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!
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.
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.
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 :)
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!
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 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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 🖤
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.
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
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.
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
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 inspiration, David! I’ve been overthinking my next steps with filmmaking for years without taking action. I definitely needed those last two minutes.
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.
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.
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.
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'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
"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
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!
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
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.
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 🙌🙌🙌
Mr. Sandberg, I am such a huge fan of your work, and who you present yourself to be. I personally loved your DC films, and think you deserve all the great things in your life. SO, so many people relate to what you're saying here. God bless you and yours, sir
I appreciate all your videos, man! As a 30-year-old self-doubting medical doctor who wishes to become a movie director and screenwriter, you are truly an inspiration. Not in a way that I will propel myself towards my dream, but in the way that I can watch you inspiring thousands of people!
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!
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.
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 😊
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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.
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
That was interesting to hear after all those years. I used to enjoy your funny animations back then. Kept watching them over and over again, they always got me into a giggly mood.
Your down-to-earth levels are over 9000. This was so motivating in such a relatable way. Thank you for sharing it with us. And congratulations on your creative, varied and fun journey so far!
I remember growing up with these videos and they shaped my humor and animation style at the time. I had no idea it was you who made them, I'm glad to see how long you've come!
This is so inspiring. Thank you souch David for your videos. Please continue to share your experience and insights. Wish more filmmakers would do this.
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.
Your channel is the best inspiration for creatives there is. Even for those of us who don't aspire to be Hollywood directors, there is a lot to learn from your journey and personal philosophy. I know I'm personally going to start including more and bigger dicks in my 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 :)
Yearning to someday be half the director you've become, man. Thank you for sharing your story. As others have mentioned, a lot of what you said resonated with me. 💜
I was looking for your Blender Pencil tutorial, and now landed on this video. You are a great talent, and I am very grateful you are sharing all your insights in a very cool way. I will follow your path, master!
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 !!!
This was a treat! It's amazing to see how hard you've worked, how many things you've tried out and how much you had to hussle to get where you are. Most of that gets lost behind the "he did a viral horror short with his wife and then he got to direct a full movie". Among your many, many talents is also the written word. This was a fantastic essay.
Thank you, as always, for uploading these. I never could get into freelance. Much like, how you didn’t know what to charge, I didn’t feel I could even approach people about doing work for them. It’s a hard thing to try to put a price on creative work, or to even feel like you can charge people for that work.
Thanks a lot for this video. It was great to know more about you and your story. And... as I want to make animations, I see now why your final advice is so important. I'll focus to stop coding so much, to start making my things. It will be a big crap, but after lots of crap, there might be something good. And loved your animations. Didnt expect that you would be such passionate and multi talented person. Congrats on that.
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.
Thanks David, inspirational and really nice to hear these back stories. I am independent filmmaker (mostly horror stuff) from Finland and can relate to lot of the things you mention here. Working on oher stuff commercial/corporate meantime like you did but my heart is in the movies. Must keep working and believing... So, time to go and create some own new movies again! :)
Loved lights out! I would show it to all my friends just to see their reactions. Pretty cool to learn more about your history and how you got to where you are now! Kudos
David, you are pretty much my spirit animal. Just such an inspiration to see where you have been and were you are going. Maybe someday i'll run into you and have a beer and a chat about film making.
Very inspirational and resonating for sure. Lately I been overthinking my creative process and trying to do things at a level I think it should be commercially but have to remind myself not to take it too seriously and just have fun with creating and be true to myself. I do agree that it’s very easy to get stuck in the mean time stuff which is why I been pushing myself to keep moving forward.
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!
Apart from the age difference, these home videos feel so relatable. I also have some shots of my RC model standing in for a real car. Teens pretending to be adults and ketchup that didn't let itself be art directed. I used semi-stopmotion with my Star Wars figures and models for alien stuff and talked my dad into buying an Amiga so I could do a 20 minute live-action/animation combo at age 15 in DPaint. That was so much fun to do, as is this to watch. Good for you! And thanks for sharing this stuff.
It's so cool and inspiring, you still do these videos. I'm still going back to some of your tutorials on sound and lighting. Thanks a lot for both enlightning and scary videos 😀
This was wonderful to watch. I’m an animator with the same aspirations to direct horror. Everything you said 100% hit home. I think I’m done writing treatments, outlines and scripts that just get filed away in some random folder on my computer. Maybe it’s time to dust one off and just start making it. It may not go anywhere, but I don’t care. The joy I get out of creativity is the creation. Thanks David.
"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".
Thank you for that. Hollywood destroys but you're still you. Respect
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!
What a story ! I hope they make a Netflix documentary about you someday.
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
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.
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 :)
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!
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.
oh how i remember this cartoon! Fantastisk resa att följa!
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.
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!
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.
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 👋🏻😂
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.
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.
I love how the blood fell conveniently directly on the paper plate 😂😂😂❤
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 🖤
Thankyou for staying with TH-cam.
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.
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
What an inspirational and more important true story! Damn you had me every second and I am touched!
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.
I didn't skip a second. Really golden words. Thank you!
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
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.
Another incredible video, thank you David for the entertainment as well as motivation!
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.
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.
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.
It's so obvious, all the love you have for what you do.
Thank you for these videos they're super inspiring and motivating!
Thank you for sharing your story, from another filmmaker in Sweden, you truly inspire!
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.
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.
Every video I fear it will be the last one, cause man, this is pure gold. Awesome as usual, love your work
You're a natural storyteller. Thank you for another inspiring video.
So relatable... if you omit all the ingenuity and success parts.
David's words are so earnest and inspirational. It all sounds achieveable, except for getting several viral hits!
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
"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
My whole existence lights up whenever David posts. I’ll support you forever, man
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!
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
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.
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 🙌🙌🙌
Great video and so relevant to young aspiring filmmakers.
Mr. Sandberg, I am such a huge fan of your work, and who you present yourself to be. I personally loved your DC films, and think you deserve all the great things in your life. SO, so many people relate to what you're saying here. God bless you and yours, sir
I appreciate all your videos, man! As a 30-year-old self-doubting medical doctor who wishes to become a movie director and screenwriter, you are truly an inspiration. Not in a way that I will propel myself towards my dream, but in the way that I can watch you inspiring thousands of people!
Thanks for this video! Some great inspiration here “don’t sand down the edges yourself” so important to remember
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!
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.
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 😊
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.
Inspirational, love your work.
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
That was interesting to hear after all those years. I used to enjoy your funny animations back then. Kept watching them over and over again, they always got me into a giggly mood.
Your down-to-earth levels are over 9000. This was so motivating in such a relatable way. Thank you for sharing it with us.
And congratulations on your creative, varied and fun journey so far!
What a GIFT! THANK YOU for sharing your amazing trajectory AND for not giving up! The world NEEDS creative people like you---such an INSPIRATION!
I remember growing up with these videos and they shaped my humor and animation style at the time. I had no idea it was you who made them, I'm glad to see how long you've come!
This is so inspiring. Thank you souch David for your videos. Please continue to share your experience and insights. Wish more filmmakers would do this.
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.
David, you're a gift. Thanks for sharing this story!
Incredibly inspiring, I had no idea about you animation background!
Your channel is the best inspiration for creatives there is. Even for those of us who don't aspire to be Hollywood directors, there is a lot to learn from your journey and personal philosophy. I know I'm personally going to start including more and bigger dicks in my 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 :)
Thanks for this and every other video you upload!
Yearning to someday be half the director you've become, man. Thank you for sharing your story. As others have mentioned, a lot of what you said resonated with me. 💜
The rarest of TH-cam videos - one that's actually inspiring. Thanks for sharing.
I was looking for your Blender Pencil tutorial, and now landed on this video. You are a great talent, and I am very grateful you are sharing all your insights in a very cool way. I will follow your path, master!
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 !!!
This was a treat! It's amazing to see how hard you've worked, how many things you've tried out and how much you had to hussle to get where you are. Most of that gets lost behind the "he did a viral horror short with his wife and then he got to direct a full movie". Among your many, many talents is also the written word. This was a fantastic essay.
Amazing - didn't know about the animation side of things. And thanks for showing how it all joins up / paid off for you in the end
You are one of my biggest inspirations when it comes to directing. You inspired me to make my very first short film Don't Look. Thank you.
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~
I remember your early animations rather fondly! The voice overs you made especially left a pretty lasting memory.
Thank you, as always, for uploading these.
I never could get into freelance. Much like, how you didn’t know what to charge, I didn’t feel I could even approach people about doing work for them.
It’s a hard thing to try to put a price on creative work, or to even feel like you can charge people for that work.
It's so great to hear about people's journeys towards what they're doing now. It's almost never a straight line from one thing to the next.
This is the most important subject that's omitted in every film school's syllabus.
Thanks a lot for this video. It was great to know more about you and your story.
And... as I want to make animations, I see now why your final advice is so important.
I'll focus to stop coding so much, to start making my things.
It will be a big crap, but after lots of crap, there might be something good.
And loved your animations. Didnt expect that you would be such passionate and multi talented person.
Congrats on that.
David you’re the best your advice helped me so much in the industry
Another owesome video. I'm a huge fan. I'm looking forward to your next video!
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.
Thanks David, inspirational and really nice to hear these back stories.
I am independent filmmaker (mostly horror stuff) from Finland and can relate to lot of the things you mention here. Working on oher stuff commercial/corporate meantime like you did but my heart is in the movies. Must keep working and believing...
So, time to go and create some own new movies again! :)
Loved lights out! I would show it to all my friends just to see their reactions. Pretty cool to learn more about your history and how you got to where you are now! Kudos
David, you are pretty much my spirit animal. Just such an inspiration to see where you have been and were you are going. Maybe someday i'll run into you and have a beer and a chat about film making.
Thank you for sharing your precious wisdom, David. Truly encouraging and inspiring.
Very inspirational and resonating for sure. Lately I been overthinking my creative process and trying to do things at a level I think it should be commercially but have to remind myself not to take it too seriously and just have fun with creating and be true to myself. I do agree that it’s very easy to get stuck in the mean time stuff which is why I been pushing myself to keep moving forward.
Thanks for this video David, I am in the process of starting my own TH-cam channel and was lacking motivation, this gave me a well needed boost!
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!
Thank your for this, is exactly what I needed to hear right now. ❤
Apart from the age difference, these home videos feel so relatable. I also have some shots of my RC model standing in for a real car. Teens pretending to be adults and ketchup that didn't let itself be art directed. I used semi-stopmotion with my Star Wars figures and models for alien stuff and talked my dad into buying an Amiga so I could do a 20 minute live-action/animation combo at age 15 in DPaint. That was so much fun to do, as is this to watch. Good for you! And thanks for sharing this stuff.
love the video and footage to go along with the journey/storyline
you have no idea how much confidence this gives me right now to keep on moving. thank you brother, hope i can meet you one day ♥️
It's so cool and inspiring, you still do these videos. I'm still going back to some of your tutorials on sound and lighting. Thanks a lot for both enlightning and scary videos 😀
This was wonderful to watch. I’m an animator with the same aspirations to direct horror. Everything you said 100% hit home. I think I’m done writing treatments, outlines and scripts that just get filed away in some random folder on my computer. Maybe it’s time to dust one off and just start making it. It may not go anywhere, but I don’t care. The joy I get out of creativity is the creation. Thanks David.
My man was meant for adult swim and got picked up by Disney copycats.
How cute is this Story 😍