X Japan - "Born to be Free"

This was a video I worked on back in July and wasn't sure what had come of it, but recently found this video with some behind-the-scenes. Here are some snippets from the scout and shoot day:

Not only was it an amazing chance to work with rocker and international star Yoshiki, but I also got to meet comics legend and personal hero of mine, Stan Lee! He had a cameo playing the part of the Devil in the video.

He recently attached his name to a fun event which I've been attending, now dubbed "Stan Lee's Comikaze Expo" in L.A. As an exhibitor in Artist Alley last year, I didn't get too many chances to see his talks or appearances, but did enjoy a terrific time there.

Afterwards, I sent him some of my comics (a medium I came to appreciate through many of his Marvel creations) and was astonished to receive a letter in return. Truly, I was humbled and honored that "The Man" would personally take the time to connect with a fan.

(Now framed for posterity)

Select storyboards:

Deadmau5 - "Professional Griefers" storyboards

Most young folks with a bassdrum heartbeat know deadmau5-- This was a rare opportunity to do a music video for the electronic music sensation.
Featuring Gerard Way of "My Chemical Romance" (though comicbook fans might doubly appreciate him for "Umbrella Academy"), this high-octane music video was a treat to see come to life.
Drawing out a Thunderdome-like structure with thousands of fans and a giant robot battle is much easier to sketch out than actually build and make it happen. Great to see all these moving parts come together to smashing effect. A monumental task with great direction provided by directors Paul Boyd and Jeff Ranasinghe.

[EDIT: Found this neat behind-the-scenes clip which has a glimpse of the boards at 2:58~]

Directors: Paul Boyd, Jeff Ranasinghe

Production: Weapons of Mass Entertainment

Video Producer: Mary Ann Tanedo

Visual EFX: Method Studios

Bud Light - Port Paradise "How it Went Down"

Bud Light Port Paradise "How It Went Down" from Canvas Casting on Vimeo.

Director Nima Nourizadeh (who previous did a stellar Adidas/ Star Wars Cantina ad) put together this commercial featuring all manner of crazy party shenanigans. Scouting locations and casting took us to many a picturesque and lavish places in the LA area. These frames were kept pretty loose in keeping with the party vibe (but also to accommodate the quantity/timeframe and drawing while in the location scouting van ;)

Director: Nima Nourizadeh 

Production: Partizan