Production Team
DENNIS RUEL - Director, Actor, Producer
Born and raised in the SF Bay Area, Dennis has been training in the martial art, Hapkido since 1994. After attaining a Blackbelt, Dennis began to teach martial arts full time while pursuing a career in the film industry. Being a huge fan of Hong Kong action films inspired Dennis to start making his own movies and eventually lead to his meeting Jose Montesinos and joining "The Stunt People" in 2006. After signing with Look Talent Agency, he began to collaborate with Stephen Reedy, Vlad Rimburg, and Ken Quitugua. Prototype Monks' first short, Rival Grocers paved the way to Unlucky Stars!
VLAD RIMBURG - Choreographer, Actor, Producer
Born in Babruisk, Belarus, raised in Los Angeles, Vlad began his Martial Arts training at the age of Six. He studied Tang Soo Do then transitioned to Tae Kwon Do in his teens. Vlad grew up watching Jackie Chan and Jean-Claude Van Damme Movies and was later introduced to other pioneers of the Hong Kong Golden Era when he began making films himself. Vlad's inspirations come from Sammo Hung and Korean Action Director Jung Doo Hong. Vlad strongly believes in being innovative with his action design as he brings a unique blend of old a new school action to Unlucky Stars.
KEN QUITUGUA - Actor, Graphic Designer, Producer
Ken began studying Shaolin Kung Fu in 1991. After earning his Black Sash, 4 Grand Championships and the title of Senior Instructor, he decided it was time to move on and open up. In 2001, Ken headed to San Francisco where he continued to broaden his knowledge of the Martial Arts. Wushu, Capoeira, Muay Thai and Brazilian JiuJitsu have kept him active to this day. He also auditioned and became a member of the indie film & stunt team Zero Gravity. As Ken gained confidence with filmmaking and acting, he began collaborating with like-minded filmmakers and martial artists.
GIOVANNIE ESPIRITU - Actor, Casting Director, Co-Producer
Giovannie a seasoned, working actress who has been nominated for BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS at Methodfest alongside Academy Award Nominees Alfre Woodard, and Amy Irving. Her PRIMETIME credits include a recurring role on ER (NBC), BONES (FOX),GILMORE GIRLS (ABC), and TRAUMA (NBC). She is also founder of the SFActorsWorkshop.com, an acting studio based in the SF Bay Area. Giovannie's students are represented by top agencies in both the Bay Area and Los Angeles.
SARI DON SABELLA - Actor, Co-Producer
Sari Sabella is half Arab half Italian born in Amman, Jordan in 1985. At the age of 18, he moved to the United States to pursue his Hollywood dream, passionate about making movies and entertaining those around him. Infatuated with the art of comedy, Sari is known among his family and friends as “Mr. Funny Man”. Sari currently holds a Shorin Ryu black belt under his mentor and uncle, Sensei Robert Sabella. Inspired by the legendary Bruce Lee and his Uncle Robert, he strives to combine both passions of martial arts and comedy in the roles he plays.
JOSE MONTESINOS - Actor, Co-Producer
A native San Franciscan of Peruvian and Salvadorean descent, Jose Montesinos has been making movies since the age of 14. Jose has since made many shorts including "Acid Horse" and "Deadly Finger," as well as five feature-length films including "Owned" and "Barrio Brawler" both of which found distribution through "Maverick Entertainment" and "The Asylum" respectively. In 2009 he was awarded the Mastermind grant from the SF Weekly for being recognized as a standout local talent.