Aaron Ruell

Aaron Ruell

Ruell at the San Diego Comic-Con International in 2011.
Born Aaron Ruell
Fresno, California, U.S.
Occupation Director/Photographer
Years active 2002—present

Aaron Ruell is an American director and photographer. He is also noted for his performance as Kipland Ronald Dynamite (or Kip) in the indie movie Napoleon Dynamite.

Contents

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, as well as, "one of the emerging directors to know now" by Creativity. He has directed commercials for clients that range 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 '08. 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 the 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.[1]

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.

Filmography

Film
Year Film Role Other notes
2004 Napoleon Dynamite Kipland Ronald "Kip" Dynamite
2006 The Problem with Percival Social Worker Short film
Think Tank
2007 On the Road with Judas Judas
Television
Year Title Role Notes
2005 Super Robot Monkey Team Hyperforce Go! Suupa Voice Role
Episode: Brothers in Arms
2012–present Napoleon Dynamite Kip Voice Role
Regular

Awards and nominations

Teen Choice Awards

References

External links