Derek Aaron Ruell was born in Fresno, California, is an American director and photographer. He is most recognized for his performance as Kip Dynamite in the indie movie Napoleon Dynamite.
Career
Director
Ruell is an accomplished commercial director and photographer. As a director he is represented by Biscuit Filmworks in Los Angeles. He was recently declared one of the most promising new directors in the world of advertising by Shoot magazine, and "one of the emerging directors to know now" by Creativity. He has directed commercials for clients ranging from T-Mobile to Nintendo and Coke to Burger King.
He was the only filmmaker to have two films, Everything's Gone Green and Mary, which he wrote and directed, premiere at the 2005 Sundance Film Festival.
Photographer
As a photographer he shot the promotional photography for Napoleon Dynamite, and designed the opening title sequence to the film. His photography has been seen in nearly every major publication and a book of his photography titled, "Some Photos," published by Nazraeli Press was released in February 2008. He was awarded "Best Advertising" for his work with Citibank, and "Best Website" in the 2007 PDN Annual. He was also recently awarded "Best Book" in the 2009 PDN Annual. His work has been shown in galleries in Paris, Milan, Buenos Aires and in his native United States.
Actor
Ruell is best known for playing the role of Kip Dynamite in the movie Napoleon Dynamite. In 2007, he starred in On the Road With Judas, which premiered in the Dramatic Competition section of the 2007 Sundance Film Festival. Ruell played a successful New York businessman who led a double life as a computer thief.
Ruell studied film at Brigham Young University.
Personal life
Ruell was born Derek Aaron Ruell in Fresno, California and grew up in Clovis, California. He attended Clovis West High School in Fresno, California. He also served an LDS Mission to Guatemala. He was at one time a member of the Los Angeles Latebirds, an official Moped Army branch.
Filmography
Awards and nominations
Teen Choice Awards
- 2005: Nominated, "Choice Movie Rockstar Moment" - Napoleon Dynamite
References
External links
- Aaron Ruell at the Internet Movie Database
- Aaron Ruell's photography site
- Aaron Ruell's commercials
- Aaron Ruell's Book
- Interview with Aaron Ruell