The Objective
Documenting Boyd Gaming's 50th Anniversary
When Cannonball Agency called, we knew this one was special. They needed our Production and Post Production expertise for a documentary celebrating the origins of Boyd Gaming and its legendary founder, Sam Boyd. The film unfolds in three chapters—Historical, Community, and Present & Future—with a heavy dose of Las Vegas nostalgia, taking us back to the city’s golden era of the 1970s.
The Historical section, making up a significant portion of the video, is packed with 90% archival photos and stock footage, capturing the evolution of Boyd Gaming. The challenge? Making sure the storytelling lived up to the richness of Sam Boyd’s journey. The result? A visually stunning, high-energy tribute to a true industry icon.
From Production to Post
The Production
Before camera’s even rolled we scouted key locations to ensure every shot had the right energy. From classic properties to iconic backdrops, we left no stone unturned in the search for visuals that would transport viewers through decades. Dustin Henderson took the reigns as Director conducting in-depth interviews, revealing the passion and impact behind Boyd’s gaming history.
We love shooting in Las Vegas. We love shooting for Boyd Gaming. Put them together, and you’ve got something special.
Under the leadership of Head of Production and Executive Producer Pete Halliday, our team set out to capture the heart of Sam Boyd’s legacy. That meant digging deep into the archives and hitting the streets of Vegas to find the perfect locations to bring the story to life.
The Edit
At the heart of the edit was Scott Conger. From the beginning, he knew this film needed to feel as legendary as Sam Boyd himself. After collaborating with creatives Tony McCue and Aric Jost at Cannonball, they landed on an approach that fused past and present:
- Subtle AI-powered animation to breathe life into archival photos
- Hand-drawn elements and duotone washes for a seamless, stylized blend
- Live-action footage with narration by Boyd Vice President, Corporate Communications, David Strow, and interviews from University of Nevada historians, Alan Feldman and Michael Green
Assistant Editors played a crucial role syncing interview audio to transcode and export for creatives to build a script. Their meticulous prep work ensured a smooth post-production workflow. To give the film its final polish, Ryan Stemple handled the color grading, ensuring every shot felt cohesive.
The goal? A dynamic, fast-paced edit that kept the energy high—not just in the Historical section, but throughout the entire piece.
The final product? A film that doesn’t just tell a story—it immerses you in it.
Motion Graphics
Bringing history to life is no small task, but Motion Graphics Artist Agustin Garamendy made it happen with a bold, innovative approach. He wanted the visuals to do more than just support the story—he wanted them to elevate it.
Agustin started with dusty old photos, layered in hand-drawn elements, duotone washes, and a combination of dynamic motion graphics and AI treatments to bring them to life. This approach allowed him to add vibrancy and movement while keeping the focus where it belongs—on Sam Boyd’s journey.
Every motion graphics choice was carefully choreographed to match the rhythm of the edit and the swinging, era-spanning soundtrack. The result? A dynamic, immersive visual experience that seamlessly blends past and present, pulling the audience deeper into the story.
Sound Design
A story this rich needed a soundtrack to match. Enter Sound Designer Justin Tapp. This wasn’t just scoring—it was sonic world-building.
- Live jazz piano in the opener? We had a pianist.
- A drummer for that authentic rhythm? You bet.
- Big-band sections? Justin went with horn loops—more expressive, more real.
But it didn’t stop there. To nail that vintage sound, every track was meticulously aged—tape emulation, distortion, and added noise all played a role in making every note feel like it had been pulled straight from the past.
Our favorite moment? Justin’s Hawaiian steel guitar track. Using a 1950s lap steel through a 1970 Fender Super Reverb, he got it 90% right. But something was missing. After some deep research, he cracked the code—classic Hawaiian tunings. A quick re-tune, and boom—magic.
It’s those unexpected, serendipitous moments that make sound design more than just a job—it makes it art.
Video Production
Director: Dustin Henderson
Executive Producer: Pete Halliday
Documentary Editing
Senior Editor: Scott Conger
Colorist: Ryan Stemple
Assistant Editors: Anna Laurentius & Ryan Archer
Motion Graphics
Artist: Agustin Garamendy
Sound Design
Composer: Justin Tapp