The Las Vegas Abductions - The Movie

Michael Ricks - Director

Born on Halloween night in the Bermuda Triangle on the Island of Bermuda, Michael Ricks has always been drawn to the supernatural. "I thought all kids could move objects with their minds," he jokingly says. From early childhood Michael has had an artistic flair and a desire to create. From drawing cartoons, to filming Super 8 movies, he has had a burning desire to tell stories through the medium of motion pictures.

At the age of 19, Michael moved to Valencia California with the intent to enroll at Cal Arts to become a Disney Animator. But after a lengthy discussion with a veteran animator, it became apparent that being a cog in the wheel of the Disney animation factory wasn't as exciting as it seemed. His path lay elsewhere.

Some years went by, but again he was drawn to making movies. He wrote, produced, shot, directed and edited a full length sci-fi horror film. Michael refers to it as his student film, as he learned so much from the process and about the grueling effort it takes to pull off a feature film - especially an ultra low budget one. The film went on to be sold in some small foreign territories, but overall was not a money maker. It was one thing to make a movie and quite another to get it successfully distributed. Michael vowed at that time that someday he would re-enter the movie making business, but would no longer be hampered by inferior equipment that compromised the look of the film (it was shot on Super 8 film). So he took an about face and focused on a completely different business for the next 10 years marketing DIRECTV Satellite Systems nationwide.

It was at the winding down stage of the satellite business that Michael decided to get back into movies. He invested a hefty sum and purchased the best HD Camera available at the time, along with all the editing equipment necessary to complete full length motion pictures...literally a small motion picture studio. Armed with the tools to compete visually at the highest level, Sunstone Pictures is teaming up with other like minded talented film makers on a quest to prove that quality movies can be produced on a micro budget, and that talent rules all! mike@sunstonepictures.com

Phil Valentine - Lead Actor (Dr William Randall aka Bill)

Phil Valentine has been in the entertainment business for over thirty years, beginning as an actor in 1976. He has performed in movies, plays, commercials, stunt shows and children’s shows worldwide. He became a producer and director when he co-wrote, produced and directed “The Riddle,” a successful murder mystery dinner theater show, which has been performed in New York, Boston, Houston, Dallas and Las Vegas and is still running after nineteen years!

From there Phil began writing and directing shows around the world for companies like Walt Disney, Universal Studios, FOX, New Line Cinema, Six Flags and many others. After writing the very successful Fox Family Channel Original movie, “Ice Angel” he was hired to produce the independent film “Siren” which led him to write and direct the independent sitcom pilot “Gags.”

Phil became a performance coach teaching not only actors but salesmen, lawyers and other business executives how to become better presenters in a seminar based on his original book, “Why Can’t You Tickle Yourself?” His book and seminar are believed by some to be one of the most intensive and original techniques on performing today.

Michele Hailey - Lead Actress (Cindy Bennett)

Beverly Lynne - Lead Actress (Kim Sloan)

Tim Delaney - Lead Actor (Tom Bosworth)

Tim Delaney began acting in 1989. He had early success performing on stage as well as commercial work. He continued to study in Portland (at the Portland Actors Conservatory) and later found moderate success in films. Tim has been fortunate to work with some excellent actors including: George Clooney, James Avery, John Karlan, and Andre Braugher (Without Warning: Terror in the Towers, 1993), Wendy Malik (Take My Advice: The Ann & Abby Story, 1999), and Karla Mason (Unremembered, 2005). Tim’s first love is theatre and he hopes to be able to get back on stage sometime soon.

Ryan Silverman - Lead Actor (Lucas)

Mr. Silverman hails from Sherwood Park, Alberta. Currently performing the role Of Raoul in Phantom in Las Vegas. Ryan just finished performing the lead role of Jose in the world premier of the new musical Carmen at the La Jolla Playhouse. Directed by Franco Dragone. New York: Pirates of Penzance (Pirate King u/s ) NY City Opera, Most Happy Fella (Al) NY City Opera. National Tour: Wicked (Fiero u/s), Mamma Mia (Sky). International Tour:West Side Story (Tony) Regional: West Side Story (Tony), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Jimmy), Cinderella (Prince), Grease (Danny). Hello Dolly (Cornelius), Forever Plaid (Smudge), Sweeney Todd (Anthony), Blood Brothers (Eddie Lyons), Assassins (John Wilkes Booth).

Jillian Pizzuto - Supporting Actress (Jennifer Jones)

Jillian Pizzuto is a New Jersey native who relocated to Las Vegas to pursue her career in entertainment. Jillian has been acting on stage for the past 13 years in New Jersey, San Diego, and Las Vegas. Currently Jillian performs in three different shows here in Las Vegas- Soprano's Last Supper, Joey & Maria's Comedy Italian Wedding, and Hypnosis Unleashed. Being a seasoned stage actress, Jillian has now focused her attention on film. The Las Vegas Abductions is her first film role. She hopes the experience and amazing opportunity will lead to future films.

Bianca Paris - Featured Actress (Exoctic Dancer)

Veronica Lopez
Bilingual Singer/Songwriter/Actress

Latin recording artist, Veronica Lopez, is affectionately called “Chaparita” for her diminutive stature, charismatic personality and colossal voice. Since the age of 7, when Lopez began singing Mariachi style music at her family’s restaurant in the San Fernando Valley, CA she has performed around the world at cultural events, fairs, festivals, rallies, corporate functions and private parties. Lopez’s extensive range, style and passion for her craft have been compared to that of popular vocalist Edie Gorme and the late Tejano singing sensation, Selena. Her ability to touch the hearts of both English and Spanish speaking fans has drawn attention to Lopez as a talented cross-over singer/songwriter in both markets. In fact, a recent article written about her life and work was entitled, “A Full Heart.” By 1999 Lopez had moved to Las Vegas, NV where she teamed up with Joel Osborne, nephew of the great Jeffrey Osborne for a project involving compositions in the R & B genre, leading to her recognition as a multi-faceted performer.

In 2003, Lopez’s release of her first CD of primarily original music, “Corazon de Oro” in the style of traditional Spanish music, complete with live accordion, brought this dynamic singer her first success with a promotional tour of the Southwest United States as well as appearances on TV Azteca, TeveAmerica, Univision, Telemundo and other television stations in the United States and Mexico, plus airplay on well over 100 radio stations in the United States and Mexico, Italy, Canada, Australia and Asia.

By 2004, Lopez was touring, as well as writing and recording for her independent release of second CD later that same year, “Chisme” (translated “Gossip”). This CD has been described as diverse with a sensational mix of Spanish cover music and original tunes, including Mexican Cumbias (dance music), Nortena, Rancheras, Banda, Baladas, and Mariachi. The title song of the same name is a departure from Lopez’s traditional music, and instead is her own unique combination of regional Mexican and Reggaeton, which she terms Regge-Tex. By early 2005, the title cut “Chisme” had received airplay on well over 100 radio stations worldwide, and it is currently available for download on over 50 websites. Original song “Chaparito Peligroso” from this CD was included on independent film “The Last Musketeer” by Director Art Zapata in 2006.

Lopez’s signature song, “Mujeres Sexys,” also on the “Chisme” CD, encourages women of all shapes and sizes to be proud of their own unique beauty. Since its international release, this song has struck a chord with women of diverse cultures and nationalities.

The most widely requested song during Lopez’s live performances, also on the “Chisme” CD is “Gloria de America” (translated “America’s Glory”). Performed for national audiences, even prior to its CD release, this song is recognized as the “Immigrant’s Anthem.” Written as a tribute to her father, Lopez pays homage to immigrants of all nationalities who come to America, struggle but maintain hope and determination, and ultimately pave the way for their children and grandchildren to pursue their dreams. Lopez’s performance of this ballad received wide acclaim before thousands at the Immigrant Workers Freedom Ride in Washington, D.C. and most recently during an immigrant rally for an audience of over 500,000 in Los Angeles, CA.

In 2007, Veronica added an Inspirational music to her repertoire of singing, songwriting, and acting. Her appearances, which typically consist of Veronica singing her original songs, accompanied by live music and a multi-media presentation, have become popular. During her engagements with civic organizations, in addition to her musical presentation, Veronica uses music, heartfelt stories, images captured on video, and her own personal experiences to explore family, women’s roles, and a variety of other issues that cross the boundaries of gender. Veronica’s slogan for this Tour is “changing the world, one song at a time.”

To coincide with this Tour, Veronica has combined her musical talent with inspirational and spiritual thoughts to create songs for a new CD, set for release later this year. “Reflections,” in the adult contemporary genre, is set to be a compilation of original songs designed to both awaken consciousness and heal hearts. “Take Me Away,” featured on the Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund CD is receiving airplay nationwide and on the worldwide web. “Just Imagine,“ now an award winning piece, voted “Best Christian song of the year” by Toronto Magazine, with its own music video, is meant to raise awareness about the plights of homeless. Her newest release, “Toxic Fashion” explores teen social issues in relation to the media, specifically those related to the self-image of teenage girls.

Veronica is also highly regarded for performing “The National Anthem” for cultural, community and sporting events nationwide. Lopez has also appeared on multiple TV commercials locally and nationally, pilots for sitcoms and reality shows. Her ability to touch the hearts of both English and Spanish speaking fans has drawn attention to her talent as a crossover singer/songwriter/actress in both markets.