Mike Patterson, B.F.A., DGA

Visiting Associate Professor

213.821.4396
patte1@usc.edu
LPB 200

Mike Patterson is an animator and director of commercials, music videos and short films. He began his career in 1985 by animating the epic MTV hit, Take On Me for A-Ha. Teamed up with his wife Candace Reckinger, they directed a string of MTV hits that include, Suzanne Vega's Luka, Sting's Be Still My Beating Heart and Paula Abdul's Opposites Attract, which won the Grammy Award for Best Music Video.

As a director at Rhythm & Hues Studios for nearly ten years, he worked extensively with 2D animation, 3D animation and visual effects. He's directed award-winning spots for numerous clients, receiving Clio Awards for Intel and Reebok. A DGA veteran since 1993, he continues to direct and design commercials internationally.

Patterson studied animation with Jules Engel at CalArts where he produced his Student Academy Award winning animated film Commuter. In fall of 2006, Commuter was added into the Museum of Modern Art's permanent collection along with seven Patterson & Reckinger music video clips.

His current animation work combines digital illustration, live photography and visual effects. Collaborative visual music projects in development include cross platform audio-visual installations and performances.