Arsenal FX, a special effects and finishing boutique catering to a diverse global client base that spans Advertising, Film, and Sports, has announced its official launch in Santa Monica, CA. Founder/Artist Mark Leiss embarks on the venture with the support of key staff Executive Producer Ashley Hydrick and Graphic Artist/Compositor Joseph Grosso. Arsenal FX has already worked with many prestigious clients, including Triple Double, Fox Sports, NFL, Chevrolet, Saab, Buick, Pontiac, Cadillac, Bumble Bee, and Walmart; the company also recently completed music videos for Jamie Foxx, Bow Wow and Nickelback.
Leiss is a graduate of the Grove School of Music, and a multi-talented artist with 20 years of experience in film, television, and music videos. He enjoyed a successful tenure at Jigsaw Editorial, before initiating work via Arsenal FX in October of last year. As an editor and visual effects artist, Leiss has lent his talents to many notable advertising projects, including Saab “Cycle”, Honda “Dog Show”, and BMW “Freeway,” work that garnered him an EMMY nomination for editing. An unconventional thinker, Leiss has never shied away from venturing beyond his traditional discipline, a trait which will surely be reflected in his new company’s development. “The ability to show art in the advertising medium has always fascinated me,” said Leiss, “and at the same time our ability to work across numerous platforms, from ads, to movies, and sports content, has allowed us to thrive even in difficult economic times.”

Hydrick brings to Arsenal FX a broad range of experience in commercial post production, and stated that her role at Arsenal FX all comes down to shared philosophies. “In launching Arsenal FX with Mark, I am lucky enough to be paired up with not only an extremely talented artist, but one of the nicest guys in town,” she said. “We agree that it’s extremely important to surround yourself with good people who are supportive. That energy extends to our entire staff, who feel that they have a voice and their contributions count, which in turn, enables the creative process to thrive without restriction.”

Prior to the launch of Arsenal FX, Hydrick was a staff producer at Beast Editorial. Visual effects have also figured prominently into her work history. As the lead scheduler at Digital Magic, Hydrick worked on commercials and TV programming such as “Star Trek” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”

Grosso, an accomplished Flame Artist, Compositor, and Graphic Artist, has years of experience in post production, much of it spent under the tutelage of Leiss, whom Grosso assisted at their previous roost, Jigsaw, from 2003 through 2008. During that time, he also had the opportunity to do some Flame work of his own, refining his skills and branching out as a freelance artist in his own right. “Arsenal FX is the perfect place for me to grow creatively, while working with great people,” said Grosso, whose credits include music video and commercial projects for Deadly Syndrome “Emily Paints”, The Submarines “Peace and Hate”, NFL Network “Bold Predictions – Eli” and “Bold Predictions – Dentist” (directed by Locksmith’s Benjamin (Tapas) Blank), and “Polygarol” and “Eau De Polygamie” for the HBO series Big Love. “Having an impact artistically is really gratifying, and what I love most about this business,” he said.

Arsenal FX has also formed an association with graphics company Carosall, featuring artists Ryan Gibson, Lauren Mayer-Beug, and Nathan Boldman, whose work includes the opening of “24” and projects for Fox Sports and Comcast. “Having Carosall under the same roof as Arsenal FX allows us to offer additional value to clients while maintaining our standard of excellence and service,” Leiss said.