Meet Ken Arquelio | Filmmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ken Arquelio and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ken, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Assessing risk always gave me pause: the higher the risk, the less inclined I was to think outside the box. It dictated every major decision I’ve ever made and subsequently stifled my professional growth. However, losing the two most prominent male figures in my life within a 3 month period changed me forever. My father and his brother-my Uncle Louie-each died of cancer three years ago. Each was in hospice care at home so I was able to spend quality time with both up until the very end. We had heartfelt conversations about a lot of topics we never discussed before, and even enjoyed a few moments of humor. But, what struck me the most during those talks was that although each of these two men were born in the same household they led entirely different lives: my father was never a risk-taker and believed in playing it safe. I often wondered what his childhood dreams were and at what point he discarded them as the risk was too high. My Uncle Louie, on the other hand, traveled the world, raced sports cars, enjoyed new adventures, and had insisted in his last days that he had zero regrets. Recognizing this contrast and how it related to my journey, left a profound effect on me. And ultimately changed how I chose to live the rest of my life.

I’ve been an actor/writer/producer for years but was always afraid to try directing: the risk of failing miserably was too much to accept. So what better way to apply the lessons of my father and uncle than to take my first big risk in many years resulting in a short film I wrote and directed called DISCO BEATS.

The film takes place in Detroit/1979 and is about an elderly man who wants to learn how to disco dance so that he can surprise his wife on their 60th wedding anniversary. The underlying theme in the film is precisely the lesson that I was left with by my father and my uncle: you get one life, don’t waste it…enjoy it. Try new things…you never know where it might lead you. Were it not for their passing, I don’t believe I would have ever taken the leap into directing. The film is currently running the film festival route-five festivals in the past month-and just recently won Best Dramatic Short Film at the Arizona International Film Festival. Watching the film, or more importantly, watching the audience positively respond to my film, gives me great joy as it’s a reminder that taking risks does pay off. The film is my way of thanking these two men for leaving an imprint on me and leading me down a path I would have never ventured before.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I love good stories…stories that move you…stories that force you to look inward and identify with the common man/woman. When I created my production company, Vincero Pictures, I wanted to be able to focus on characters that are ordinary on the surface, but with a deep emotional core that remind us that we are all special in our own unique way. I consider myself a re-born artist. The early challenges of a career in the arts in my 20’s and 30’s left me disillusioned and drove me to a corporate job that was financially fulfilling, but creatively comatose. However, after experiencing the loss of my father and uncle, I am most proud that even in middle age, I’ve been able to redefine myself and open up to a new set of possibilities. “Enjoy your life” my Uncle Louie would often say. And in his honor, I intend to spend the next phase of my life focusing on appreciating the little things more and challenging myself to try things I would’ve never imagined. I am most excited to see where DISCO BEATS takes me. It’s the result of my reawakening and I hope it touches people the way it touched me when I created it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would start with the Hollywood/Highland area first. There is so much history within a few blocks and visiting the entrance of the Grauman’s Chinese Theater is always a thrill. I’ll never tire of the image of my Uncle Louie staring down at the hands and footprints of Paul Newman and Sophia Loren when I first took him there.

My wife adores the beaches. A drive up and down Pacific Coast Highway with the windows down and “Hotel California” by the Eagles playing on the radio is a moment you’d never forget.

As for the food, Tito’s Taco’s in Culver City is a MUST stop. When we first moved to LA and drove by this place there was always a long line and we swore we’d never stand in line for a burrito or a taco…until we tried it. It’s a staple to our visits to the west side and we still fantasize what it would be like to live across the street from this place.

As for the nights, a show at The Pantages Theatre is a real treat. Looking up at the ceiling and interiors of this place will take you back to old Hollywood.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Of course, it all starts with my wife, Brenda. When I told her I wanted to direct my film she didn’t bat an eye. She was with me through the passing of my father and uncle and saw what I saw. She understood the profound effect on losing these two men had on me and is always a constant source of encouragement and love to me and without her none of this would be half as gratifying.

I also have a great producer, Stephanie Bell. I vividly recall the moment I wanted her to produce anything I ever worked on: We were filming a pilot that I created/wrote, and one day I couldn’t locate her. I asked around-nobody knew. After a few minutes of searching, I came upon this graceful and proud woman-a producer, mind you-inside the back of a truck helping unload equipment in the middle of the summer in Palm Springs in 100 plus degree weather. I can’t imagine most producers would do as Stephanie did, but she did what needed to be done. Any producer who’s willing to roll up their sleeves-no matter the task-in order to get the job done is a producer I want in my corner. I cannot thank her enough for believing in me and for her constant positive attitude.

Website: kenarquelio.com and vinceropictures.com

Instagram: @kenarquelio and @discobeatsmovie

Image Credits
Dlugolecki Photos

JJ Espino