you, you are “THE BEST BIGFOOT EXPERT ON THE PLANET”.
So unless you want to challenge one another because there can’t be room for both, which would also be so unproductive, I think the three of you should just hook up and combine your wealth of insurmountable wisdom. I mean, look at how similar your claims are to one another, and ‘like minds’ do think alike right? Besides, they already found one body, I bet the three of you combining resources (with the help of a good makeup artist), can come up with one more. Wow, it is just incomprehensible what you might accomplish together.
I do wonder though, how come their claim of world dominated expertise and yours sounds so similar? Hmm… LOL
I believe these being exist, but I remain unconvinced of the Mr. Standing’s sincerity.
Avalanches and rattlesnakes? If you in frigid conditions you will not be seeing any rattle snakes, they will be hibernating and torpid. Wolverines and badgers? Come on now, seeing a wolverine is uncommon, and neither animal is dangerous to humans. The threat of bears is, of course, very real in bear country. It sounds to me that Mr. Standing in inviting journalists along even as he exaggerates the dangers. Why? To keep them from taking him up on the offer. Daily treks are the equivalent of a 30 KM marathon? Has he run a 30 KM marathon?
[...] Interview With Todd Standing: Slyvanic Bigfoot Interview With Todd Standing: Slyvanic Bigfoot | Ghost Theory [...]
Wow… how dangerous can the outdoors be in the rockies? It’s hard for me to tell since I live in a place where in the past centuries we have thoroughly eradicated every single lifeform that could possibly pose a threat to people but if you take a gun with you you’d be pretty safe from bears and mountain lions wouldn’t you? Especially when there’s more than one of you.
He makes it sound as if you will be entering a place where bears are stacked upon wolves and cougars and the left over empty spaces are filled with vipers. For god’s sake man, knowing such a place alone would make you famous.
Mr. Standing seems as convincing as ever, if what he says is true. The problem is the length to which one must go to verify it. Is this Michael a real person? A real biologist from Great Falls? Did he just suggest a strategy which Mr. Standing claims to have worked, or did Michael accompany him on a successful expedition? Have any of the other people on the ‘Sylvanic Team’ actually been to the site and seen the creatures? How many people are honest-to-God participants, and how many are just being strung along for the ride?
The valley must be entered through a tunnel? You may as well have called it Shangri-La, Shambhala, Yangsang, or Tao Hua Yuan. Is this valley in Canada? Or maybe it’s in Pemako or Kunlun?
The problem with what Mr. Standing says is that it could be true, or complete bull. It would be easy to verify, if given enough information. He has been intentionally vague, and has provided too little information to verify anything, which makes me think it’s all bull. Meanwhile, there seem to be plenty of other hints that it’s not true.
Mr. Standing had an interview today at Bigfoot Busters radio. It can be listened to or downloaded here. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/tcsjrbigfoot
I’ve listened to his whole interview on the Bigfoot Busters program. Todd is a master communicator with a silver tongue. Have others besides myself noticed that much of his information about sasquatch is regurgitated general knowledge from what others have learned in the field over the years?
Wow, did you guys know there was a forensic expert who studies primate and human fingerprints who is now studying footprints and talking about dermal ridges? I never knew that. :rolleyes22:
It’s just amazing how he comes up with an excuse for everything too, stuff that any normal person would have normally done in the field in order to cover proper bases. It’s all just too well packaged at every step yet he steps all over his own statements time and time again.
I picked up a few key items as I’m sure others did.
In the interview he was asked by TXDragon55 if he ever used 8mm or 16mm film besides Digital. He responded that he never had a 16mm camera with him and only uses digital. Below is one of his early statements on that issue. He’s made similar statements elsewhere.
From his Old Website under ‘The Expedition’:
” Our group consisted of my self taking photographs with a 35 mm still camera, a camera man with a 16mm motion picture camera,…”
“As you may have noticed this website consists entirely of digital pictures. None of the 35mm still photographs or 16mm motion camera shots turned out. They where somehow overexposed in a way that no person I have met with can account for. The most plausible expert explanation I was given seems to be our film was exposed to some kind of strong magnetic field.”
I don’t think he remembers half of what he has said in the past. If events were based on actual history, the story wouldn’t change as much as it does. Unfortunately so much of it remains convoluted and difficult to track.
I do think it would be good if someone up in Alberta could look up corporate records on Outstanding Productions too. Yes its plausible that he started the company after a prior Outstanding Production Co. But I’d also be curious who the owner was in any prior company too. Should this one element turn out to be a research shortcoming on my part, my apologies. It would change a few things of course, but this would be only one issue in a myriad of his other contradictions.
He was also asked about whether he ever witnessed sasquatch interaction with other animals. His response was that he didn’t ever witness this. I suspect the person who asked the question also remembers him saying he did witness it in another interview. I think he originally said it in the recent Sasquatch Watch radio interview. Maybe someone else remembers exactly where this was in that interview and can post his exact words? I’m exhausted.
Oh and at minute 1:36:00, did he also say “…if I brought back feces I mean these things roll in dung.” ? He may have said something else but I can’t make it out. If he said dung, well that may just sum it all up.
Doesn’t this guy realize there are hundreds of researchers who are years ahead of his self claimed prowess? Imagine how our field is going to look if he begins his public campaign in the US as well as Canada.
It’s my bedtime so I’m posting this at both Ghosttheory and Bigfoot Forums.
Yes Dr. C, all good points too.
“Oh what a tangled web we weave,
When first we practise to deceive!”
I guess when somethings is to good to be true, we all just automatically assume it’s a hoax. I for one, do believe this guy is on to something. Ok, maybe his story did change from one point to another, but to say he’s making it all up by the way he describe the events is just jumping the gun. For example, when talking about the tunnel, he described it as a 2 by 2 hole through the mountain. Someone asked, “why didn’t he call it a tunnel from the begining? Well, I would of described it in the same manner, bc people always try to linger on your words, and for me to call it a tunnel is like describing it as artificial or man made, so I would just call it for what it is…a 2 by 2 hole in the mountain. I’m not going to sit here and just call it a hoax just bc he changed his describtions or for wanting to keep it a secret, bc there’s so much more of the story that we don’t know. I like how he said that he was willing to take some scientists/researchers out there, but no one has stepped up to the plate. That is just nuts! Why hasn’t anyone come out to take him up on his offer. There’s got to be some brave people out there that really want to know the truth….i know I would go in a heartbeat, with a gun, and i’m no way an outdoors/wilderness man. This to me, is truely interesting piece. And if it’s a hoax, so what, it’s not as if we haven’t seen our fair share of hoaxes, but this one seems like there more to the story. So Javier, if you go on this adventure, let me know, bc i’m down too.
Tazz said: “I guess when somethings is to good to be true, we all just automatically assume it’s a hoax.”
Obviously you are missing some data. ME has spent quite a lot of time researching this and IMO has exposed many glaring inconsistencies. Furthermore, Mr. Standing did not answer the tough questions during the interview. As much as we all would love to believe and support him it would seem something is definitely wrong here. If you’ve spent much time here you’d see that we initially entertain most everything with an open mind.
Yea, that was a bad starting sentence, bc obviously If something seems to good to be true, most times it’s not. Ok, Jbondo, I never actually said that I knew alot about this story, but I was intrigue about it. And i’ve been around long enough to know what goes on at this site. What i’m saying is that maybe “me” needs to actually get off his butt and take Mr. Standing up on his offer by joining the team,…instaed of sitting at home researching what he said or didn’t say when the story first came out. So, I ask you, Jbondo, since i’m OBVIOUSLY missing some data, what evidence did “Me” find out that makes this guy a liar.
Tazz, I don’t need to drive a thousand miles to go where there are sasquatch that’s for sure. The guy just said a few nights ago he’s never even heard a vocalization or other communication. That tells me he has no idea what he’s doing. Most researchers worth their weight have heard several vocalizations within the first season in the field. He’s ‘allegedly’ had a biologist with him during his filming, well but where is his report? That would have been his place to start don’t ya think?
He’s long said his method for finding domiciles is “scientifically repeatable”. That was 5 years ago at the time of his ONLY alleged video. Nothing has been produced since then with all his so called ‘expeditions’. He even said a few weeks ago that he goes on weekly expeditions. Where is all his new evidence if his methods are so scientifically repeatable? He’s a joke TaZZ and the way he talks about the wilds is also a joke.
According to his website if you go with him:
“If you are not strong you will die.
If you get sick you will die.
If you get injured you will die.
If you do not have wisdom you will die.
If you do not abide by the rules of our people without question, you will die.
And if you are strong, wise, never get injured or sick, and abide by the rules of our people without question you still may die.”
Hello GhostTheory readers,
Some new and startling information has come to light that pretty much ends any remaining questions about Todd Standing’s credibility (or lack thereof).
In the prior article by GhostTheory.com, Javieer revealed three different identities posting from the SAME IP Address on their blog. This IP Address (75.155.73.92) originated from the SAME house or business in Edmonton, Alberta Canada when searched.
Those GhostTheory posts can be found in this article http://www.ghosttheory.com/2010/01/12/sylv…-mystery-solved
Those basic identities (without included comments) are:
Author : Tracey (IP: 75.155.73.92 , d75-155-73-92.abhsia.telus.net)
Author : Louise (IP: 75.155.73.92 , d75-155-73-92.abhsia.telus.net)
Author : mark (IP: 75.155.73.92 , d75-155-73-92.abhsia.telus.net)
So Dave,
Could it also be that the Z’s are connected in some way as well?
I love how Todd wants desperately to take a journalist out with him but then lists all the hardships and ways to die. He then asks for anyone to suggest who he could take with him. It’s always the same spiel.
His world is crumbling quickly and he can only watch as it disintegrates before his eyes.
Hehe, now I didn’t say that about the Z’s did I? :^)
Okay, I kinda see your point on this guy using two IP adresses, but does that actually make him a hoaxer. Could the greeneyed girl be his girlfriend, as well as his assistant, who uses his computer, or better yet, Todd him self.. I just don’t see the grand picture, so why would anyone go through all this trouble just for a lie. What if someone actually took him up on his offer, would he just disappear. I seen this guy on youtube at Bigfoot events. I must say, ME, you’ve done your reasearch, but what you’ve found seems inconclusive…I mean there could be many reasons why his ip address is the same as someone else, maybe he wants to generate feedback from everyone, so he starts a conversation with his self, hoping everyone would join in…kinda like publicity. I mean it does sound like bs to me, but what makes his bs any different than anyones elses so-called bigfoot stories. I’m just shocked that no one has come fourth to join his bigfoot hunt. The hejj with all his threats about how you can die and all, bc I know if I had a chance I’d be the first on the plane….and if he was lying when I got there, he’d be the one that might die.
Good Work, Dave. I def. see your point. Although, I had to follow some more links to really get it, but i do now.
TaZZ,
According to Todd himself, he has had a Biologist accompany him, an Anthropologist, and a Botanist visit Sylvanic. Where are all their reports?
He said he has also had a forensics examination done of hair which identified it as unknown species. He also says a Kineticist examined the footage. Where is that ACTUAL report other then something typed on screen?
In his own words from BFF: “My name is Todd Standing and i documented the majority of chronicles on the website as well as led the expidition that shot the video that is currently getting so much attention, and collected the hair sample that foresic experts identified as an unknown species. What is new is a botanist that visited sylvanic last year seems to have found a new species of plant life.”
Where are ANY of these experts reports? None of these allegedly present individuals have ever spoken of their field excursions with Todd, except for Todd.
As for greeneyedgirl, the emails link her right to OutstandingProductions. OutstandingProductions is linked to Louise Standing, now Louise Greene. Todd for you, what is your little sister’s name?
There is nothing inclusive about the different identities leading right back to Todd’s taZZ. That’s called solid proof he orchestrated the posts in order to steer the readers.
Just caught your second post there TaZZ after I posted the above response, glad you caught up on that.
Great research guys!!!!!! What rhymns with Todd-FRAUD