Much like many of the other commenters here, it's scary how mirrored our lives are. I'm about ten years into a freelance career with one single genre of video to show for it, but I want to do so, so much more. Thanks for this much needed boost :)
I always worry that people will think I'm all over the place because I can do A LOT! From music to photography to VFX. Now I'm working on a videogame and it's yet another thing that makes me seem like a headless chicken running all over the place. There's nothing I love more than discovery - and I'll continue to be me. The world can go do itself.
David, I swear I am living in a simulation. I just entered my first creative job at my place of work (I’m a multimedia producer at a news station) so I shoot and edit commercials. It’s not fun. I’m not the one writing or coming up with ideas, and when I do pitch ideas, I’m always told no because it “won’t work” or because it’s too ambitious. Glad to know that you went through the same thing as me. I’ve been wanting to make things by myself again, but finding the time is difficult. Thanks for giving me more confidence from this video!!
At least u got the creative job dude, i got my degree on multimedia production 2 years ago and stuck in an office job forgeting what once motivated me.
its real simulations isn't it? I got a proposal at different job TODAY when I put this video on pause (as a theatre Lighting Technician) but I always wanted to make movies. Done TH-cam videos in 2011-2013, worked in television system integration as a project and service engineer for 9 years and still didn't shot any shorts films =( But a month ago I even invested huge ton of money on a new laptop so I can use DaVinci Resolve finally... I would not turn down the job but will think how to start my own way. The problem is that im in a bad situation, moved to another country, don't know their language (started to learn it but its incredibly difficult, even alphabet is different and no letter look the same) and I would not return to my old country and anyway there is place no for me in my old country. And still there is no place in a new country either. Got no savings and live from salary to salary. But this video was right on time, who would have thought
Update: So after being in this job for more than a year at this point, I can say things have gotten better. I managed to get some more creative projects in at the end of last year through my job; I did one that was sort of a homage to Max Headroom. But then this year we began to do TikTok advertising, and my now former boss threw them my way because neither he nor my coworker knew how to compete on TikTok. They trusted me because I had gotten a couple mini-viral videos on TikTok and had a decent following on there too. I’ve been coming up with the ideas, shooting, editing, acting, directing and so much more for the videos. These began to get our station, as well as myself, a lot of attention from clients and other advertisers. Though my boss eventually hated I was getting so much attention and began to micromanage me at every corner. I was getting fed up with him and was close to leaving, but the universe had other plans; my boss began to slow everything down as a result and eventually he was laid off [as well as others] during a corporate restructure. So it went from not being too thrilled in my new job, to now being the go to guy in my area for creative TV & Social media ads. I always come back this video when things get a little tough. Thanks for Sharing your story David and thank you for continuing to be such a big influence on me!
Dude, your story is too relatable. Like 90% of the beats; learning animation from TV, highs and lows, range of skills, a project that used sounds for music, wondering why the fuck schools didn't teach maths this way, charging far too little and thinking your work sucks. Thank you for sharing!
SO so so thankful for this video David. I'm one of those who saw your "Vad tyst det blev" back in the day, qouting it among friends, and I have been a fan/follower since then. You spending time on these videos on your channel is one of the things that make you a gem among filmmakers.
I wish to have what you and lotta have one day. It's really cool to hear you were an animator. I used to work in animation as a 3D editor, but switched over to a VFX Editor because I loved it more. Again, I'm really glad to see someone like me getting recognition.
It's always super assuring to watch these videos and learn about the experience of a Director with similar interests to my own. I have ADHD and find it extremely difficult to stay focused on business. I'm quite introverted myself, and don't enjoy the monotony of chasing investors. But it is how it is, and avoiding it is the worst thing an aspiring filmmaker can do. A combination of both creativity, and productivity will prove dividends in the industry I'm sure.
Great inspirational video David. I’ve been making shorts on my TH-cam channel for years. With over 60 of them. Some gone viral but still not been discovered to your level yet. Just have to keep going.
Oddly enough ... I've seen worse films than your kids films on Tubi recently. LOL I do some 2d animation in HitFilm Pro and now in Davinci and it's fun.
Hi David. I'm a nearly 60-year-old still-hopeful filmmaker who has mirrored your youth in filmmaking. I've made many short films on Super 8 and even made one of the first Star Wars fan films and have continued making short films to this day. It's been a long road and to be honest, after all this time, I've begun to lose hope. But with every video I've seen of yours, especially this one, I gain hope. I just want to say thank you for your willingness to share your experience. Wishing you success seems like I'm late to the party, but you deserve it. Take care!
Is this the Universe speaking to me? I was just going through all of this issues being a freelance animator and talking to friends about this and suddenly this shows up on my timeline? You are heaven sent. Thank you so very much.
Thank you so much for your generosity in sharing these videos. I'm an Animator with Directorial ambitions myself. You make this stuff seem so attainable with hard work and dedication.
Dude. This is exactly what I needed to hear right now. If you ever find yourself in Mexico City, it would be an honor to interview you. Thank you for sharing your experiences and your valuable advice. I have followed your work since "Lights Out" (TH-cam version) and you are an example to follow in different aspects. Greetings!
David you have been a great inspiration to me in the process of goong script to screen. I literally take notes when watching your videos and apply it to my process. Even the times that I want to quit, you are the light, well the darkness (because I write social conscious horror) that helps me through the tunnel. Instead of waiting on someone to give me something that resembles a break, I have learned to do it all myself. From script writing to learning aboit lighting, ISOs, Aperture to even casting actors for the first film I am working on. Your videos are like gravity. Seriously. They are down-to-earth and have kept me centered. Even wanted to sell my camera and gear. Thank you sincerely. This is a product of your inspiration that I have been working on. th-cam.com/video/xHOcC4g3l7U/w-d-xo.htmlsi=6demuBqF5VH5b_ca
David, this video is so incredibly relevant to me. I'm a freelance VFX artist, who only ever got to this point because I felt like VFX was my most marketable skill. Lately I've been thinking a lot about the kinds of shorts I make for TH-cam, and how they don't exactly coincide with what I want to make long term. This is exactly the kind if advice I want to hear right now. Thanks.
Åh jag minns när du postade cam closer och blev så förvånad att du/ni lyckats så bra att hoppa från att skapa tecknad humor till att skapa så bra skräck. Sedan när internet ballade ur över lights out tänkte jag "vänta, är det inte den där videon Ponysmasher postade?" Och nog var det den! Att ha kunnat följa din karriär via kanalen är så kul. Jag har inte ens kollat på alla dina filmer, utan mest kollat här. Jag ska se till att följa ditt råd att bara skapa det jag vill.
Well shit. I didn't think I'd ever hear anyone talk about Moho since I was obsessed with it in the early 2000s...And I'm also a director (just shorts so far). Small world!
David, some big star of the future is gonna sight one of these videos as their inspiration for achieving success. By the way, I rather like your animation style. The movement, comedic timing, and their immediately recognizable as your work.
Fruitowash made so uncomfortable... I love it! haha. I'd love to see a live action version of "It's All Quiet Now" by the way. Also, if it's as easy as approaching somebody in Hollywood thinking it doesn't work that way, does it work this way on TH-cam to ask you to give me a shot 😉😅
We have such a similar story! Minus the success(yet!) haha. I went from making funny videos, to animating, to 3D animation, to games, back to writing and film. I have an important question I hope you can answer. I have a short film I’ve been working on for months and it’ll be ready to submit to festivals in a few weeks. Would you recommended submitting to the remaining festivals in this year and then the others next year, or just submit to all I can starting next year? Thanks, I love your channel and work!
excellante... I honestly didn't like your last movie at all but love your journey and the videos and information you share for fellow film makers. Thanks a lot and get back to doing what you love... All the best :)
So strange to be so invested in David's life, considering I only watched first Shazam and not being some kind of huge fan of anything of David's, no offense. Just a man, whose life I for some reason know very much of.
I still have the letter from the mailinglist for "It´s so Quiet - The Movie" when you where collecting "people" so that you could show production companys that there where interest for it, it´s the first letter in my inbox and it´s kind of a reminder that i should persue my own moviedreams and it´s extra special since you became a director in Hollywood. And i think you should listen to yourself about what you said in the end about making your own movie in your own voice, i understand if you want to strike while the iron is hot in Hollywood but it would be more interesting seeing what you would do with more freedom and doing something that came from you and Lotta, ax to limpa as we say here in Sweden :) Seeing you do a movie here in Sweden would also be awesome, as you may know we really need more talented filmmakers and not just another David Hellenius romantic-comedy. I have an idea that i think would suit your style, a humorous horror with a bit of gore about a Black Metal band. I would also love to see a Sci-Fi from you and Lotta as i´ve read somewhere that you want to do one, if i remember correct you wanted to do your version of Event Horizon? Looking forward to whatever you do next, all the best/Oscar Z
Wow! Jag minns dina animerade filmer från tonåren, vi visade filmerna för varandra i plugget och garvade tillsammans varje rast. 😅 En sann inspiration 🙌 Kul att det gått så bra! Kämpa på 👍
Thank you so much for this film David. It found me at the perfect time. I just left one work which was my "meantime" to find another "meantime" work in the biggest city in Poland. I have second thoughts about this second workplace because it's just putting data on the website and my goal is to write scripts. Once again - thank you.
Thanks for the video! It was really informative. If you haven't already, can you make a video talking about getting your first directing job? I know you made the indie ones like lights out, but for the big films you directed, did you have to apply to a job posting, or did they reach out to you? I want to know in detail how that process works. Thanks!
Every film I’ve made so far has been with New Line (including Lights Out, so it wasn’t an indie) and they’ve offered them to me. After Lights Out they asked if I wanted to do Annabelle Creation and then they asked about Shazam which then automatically lead to Shazam 2. I’ve been very lucky in that I haven’t had to fight to get to direct these films. So I guess my advice would be to not be an asshole or troublemaker to make sure you keep getting offers 🙂
22:00 I love this story that your pitch meeting gave you the idea if I want to do X I need to do X. X being horror for you and X for me = action/comedy.
Man I really needed to hear this today. I've been freelancing writing about film for a couple of years now, and I do enjoy it but I don't like all the hustle side either. I recently finished writing a script that grew out of a lot of tragedy that happened to my family and it was very liberating. I don't know if it'll ever get made but it was something I needed to do.
"That can happen later when you're directing Marvel movies." The irony, coming from a DC director 😄 Loved this, David! Another reason to never give up and to already start creating what we're really passionate about! Proof of concepts can be quite powerful. Always better to be able to show something tangible rather than just words. All the best to you both and looking forward to more videos and films of yours. Greetings from London
Your videos are amazing. They inspire me to try to be a director and an actor with the stuff my house even though I’m still a kid your shorts and horror movies are great.
With every video you make here, I am more and more convinced you are speaking to me directly. At least on a metaphorical level. Your willingness to show the shiny as well as the banged up parts of your career history make your "human-ness" like a super power. I truly enjoy every one of these videos, and always drop everything when a new one appears. Thank you for literally years worth of humor, inspiration and exploration of your creative life.
Loved this video. I think it's awesome you've gone on to make big Hollywood movies but still put out well produced/informative content on your OG TH-cam channel. Also inspiring that these shorts were your way in.
Thanks for that pick me up bro. I have been really doubting my capabilities as a filmmaker with any creative worth. I have written several scripts and just never had the guts to revisit them and create. Watching the world evolve around you whilst you stand still is no fun. I would love to share with you my script Dark Pages sometime. Best regards GR LOPEZ
I've been stuck in the "meantime" for decades now. Me and my wife recently shot our own ultra-low-budget thriller Me and My Shadow, and now we're trying to figure out what to do with it...I seem to hate all the same parts you do (talking to anyone in a suit, basically). I've been editing TV news to keep the lights on for years, but all it is really is a series of stories about who shot whom that day, and it gets REALLY depressing. Making films about made-up people killing each other, now that's different. That can be a blast.
great video! could you make another video about coming up with ideas pls? i already watched the first 1. the problem is i want to make short films but i am stuck, cant come up with any and if than it already exist
Man, I'm not even finishing the video and I just got to say that I love these wonderful insights. I leave your videos with a more comprehensive view of the creative process and the field
My best friend and I regularly use the phrase "...så det bara smäller om det" for emphasis, and the other will always follow up (the way best friends do) with "Du ser att det står pang där". Thanks David!
I'm a musician and I'm currenty working in a weird dark new album, I'm so glad I've found this video because it really makes me feel more optimistic through all the process. You're such an inspiration for myself, thank you so much for sharing your advices and knowledge 🖤
This was incredible, David. Seeing your skills develop and your work ethic over the years is inspiring, and your sense of humor is great lol in hindsight it seems inevitable you’d make it to tell big stories
Great video and great message! I’m reaching 33 and after 7-8 years of being a vfx artist I’m finally moving forward to making movies again to do what I really want to do. Your messages on being a creative person always helps me!
My favourite part of this video was "We decided to make a horror movie, but then we decided it was too cold and went home"... F*ing hilarious, cracked up at that part.
Thanks for the inspiration, David! I’ve been overthinking my next steps with filmmaking for years without taking action. I definitely needed those last two minutes.
You’ve been inspired me since i first watched your Lights Out on TH-cam sir. It’s made my career till today as a producer in Nam. And it’s a great to see you and hear your voices once again. Wish you all the best and success !!! Keep up the engaging contents ! You’re true talents !!!
Wow, seeing all these animations is really giving me a throwback down memory lane. Remember all of these videos circulating in my Swedish school. Can’t believe it was actually you who did them! Amazing to hear the story behind it. Have basically been following you since the early days without knowing it haha. Thanks for all the amazing content and insightful behind the scenes! Excited to see what’s next for you
Actually i wanted to go jogging before work but completly stuck here! What a brilliant and thoughtful essay about life decisions of a Creative Person! I found a lot of parallels to my own life, so thanks for that 😊
As a boy who was bitten by the film bug after watching Spielberg and grew up drawing, watching cartoons, this was SO relatable. It's surprising to see that you were a really good Cartoonist who then transitioned into directing features. I just made the jump last year and published my first animated shortfilm and another small one. And I was clueless about how this all pan out to my goal of making a feature one day (like the ones I enjoyed watching as a kid) Your jounrey gives me a heck ton hope. Kudos to you for sharing all this. Not many do 🙌🙌🙌
I love you man, i know Shazam 2 wasn't as well received, but I still love the first movie and enjoyed Shazam 2. I hope Gunn's fat ego can fit you into his schedule Love you man
Hello David, I love your work and your insights into films and cinema. Your explanations really help me understand how things work in Hollywood. It would be fantastic if you could start a podcast with directors and producers like James Wan and others. Given your background in creating great short films on a low budget, you know exactly what questions to ask. This would be incredibly valuable for fans and aspiring filmmakers like me. Thank you!🙏
Your videos are always so inspiring. It's so interesting that you also started doing freelance animation for clients. How stressful that kind of work is, especially if you have to also search for the clients. Your animations are very funny, compared to the norm for that kind of "made for client animation". Also now I feel like I need soap for my (apparently gross) vegetables and fruit.
This video was simply amazing! So much respect to you and Lotta. Keep doing what you do because we love your mind and your craft. Thank you so much for giving us an insight into your professional life.
I can see myself on this video. And the funny thing is: I'm working on my animated series doing drawings, sound, screenplay, voices, animation, all of this while working on my filmmaking stuff to eventually break into Hollywood. Thank you for the inspiration.
Classic problem you had, that I often faced in my three decades of making TV programming: the people that give the approvals, have no vision or ability to imagine or extrapolate; you have to show them the thing, -before- they can grasp it, but you have nothing to show, until they approve it... even things like storyboards and animatics weren't always enough to get those slug-brains to comprehend the concepts... So many times, I had to just go ahead and do the thing without the permission first, in order to get to a point where i was able to show them something they could understand, in order to get that approval... it was always a risk, doing a lot of work that could end up wasted.
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thanks for sharing. love everything about this story and the message at the end hits deep. Ideas a cheap, it's about finishing and it's about craft.
Much like many of the other commenters here, it's scary how mirrored our lives are. I'm about ten years into a freelance career with one single genre of video to show for it, but I want to do so, so much more. Thanks for this much needed boost :)
I always worry that people will think I'm all over the place because I can do A LOT! From music to photography to VFX. Now I'm working on a videogame and it's yet another thing that makes me seem like a headless chicken running all over the place. There's nothing I love more than discovery - and I'll continue to be me. The world can go do itself.
You’re either a genius or not very good in any of these topics
Thank you for that. Hollywood destroys but you're still you. Respect
David, I swear I am living in a simulation. I just entered my first creative job at my place of work (I’m a multimedia producer at a news station) so I shoot and edit commercials.
It’s not fun. I’m not the one writing or coming up with ideas, and when I do pitch ideas, I’m always told no because it “won’t work” or because it’s too ambitious.
Glad to know that you went through the same thing as me. I’ve been wanting to make things by myself again, but finding the time is difficult. Thanks for giving me more confidence from this video!!
At least u got the creative job dude, i got my degree on multimedia production 2 years ago and stuck in an office job forgeting what once motivated me.
its real simulations isn't it? I got a proposal at different job TODAY when I put this video on pause (as a theatre Lighting Technician) but I always wanted to make movies. Done TH-cam videos in 2011-2013, worked in television system integration as a project and service engineer for 9 years and still didn't shot any shorts films =(
But a month ago I even invested huge ton of money on a new laptop so I can use DaVinci Resolve finally...
I would not turn down the job but will think how to start my own way. The problem is that im in a bad situation, moved to another country, don't know their language (started to learn it but its incredibly difficult, even alphabet is different and no letter look the same) and I would not return to my old country and anyway there is place no for me in my old country. And still there is no place in a new country either. Got no savings and live from salary to salary.
But this video was right on time, who would have thought
Update: So after being in this job for more than a year at this point, I can say things have gotten better. I managed to get some more creative projects in at the end of last year through my job; I did one that was sort of a homage to Max Headroom.
But then this year we began to do TikTok advertising, and my now former boss threw them my way because neither he nor my coworker knew how to compete on TikTok. They trusted me because I had gotten a couple mini-viral videos on TikTok and had a decent following on there too.
I’ve been coming up with the ideas, shooting, editing, acting, directing and so much more for the videos. These began to get our station, as well as myself, a lot of attention from clients and other advertisers. Though my boss eventually hated I was getting so much attention and began to micromanage me at every corner. I was getting fed up with him and was close to leaving, but the universe had other plans; my boss began to slow everything down as a result and eventually he was laid off [as well as others] during a corporate restructure.
So it went from not being too thrilled in my new job, to now being the go to guy in my area for creative TV & Social media ads.
I always come back this video when things get a little tough. Thanks for Sharing your story David and thank you for continuing to be such a big influence on me!
Dude, your story is too relatable. Like 90% of the beats; learning animation from TV, highs and lows, range of skills, a project that used sounds for music, wondering why the fuck schools didn't teach maths this way, charging far too little and thinking your work sucks.
Thank you for sharing!
What a story ! I hope they make a Netflix documentary about you someday.
SO so so thankful for this video David. I'm one of those who saw your "Vad tyst det blev" back in the day, qouting it among friends, and I have been a fan/follower since then. You spending time on these videos on your channel is one of the things that make you a gem among filmmakers.
"It's very easy to get stuck in the 'meantime' stuff." Ouch. Made me realize that the last 16 years, for me, have been "meantime stuff".
I wish to have what you and lotta have one day. It's really cool to hear you were an animator. I used to work in animation as a 3D editor, but switched over to a VFX Editor because I loved it more. Again, I'm really glad to see someone like me getting recognition.
I make horror 👋🏻😂
It's always super assuring to watch these videos and learn about the experience of a Director with similar interests to my own. I have ADHD and find it extremely difficult to stay focused on business. I'm quite introverted myself, and don't enjoy the monotony of chasing investors. But it is how it is, and avoiding it is the worst thing an aspiring filmmaker can do. A combination of both creativity, and productivity will prove dividends in the industry I'm sure.
Great inspirational video David. I’ve been making shorts on my TH-cam channel for years. With over 60 of them. Some gone viral but still not been discovered to your level yet. Just have to keep going.
Oddly enough ... I've seen worse films than your kids films on Tubi recently. LOL
I do some 2d animation in HitFilm Pro and now in Davinci and it's fun.
oh how i remember this cartoon! Fantastisk resa att följa!
Hi David. I'm a nearly 60-year-old still-hopeful filmmaker who has mirrored your youth in filmmaking. I've made many short films on Super 8 and even made one of the first Star Wars fan films and have continued making short films to this day. It's been a long road and to be honest, after all this time, I've begun to lose hope. But with every video I've seen of yours, especially this one, I gain hope. I just want to say thank you for your willingness to share your experience. Wishing you success seems like I'm late to the party, but you deserve it. Take care!
Is this the Universe speaking to me? I was just going through all of this issues being a freelance animator and talking to friends about this and suddenly this shows up on my timeline? You are heaven sent. Thank you so very much.
So relatable... if you omit all the ingenuity and success parts.
Thank you so much for your generosity in sharing these videos. I'm an Animator with Directorial ambitions myself. You make this stuff seem so attainable with hard work and dedication.
Dude. This is exactly what I needed to hear right now. If you ever find yourself in Mexico City, it would be an honor to interview you. Thank you for sharing your experiences and your valuable advice. I have followed your work since "Lights Out" (TH-cam version) and you are an example to follow in different aspects.
Greetings!
PS Puzzle bobble was awesome. Not as good as Pang but close.
Thankyou for staying with TH-cam.
David you have been a great inspiration to me in the process of goong script to screen.
I literally take notes when watching your videos and apply it to my process. Even the times that I want to quit, you are the light, well the darkness (because I write social conscious horror) that helps me through the tunnel.
Instead of waiting on someone to give me something that resembles a break, I have learned to do it all myself. From script writing to learning aboit lighting, ISOs, Aperture to even casting actors for the first film I am working on.
Your videos are like gravity. Seriously. They are down-to-earth and have kept me centered. Even wanted to sell my camera and gear.
Thank you sincerely.
This is a product of your inspiration that I have been working on.
th-cam.com/video/xHOcC4g3l7U/w-d-xo.htmlsi=6demuBqF5VH5b_ca
David, this video is so incredibly relevant to me. I'm a freelance VFX artist, who only ever got to this point because I felt like VFX was my most marketable skill. Lately I've been thinking a lot about the kinds of shorts I make for TH-cam, and how they don't exactly coincide with what I want to make long term. This is exactly the kind if advice I want to hear right now. Thanks.
David's words are so earnest and inspirational. It all sounds achieveable, except for getting several viral hits!
Another incredible video, thank you David for the entertainment as well as motivation!
Inspirational, love your work.
Why do you not post anymore??
It's so obvious, all the love you have for what you do.
Thank you for these videos they're super inspiring and motivating!
Åh jag minns när du postade cam closer och blev så förvånad att du/ni lyckats så bra att hoppa från att skapa tecknad humor till att skapa så bra skräck. Sedan när internet ballade ur över lights out tänkte jag "vänta, är det inte den där videon Ponysmasher postade?" Och nog var det den! Att ha kunnat följa din karriär via kanalen är så kul. Jag har inte ens kollat på alla dina filmer, utan mest kollat här. Jag ska se till att följa ditt råd att bara skapa det jag vill.
Well shit. I didn't think I'd ever hear anyone talk about Moho since I was obsessed with it in the early 2000s...And I'm also a director (just shorts so far). Small world!
David, some big star of the future is gonna sight one of these videos as their inspiration for achieving success. By the way, I rather like your animation style. The movement, comedic timing, and their immediately recognizable as your work.
Fruitowash made so uncomfortable... I love it! haha. I'd love to see a live action version of "It's All Quiet Now" by the way. Also, if it's as easy as approaching somebody in Hollywood thinking it doesn't work that way, does it work this way on TH-cam to ask you to give me a shot 😉😅
We have such a similar story! Minus the success(yet!) haha. I went from making funny videos, to animating, to 3D animation, to games, back to writing and film. I have an important question I hope you can answer. I have a short film I’ve been working on for months and it’ll be ready to submit to festivals in a few weeks. Would you recommended submitting to the remaining festivals in this year and then the others next year, or just submit to all I can starting next year? Thanks, I love your channel and work!
excellante... I honestly didn't like your last movie at all but love your journey and the videos and information you share for fellow film makers. Thanks a lot and get back to doing what you love... All the best :)
So strange to be so invested in David's life, considering I only watched first Shazam and not being some kind of huge fan of anything of David's, no offense. Just a man, whose life I for some reason know very much of.
I still have the letter from the mailinglist for "It´s so Quiet - The Movie" when you where collecting "people" so that you could show production companys that there where interest for it, it´s the first letter in my inbox and it´s kind of a reminder that i should persue my own moviedreams and it´s extra special since you became a director in Hollywood.
And i think you should listen to yourself about what you said in the end about making your own movie in your own voice, i understand if you want to strike while the iron is hot in Hollywood but it would be more interesting seeing what you would do with more freedom and doing something that came from you and Lotta, ax to limpa as we say here in Sweden :)
Seeing you do a movie here in Sweden would also be awesome, as you may know we really need more talented filmmakers and not just another David Hellenius romantic-comedy.
I have an idea that i think would suit your style, a humorous horror with a bit of gore about a Black Metal band.
I would also love to see a Sci-Fi from you and Lotta as i´ve read somewhere that you want to do one, if i remember correct you wanted to do your version of Event Horizon?
Looking forward to whatever you do next, all the best/Oscar Z
Wow! Jag minns dina animerade filmer från tonåren, vi visade filmerna för varandra i plugget och garvade tillsammans varje rast. 😅 En sann inspiration 🙌 Kul att det gått så bra! Kämpa på 👍
please post more videos, I know you are ridiculously busy but please xD
My man was meant for adult swim and got picked up by Disney copycats.
Thank you so much for this film David. It found me at the perfect time. I just left one work which was my "meantime" to find another "meantime" work in the biggest city in Poland. I have second thoughts about this second workplace because it's just putting data on the website and my goal is to write scripts. Once again - thank you.
Thanks for the video! It was really informative. If you haven't already, can you make a video talking about getting your first directing job? I know you made the indie ones like lights out, but for the big films you directed, did you have to apply to a job posting, or did they reach out to you? I want to know in detail how that process works. Thanks!
Every film I’ve made so far has been with New Line (including Lights Out, so it wasn’t an indie) and they’ve offered them to me. After Lights Out they asked if I wanted to do Annabelle Creation and then they asked about Shazam which then automatically lead to Shazam 2. I’ve been very lucky in that I haven’t had to fight to get to direct these films. So I guess my advice would be to not be an asshole or troublemaker to make sure you keep getting offers 🙂
@@ponysmasher Awesome! Thanks for your answer! :)
I didn't skip a second. Really golden words. Thank you!
22:00 I love this story that your pitch meeting gave you the idea if I want to do X I need to do X. X being horror for you and X for me = action/comedy.
It's always fascinating to see the grind behind and this was no exception. Thanks for putting it out there.
David, you´re just the best! Thank you for your channel!
Man I really needed to hear this today. I've been freelancing writing about film for a couple of years now, and I do enjoy it but I don't like all the hustle side either.
I recently finished writing a script that grew out of a lot of tragedy that happened to my family and it was very liberating.
I don't know if it'll ever get made but it was something I needed to do.
Are you going to eventually release your Shazam 2 problem solving video?
Maybe.
I do hope so because I always love hearing you talk about the making of your films.
Great video and so relevant to young aspiring filmmakers.
"That can happen later when you're directing Marvel movies." The irony, coming from a DC director 😄 Loved this, David! Another reason to never give up and to already start creating what we're really passionate about! Proof of concepts can be quite powerful. Always better to be able to show something tangible rather than just words. All the best to you both and looking forward to more videos and films of yours. Greetings from London
I love how the blood fell conveniently directly on the paper plate 😂😂😂❤
Thank you for sharing your story, from another filmmaker in Sweden, you truly inspire!
Love these videos!
Your videos are amazing. They inspire me to try to be a director and an actor with the stuff my house even though I’m still a kid your shorts and horror movies are great.
With every video you make here, I am more and more convinced you are speaking to me directly. At least on a metaphorical level. Your willingness to show the shiny as well as the banged up parts of your career history make your "human-ness" like a super power. I truly enjoy every one of these videos, and always drop everything when a new one appears. Thank you for literally years worth of humor, inspiration and exploration of your creative life.
Loved this video. I think it's awesome you've gone on to make big Hollywood movies but still put out well produced/informative content on your OG TH-cam channel. Also inspiring that these shorts were your way in.
Thanks for that pick me up bro. I have been really doubting my capabilities as a filmmaker with any creative worth. I have written several scripts and just never had the guts to revisit them and create. Watching the world evolve around you whilst you stand still is no fun. I would love to share with you my script Dark Pages sometime. Best regards GR LOPEZ
I've been stuck in the "meantime" for decades now. Me and my wife recently shot our own ultra-low-budget thriller Me and My Shadow, and now we're trying to figure out what to do with it...I seem to hate all the same parts you do (talking to anyone in a suit, basically). I've been editing TV news to keep the lights on for years, but all it is really is a series of stories about who shot whom that day, and it gets REALLY depressing. Making films about made-up people killing each other, now that's different. That can be a blast.
You're a natural storyteller. Thank you for another inspiring video.
great video! could you make another video about coming up with ideas pls? i already watched the first 1. the problem is i want to make short films but i am stuck, cant come up with any and if than it already exist
Man, I'm not even finishing the video and I just got to say that I love these wonderful insights. I leave your videos with a more comprehensive view of the creative process and the field
My best friend and I regularly use the phrase "...så det bara smäller om det" for emphasis, and the other will always follow up (the way best friends do) with "Du ser att det står pang där". Thanks David!
What is the person you pitched to thinking right now?
I'm a musician and I'm currenty working in a weird dark new album, I'm so glad I've found this video because it really makes me feel more optimistic through all the process.
You're such an inspiration for myself, thank you so much for sharing your advices and knowledge 🖤
This was incredible, David. Seeing your skills develop and your work ethic over the years is inspiring, and your sense of humor is great lol in hindsight it seems inevitable you’d make it to tell big stories
Växte upp på dina videor och det är så spännande se hur din resa har gått och vart den tagit dig!
Great video and great message! I’m reaching 33 and after 7-8 years of being a vfx artist I’m finally moving forward to making movies again to do what I really want to do. Your messages on being a creative person always helps me!
How did you learn to code while doing animation
Great video. Very inspiring
Blood on the paper plate tutorial, when?
My favourite part of this video was "We decided to make a horror movie, but then we decided it was too cold and went home"... F*ing hilarious, cracked up at that part.
This is a great video and it deserves a great thumbnail / title / hook. The Secret of My Success?
While I don’t want to be too clickbaity I think you’re right about the thumbnail. It was a bit too basic so I updated it. 👍
Thank your for this, is exactly what I needed to hear right now. ❤
This really resonates, thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the inspiration, David! I’ve been overthinking my next steps with filmmaking for years without taking action. I definitely needed those last two minutes.
You’ve been inspired me since i first watched your Lights Out on TH-cam sir.
It’s made my career till today as a producer in Nam. And it’s a great to see you and hear your voices once again.
Wish you all the best and success !!!
Keep up the engaging contents ! You’re true talents !!!
How cute is this Story 😍
What an inspirational and more important true story! Damn you had me every second and I am touched!
Thanks for the inspiration!
Wow, seeing all these animations is really giving me a throwback down memory lane. Remember all of these videos circulating in my Swedish school. Can’t believe it was actually you who did them! Amazing to hear the story behind it. Have basically been following you since the early days without knowing it haha. Thanks for all the amazing content and insightful behind the scenes! Excited to see what’s next for you
Actually i wanted to go jogging before work but completly stuck here! What a brilliant and thoughtful essay about life decisions of a Creative Person! I found a lot of parallels to my own life, so thanks for that 😊
Thank you David!! Been overthinking things for too long. Going to stop listening to the dumb studio execs inside my head.
As a boy who was bitten by the film bug after watching Spielberg and grew up drawing, watching cartoons, this was SO relatable. It's surprising to see that you were a really good Cartoonist who then transitioned into directing features.
I just made the jump last year and published my first animated shortfilm and another small one. And I was clueless about how this all pan out to my goal of making a feature one day (like the ones I enjoyed watching as a kid)
Your jounrey gives me a heck ton hope. Kudos to you for sharing all this. Not many do 🙌🙌🙌
I love you man, i know Shazam 2 wasn't as well received, but I still love the first movie and enjoyed Shazam 2.
I hope Gunn's fat ego can fit you into his schedule
Love you man
Your journey is so inspiring, thk from 🇫🇷 !! 👍
Thank you so much for that video. Create something that is you.
Hello David, I love your work and your insights into films and cinema. Your explanations really help me understand how things work in Hollywood. It would be fantastic if you could start a podcast with directors and producers like James Wan and others. Given your background in creating great short films on a low budget, you know exactly what questions to ask. This would be incredibly valuable for fans and aspiring filmmakers like me. Thank you!🙏
Your videos are always so inspiring. It's so interesting that you also started doing freelance animation for clients. How stressful that kind of work is, especially if you have to also search for the clients. Your animations are very funny, compared to the norm for that kind of "made for client animation". Also now I feel like I need soap for my (apparently gross) vegetables and fruit.
Thanks for this video! Some great inspiration here “don’t sand down the edges yourself” so important to remember
This video was simply amazing! So much respect to you and Lotta. Keep doing what you do because we love your mind and your craft. Thank you so much for giving us an insight into your professional life.
Thank you David . Am the president of David f Sandberg fans association India
"...that can be done after you've been discovered, and you're directing a Marvel movie or soemthing."
_GODDAYUM_ lol
I can see myself on this video. And the funny thing is: I'm working on my animated series doing drawings, sound, screenplay, voices, animation, all of this while working on my filmmaking stuff to eventually break into Hollywood. Thank you for the inspiration.
What I heard was "be true to you inner dick jokes and you will succeed" 🤣
Love this story! Strange where life takes us.
Wuvya man! "The meantime stuff" :). "Dont sand down the edges" " Just create!" Got it!
Incredibly inspiring, I had no idea about you animation background!
I miss you my friend, when do you start making videos again, what have you been doing lately?
Damn, you have come a long way. It's easy to get stuck in the meantime stuff - that's real talk right there! Love your advice and Keep inspiring~
Even though you are not making superhero films anymore your Shazam films are the best
Classic problem you had, that I often faced in my three decades of making TV programming: the people that give the approvals, have no vision or ability to imagine or extrapolate; you have to show them the thing, -before- they can grasp it, but you have nothing to show, until they approve it... even things like storyboards and animatics weren't always enough to get those slug-brains to comprehend the concepts... So many times, I had to just go ahead and do the thing without the permission first, in order to get to a point where i was able to show them something they could understand, in order to get that approval... it was always a risk, doing a lot of work that could end up wasted.
thanks for sharing. love everything about this story and the message at the end hits deep. Ideas a cheap, it's about finishing and it's about craft.