Montana Artist Behind Billy Idol’s Powerful New Documentary

Living in Montana, you never know when you may rub elbows with someone famous. It could be as simple as sitting down for a beer in a bar and seeing someone famous having a beer, you just never know.

We have heard a lot about celebrities who spend some time in Montana. The list is a long one. Some of them are here working, while others have made Montana a second home.

Every once in a while, you get lucky enough to meet someone in Montana who’s incredibly talented and is a celebrity in a different kind of way. I had the pleasure of that happening a little while ago in Missoula.

I had the honor of meeting Josh Shaffner, an artist from Montana. His work is featured in the Billy Idol documentary, “Should Be Dead.” The film debuted last year at the Tribeca Film Festival and, according to Variety, will be released in theaters this year.

I spoke with Shaffner about the project. He worked as an “animator for hire” on the film and had a liaison who would pass ideas from the director and Billy Idol to Shaffner. His job was to try to piece together the story of Billy Idol using animation. Shaffner used hand-drawn digital animation, as well as pieces that are painted on paper, to “emulate the older style.”

Shaffner hasn’t had a chance to see the final project yet; he will be waiting like the rest of us to see it on the big screen when it’s released in theaters.

Other Musicians Shaffner Has Worked With

I asked Shaffner if he had worked with any other musicians. His work can be seen in the latest Jeff Buckley documentary, “It’s Never Over”. He worked closely with the director of that project for over two years. He has also worked with Harry Styles and Gotye. He also just wrapped the Netflix anime project called "Cyberpunk."

Josh Shaffner’s Path from Missoula to CalArts

Shaffner attended Sentinel High School and got his undergraduate degree at the University of Montana in Missoula. He went on to study at CalArts, which was founded by Walt Disney, and is where many animators get their training to animate for Disney and Pixar.

How Montana Influences His Art

Shaffner still spends most of the summers in Montana. I asked him how being from Montana has influenced his art. He said, “Montana is just so ingrained in me.. I think Montana is just something that is always going to inspire and influence me...Montana summers are the best place on earth.”

I am excited to see the upcoming Billy Idol documentary. Not just because I am a fan of his music, but now it’s even cooler that there’s a Montana connection to the film.