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.
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!
Great inspirational video David. I’ve been making shorts on my UA-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.
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 UA-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!
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.
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!
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!
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.
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 UA-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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 🖤
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.
"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
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
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
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.
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" (UA-cam version) and you are an example to follow in different aspects. Greetings!
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.
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!
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 🙌🙌🙌
Dear, David. In a few days I will begin my journey to make a first episode in my six-episode limited series on YT, or a short film. I was always into films and now I have my time. Idea and concept looks damn good, at least for me. You were one of my influences and motivations. You made a carrer with YT and now you're in Hollywood. So, thank you for everything. I will do my best.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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 😊
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
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 UA-cam to ask you to give me a shot 😉😅
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. 💜
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 UA-cam channel. Also inspiring that these shorts were your way in.
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 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!
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.
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.
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! :)
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!
It's great that you're so transparent and forthcoming with your journey. I'm alway like, "I would love to ask David about..." and you do a vide like, "Here's how I did this..." I'm literally a filmmaker who loves horror, made my first short that got on TV, went to school for comics and animation, is a freelance animator who uses Blender and wants to do live-action films. So your journey is not only motivational and inspiring but very similar, that's why I champion your success so much, keep going. I can't wait to see a film with your sense of humor, better yet let me know when Ponysmasher studios is hiring!!😆
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 :)
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.
Anabelle creation it's the best spinn-off of the conjuring, I'm a huge horror fan, and I have to tell you your work it's very close to wan's, well wan's back then, it was strange when we know you went to action, I thought it was a jump in your career like other directors do, between genres. I hope we could see you again in horror, on the big screen, horror world needs more of directors like 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.
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!
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
Much needed video. Thanks for sharing. It's always inspiring to see the journey and gives confidence to step back at times and just simply create what you really want to create.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Love this, and love seeing how you progressed through your art and ideas. Very inspiring! The 'Fruto Wash' ad was funny, and thanks for clarifying "Slut" haha
You’ve been inspired me since i first watched your Lights Out on UA-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 !!!
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 😀
Thank you so much for sharing your experiences again and again. It's a huge motivation and a relief that everyone seems to feel a little lost while doing what they do. I always wanted to be a writer but have considered going down the comic route because I like to draw and I feel I've come to a level where I can produce something that's passable. Problem is I am a 100% traditional artist. I do use programs for clean up, but I feel if I don't switch to digital art I may never get to anything. But seeing that you made a movie with hand drawn stils does help to alleviate that anxiety. You're a huge inspiration and while I don't like horror all that much (I am a scaredy cat) I do enjoy your other projects a lot. Keep up the great work!
"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".
oh how i remember this cartoon! Fantastisk resa att följa!
Thank you for that. Hollywood destroys but you're still you. Respect
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 :)
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
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!
Great inspirational video David. I’ve been making shorts on my UA-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.
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 UA-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!
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.
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 love how the blood fell conveniently directly on the paper plate 😂😂😂❤
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!
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.
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 UA-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.
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.
It's always fascinating to see the grind behind and this was no exception. Thanks for putting it out there.
It's so obvious, all the love you have for what you do.
Thank you for these videos they're super inspiring and motivating!
I didn't skip a second. Really golden words. Thank you!
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.
So relatable... if you omit all the ingenuity and success parts.
David, you´re just the best! Thank you for your channel!
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.
What an inspirational and more important true story! Damn you had me every second and I am touched!
David's words are so earnest and inspirational. It all sounds achieveable, except for getting several viral hits!
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.
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 🖤
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!
Thankyou for staying with UA-cam.
"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
You're a natural storyteller. Thank you for another inspiring video.
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
Thank you for sharing your story, from another filmmaker in Sweden, you truly inspire!
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
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.
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" (UA-cam version) and you are an example to follow in different aspects.
Greetings!
Every video I fear it will be the last one, cause man, this is pure gold. Awesome as usual, love 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.
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.
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!
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 🙌🙌🙌
Dear, David. In a few days I will begin my journey to make a first episode in my six-episode limited series on YT, or a short film. I was always into films and now I have my time. Idea and concept looks damn good, at least for me. You were one of my influences and motivations. You made a carrer with YT and now you're in Hollywood. So, thank you for everything. I will do my best.
Great video and so relevant to young aspiring filmmakers.
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
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.
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
Thanks for this video! Some great inspiration here “don’t sand down the edges yourself” so important to remember
My whole existence lights up whenever David posts. I’ll support you forever, man
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.
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.
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
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.
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!
The rarest of UA-cam videos - one that's actually inspiring. Thanks for sharing.
Inspirational, love your work.
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 😊
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
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 UA-cam to ask you to give me a shot 😉😅
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. 💜
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 UA-cam channel. Also inspiring that these shorts were your way in.
Incredibly inspiring, I had no idea about you animation background!
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.
David, you're a gift. Thanks for sharing this story!
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 could listen to these stories all day! Thanks for sharing. And some great advice as always.
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!
Thank you for sharing your precious wisdom, David. Truly encouraging and inspiring.
Thank your for this, is exactly what I needed to hear right now. ❤
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.
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.
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
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! :)
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!
It's great that you're so transparent and forthcoming with your journey. I'm alway like, "I would love to ask David about..." and you do a vide like, "Here's how I did this..." I'm literally a filmmaker who loves horror, made my first short that got on TV, went to school for comics and animation, is a freelance animator who uses Blender and wants to do live-action films. So your journey is not only motivational and inspiring but very similar, that's why I champion your success so much, keep going. I can't wait to see a film with your sense of humor, better yet let me know when Ponysmasher studios is hiring!!😆
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 :)
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.
Anabelle creation it's the best spinn-off of the conjuring, I'm a huge horror fan, and I have to tell you your work it's very close to wan's, well wan's back then, it was strange when we know you went to action, I thought it was a jump in your career like other directors do, between genres. I hope we could see you again in horror, on the big screen, horror world needs more of directors like 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.
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.
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!
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
Much needed video. Thanks for sharing. It's always inspiring to see the journey and gives confidence to step back at times and just simply create what you really want to create.
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.
Your journey is so inspiring, thk from 🇫🇷 !! 👍
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.
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.
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!
David you’re the best your advice helped me so much in the industry
Love this, and love seeing how you progressed through your art and ideas. Very inspiring!
The 'Fruto Wash' ad was funny, and thanks for clarifying "Slut" haha
You’ve been inspired me since i first watched your Lights Out on UA-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 !!!
You always inspire me ❤️
Thanks for sharing! It gives us hope and lot of courage...
Hell yeah puzzle bobble. That's a great workflow.
Thanks for the video, always fascinating to hear your opinions/journey!
I remember your early animations rather fondly! The voice overs you made especially left a pretty lasting memory.
This is the most important subject that's omitted in every film school's syllabus.
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 😀
Thank you so much for sharing your experiences again and again. It's a huge motivation and a relief that everyone seems to feel a little lost while doing what they do.
I always wanted to be a writer but have considered going down the comic route because I like to draw and I feel I've come to a level where I can produce something that's passable. Problem is I am a 100% traditional artist. I do use programs for clean up, but I feel if I don't switch to digital art I may never get to anything. But seeing that you made a movie with hand drawn stils does help to alleviate that anxiety. You're a huge inspiration and while I don't like horror all that much (I am a scaredy cat) I do enjoy your other projects a lot. Keep up the great work!