There was a nearly tangible, yet fleeting vibe that existed in the early 2000s, when the Gen-x’ers were doing their thing and us millennials were watching. It’s very hard for me to describe it in details but it’s perfectly on display in this man’s films from back then.
In many ways that was the peak of culture, particularly in places like New York City etc. The internet had just come into its own in its sort of current usable form, music was peaking, movies etc. There's a reason you're seeing so much nostalgia now in music and other things. 9/11, while a mostly New York, east coast event, affected things nationwide culturally and things changed quickly after that. New York was never really the same, the music industry changed, lots of things changed. Van's new videos even capture some of this feeling from back then in some way, which Casey's never really did. Casey's stuff was good in a different way and captured New York life in a more modern sense. The early 2000's were the peak and then quick last gasps of what came before, with the new tidal wave of the new (good and bad) quickly swallowing it up. Yes I'm a Gen Xr.
@@amp776 it's not about our generation it's about a vibe man. Judging by your following post you also seem unable to appreciate a local American culture. Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater my dude
@@amp776 it's clearly not worth arguing with you. I share the same sentiment as the original poster. I meant a mutual generational sense of the times. According to your codswallop definition, all of my experience of reality is a figment of imagination. Certainly the imagination plays a role in my understanding of things, but it's an understanding which I feel safe to say is similar to that of the original poster's.
That’s because we lived life without the influence of social media. If you were creative, you became part of a creative network of likeminded people and it was an amazing tribal experience. We all loved the possibilities of social media in the beginning because it was a great way to get the word out about your work, but the more industrious kids turned into a hyper-narcissistic reality tv show. People today are much more influenced by social media, by likes, subscriptions, and the slew of Nerdwriter clones who are all copying the same template. There’s been a music review channel where the guy is just regurgitating Wikipedia entries and it’s one of the most popular channels in that category. The purity of doing something because you’re passionate and you’re obsessed is overshadowed by the look at me content that seems to dominate the social media landscape. We were the last generation to experience a more analog culture. Most young people didn’t even have cell phones back then. It was very rare that someone had a digital camera with them. We just lived kind of basic lives which in hindsight seem very special because we were untainted.
@@djstarsign Agreed - I moved to Portland in 2006 and saw that city's last wave of that era. Literally everyone on the street was some weird artist in a noise band, but not in a annoying self-promotional way. It was a really special time and I'm grateful to have seen a small bit of it. Again, I arrived late on that scene and it was quite different even a couple years later.
I loved this. I’m now 17, with all that comes with it, and I’m finding that the more I move the more I’m compelled to move to live to breathe; and that the less I move the more I feel stuck, consuming and stagnated. Thank you, because it’s pieces like this one that drive me to move.
There’s not many UA-cam channels around where, once you’ve noticed they’ve blown a deadline, you get irrationally excited because of how EXTRA good it’s going to be. Been anticipating this one and it didn’t disappoint. Love seeing the process. Stay on path.
Van, I’ve been struggling with creativity over the last 8 years, I create in private, sharing the minimum with limited people. The struggle I have is extremely similar, why me? Why should people care about me? Do people need to see me? I should stop. You sharing your stories wouldn’t have the same energy if you weren’t in them. You sharing your story of Unstuck in Time, may just have been the catalyst I needed to take the leap. The leap into sharing creativity is the hardest jump to make and this spirited man feels excited. Many thanks for continuing the journey and sharing your story and thoughts! - poshjarry
At 36, I’m in my Vonnegut phase, after *trying* to read Slaughterhouse since high school. Finally finished it, now I’m completely hooked to reading. Im currently in Shop Class as Soulcraft thanks to this channel. Me in a nutshell: I failed out of college because of my obsession with cars, and I’ve been living off of my music, built a recording for over a decade now, built a studio with my own hands, while pursuing film as a hobby. Yeah, you basically made this channel specifically for me, right now, in this moment in time. Cheers. Maybe I’ll get to skip the mid-life crisis.
I have been... struggling. As an early 50 something, with a failing career, and in recent years, a loss of the freedom that unintentional sacrifices in life had given me. And so I have found my questioning purpose. Especially given the nature of those sacrifices and then the loss of the life those sacrifices had afforded, due to the unforseen circumstances of the last few years. This left me lost, not just a loss of "things". I, like many my age I would imagine, esepcially if they too are at a loss, have turned to philosophy and literature. And after a considerable amount of time with these ideas and those thinkers, highlighting life, its paths and its pitfalls, you release this... The timing could not have been better. Especially given what my inner self slowly begins to convince my conscious mind, is a reasonable, appropriate, constructive and positive way to move forward. And so slowly progress and again find purpose and worth. Thank you, as always, for your content. It is reasuring, inspiring and comforting in a way so few things are these days. I hope I can have a similar effect on at least one person in the world, at some point... let alone the countless people your work has reached, and continues to reach. So again, thank you.
I'm 57 and looking after my Ma on the Gulf Coast of Texas...after 18 years NOT making millions in the movies. To me you are the most acutely interesting dude on UA-cam. Please, continue.
As an aspiring director I vowed to myself that I WILL finish writing as many ideas as possible this year. Your video on narcissism Van kicked the wish into high gear. I know what I want it’s how I believe must change. Tired of worrying about embarrassment I just wanna DO.
The best kinds of anything: art, architecture, humans etc. are all "manifolds" - having many different forms or elements that bring things together in a cohesive, positive whole. Thank you Van.
It's been years since I've been to a religious service of any kind (I'm Jewish for what it's worth), and I'm strangely feeling like you're my new Rabbi. Not a prophet or anybody divine, but a guy who has read the essential texts, and is up there to offer guidance and teachings based on the great writings and wisdom of the ages. So thank you, Van. I'm not sure anybody's ever called you a Rabbi. But that's what you are to me right now. And I needed a new Rabbi. Rock on, brother.
So well said....I was raised Catholic in a very Jewish community on the east coast. Like you I don't practice. Now on the west coast...just a mish mash of people with little tradition. I always missed the community and especially the wisdom of the Rabbi's. Maybe I need to find a new one as well. Theres always room. Peace
commence rambling: a few days ago I was in up in Kiel seeing my partners very ill father, once I realized he didn't have the energy for much company, I hatched the plan to go to Hamburg to see the Tom Sachs exhibition. I loved it and started (continued with amplified vigur) wondering what I'm doing with my life, especially in light of the old man ticking his days away. Today needing some focus, I dug up Ten Bullets (which should be universally required viewing). This reminded me that months ago a Belgian mate had sent me links to this channel saying that he was reminded of me. So I watched a video or two, and was naturally hooked. Then I dug up some podcast interviews while i got back to work. Now I came back to see what the most current offering was, and its an honest, frank emotional and logical journey. I just wanted to back up what the letter writer said: you're a positive influence and I thank you for bringing us along on the adventure (though i know: "never read the comments")
Van, I absolutely can't get enough of your do it yourself videos. If possible, profitable and not damaging to your family's welfare, please always keep them coming.You're making a Spirited Man out of me.
A screenwriting professor of mine was always adamant that it was criminal to waste the audience's time, so we needed to make sure that whatever we had to say was important. Van, if something is important to you, I promise it's important to somebody else. There's a lot more letters out there that ought to have been sent. I truly appreciate this journey, your channel feels set apart and I truly look forward to each episode as an opportunity to reflect.
Thank you thank you thank you. I am feeling lost in life. I'm in my third year of electrical engineering and feeling deeply lost. I see many people around me doing things, working hard or just enjoying life. I feel like each passing day is making me more and more numb, with less direction. I feel an immense pressure to start figuring things out, to find a driving passion to fuel me. But here I am, not doing much with myself, sacrificing most aspects of my life for a degree I'm not even sure I want to finish. "I can't start doing this, I need to finish material from my electronics class" is the types of thoughts that permeate in my brain l, constantly, with the consequence of dissatisfaction in life. I've always wanted to make videos, build things and produce art. Kind of like what you are doing, but never had the courage. So fuck it, and I mean it, fuck it, I'll make my life purpose about finding what my life purpose is. I'll push in all boundaries. I'll make failing and trying again, crashing until I go in the direction I feel is right, my main priority. This has been a wake up call, Van - thank you. You're videos always keep me thinking for the whole day, makes me boil with willingness to do something. Godspeed for everything Van, godspeed.
Hey. You will do great. The only limitation is your very own mind, which, at the same time, is what could catapult you into something new you may wouldn’t have even thought of. I am already a fan of whatever it is that you will create. A good life to you my friend, and everybody else on this planet.
My situation is so very similar to yours right now (at least similar to what you stated in your comment). I am also in my third year in computational physics and I feel deeply lost. I feel like I am in the dark, failing to latch on to something.
Hey Alfredo, You have no idea how much I relate to that. Second year of Software Engineering here, feeling as bad and lost as you do. I feel horrible three quarters of my time, becasue I hate what I am doing so much, and the life I am living doesn't even feel mine. I hear you. I care about you. Try to focus on what you want to do. I am trying to do the same, and it's hearbreaking, I feel completely good for nothing and useless, and I'm struggling just to function on a day to day basis. Stay hard my friend.
Never worry about what others are doing! That's too much to live up to. Worry about what YOU are doing. Finish your Engineering, and let it and other things inspire you to do something that fuels you. I am in my late 40's and still making my life purpose finding what my life purpose is. Some get lucky and just get find their purpose right away, but for many they accept the status quo or they keep looking.
Something that makes me happy is that there are ~150k people who sat through a 30+ youtube video. And I'm proud of them for doing that, in this world of marketing's "you must do everything as fast as possible" mentality.
I came across Caseys vlogs when he started out a couple of years ago, your brother had a huge influence on me regarding whats possible in a day. Through his videos I came to your channel and i am thankfull for that. Your videos are different to what is posted on most channels nowadays it feels more real. I enjoy the depth and the calmness and I always feel refreshed and inspired after watching.
Van has been one of my key inspirations for many years. I was so glad to see him finally get online and start this channel. I devoured all of those videos and this latest one is one of my favorites. Both he and Casey, and particularly his work making those videos for Tom Sachs showed how brilliant their creativity was. It’s all there, Kubrick, Eames, Gondry, Anderson, Varda, Herzog, and it’s so cool for him to literally show us the influences for his videos. I’ve always loved Casey, but Van to me was the more existential of the two. Watching those old Neistat Brothers videos, I loved his narration. I’m just glad this old guy can still find inspiration in Van’s new work and not just rewatch the old videos dozens of times (which I did for years before he started his channel). Excited to see him bring more voices to his work.
@@safiullah4955 yes, his channel is new to UA-cam. But there are at least 5 or 6 videos he made for Tom Sachs (the most famous one being Ten Bullets, but also, How To Sweep, Love Letter to Plywood, Color, and a few other “NASA” videos). Someone also posted the entire Neistat Brothers season about 5 years ago, and then there were the videos he put on Vimeo (which included everything from ads for J Crew to riding in the Holland Tunnel, stealing your own bike, the science experiments, and a bunch of others). He also had a huge hit early on with Casey called iPod’s Dirty Little Secret, which was around before UA-cam even existed. Tom Sachs actually put together all the Nautical Challenge footage on his channel a few years back, and Van was the main protagonist (he was competing against Tom in a race). If you haven’t seen it, it’s brilliant. I was a huge fan and actually went to the world premiere of A Space Program during SXSW in 2016. That’s a 45minute film that pretty much distilled everything into a longer narrative, full of all the DIY goodness both Tom and Van (and even Casey) adhere to.
@@createdjustforyoubypaul about four years ago, some guy created a Van Neistat appreciation blog or page. I don’t even know if Van had set up his Vimeo page yet (which has a ton of his old videos). Van somehow caught wind of it and got in touch with him to send him a care package. Maybe if you make a Van appreciation video, he might reach out to you.
Van, I had this exact issue with a short documentary I recently created. It's a film about my dad, a film about friendship, a film about flying and being a pilot, a film about doing what you love. I struggled for a long time trying to tell the story... how I would tell the story. Then I realized I needed to put myself in the film, to bridge the gaps for the audience. Everything got back on track and I was able to finish the film. I showed it to about 200 friends and family last summer and published it to my UA-cam channel shortly after. I really appreciated this video.
I am a software engineer and I never do anything material. Since watching your channel, I started sewing things by hand that need sewing, and I fixed my own central air system in the attic. You reminded me that I can make tangible improvements in life - not just on computers. Thank you.
Van, I don't think you'll ever find this comment, but if you do, there's something I want to tell you. This exact video was waiting for me in the bookmarks for some days, I knew I want to watch it, just was dealing with a work I truly love. Watching it now, making exact time for it made me just speechless. I have watched a lot of your work here on youtube and have always been inspired by the masterpieces all the time. Never commented, now I should. This work is outstanding, motivating me in a lot of ways maybe you can't even imagine. I'm just wondering, you mentioned The Spirited Man video, is there any way I can watch it? Just out of curiosity about your story. These videos are works of art, I know you know it. This deep feeling I've got after seeing this particular one is hard to describe, but it's just amazing. Thank you for this work, you're great being yourself. Thank you! JH
In primary school ( 1995 ) we had a news channel made for children here in the Netherlands.. this was the highlight of our day.. i don’t remember math class but I remember these super creative videos talking about life, the news and fun experiments 🧪 . It gave me the happy feelings😊 . You and Casey trigger that same feeling with your videos. Every time I finish one I want to go out and be more creative. Thank you 🙏🏽
Dear Van, I'm in Film School. For a class I must do an individual film. All my own. Just wanted to thank you for your great work. Which greatly influenced me. Because of youI've become a better person and a better filmmaker. Thank you.
Hope this finds it's way to your eyes Van. I am a 46 year old artist living in Dhaka Bangladesh, who made his first funded short film a year or two back, is going to put down a proposal for a second film in a few days, needed to see this video to have the resolution to write down the plot line. I have also been to the hills of California, spent time with the Lakota people there and learnt much from them. Ever since been introduced to your channel by your brother, you have been a constant inspiration and joy to my life. As a young father myself your spirit constantly inspires my spirit. So I think you are definitely a spirited man. The great spirit will agree I think. Thank you for being, creating and sharing your truth with us. Love to you and your family. Peace
I am pursing a film career and in the process of moving. Throwing things away and donating ALOT. This video hit a deep cord in me as the old is dying when the new is emerging. It’s crazy I happened to watch this while I move. This is a moment I didn’t realize until your video spoke to me. Tbh I have to give myself some slack because I am near my mid twenties and still new to this world 😂. I love your videos man, definitely making me feel better about moving.
Dear Van Neistat, I have just watched this video on my TV and felt compelled to take the phone and write a bit for you just before you told the story of the man who wrote the letter. Nevertheless, I felt like I should be considerate and write to you either way. Your stories have a strong sense of universality in them. I am a 20 year old brazilian actor and when you were talking about your audience and about reading books and finding one's purpose it felt like you were talking to me directly. I got emotional listening to your trajectory and I can't help but to put myself on the shoes of this spirited protagonist. I can draw so many parallels with my own life. You have indeed passed down your influence to us. I have even read (and loved) Matt Crawford's Shopclass as Soulcraft because of your videos. Don't dare doubting the quality and importance of your production because you are one of the best things that have ever happened to UA-cam. You are an artist first and an youtuber second, and even though these two things overlap in your case, they are different. Artists have a real job in society, and that is to illuminate humanity on what it means to be human and show everyone hints and glimpses of what is yet to come in human experience. My best regards, Enzo Torres
Wow. This is exactly the recent dilemma I’ve been facing recently around being a creator who makes content with myself as the “face” of it. And it’s kind of a relief that your conclusion gave us permission and new insights into the generosity that can come with the use of our image, instead of always berating ourselves for being too front and center. To me, it’s almost as if we should see ourselves as an instrument and tool instead of the point of focus and attention, just for the sake of it. Your videos demonstrate this point really well, because you’re not just talking about yourself and “showing off”, the main subject of your videos are still around something greater and more universal that all of us can relate to. I still struggle with this, and I think, as artists we can feel vindicated even in our struggle because we can create content from that internal drama. And I think that is where we become a snake, eating itself, and that could be quite dangerous. Perhaps the balance comes in holding our struggles lightly and see everything as just a part of the game of life that everyone is living in. I realized recently that overthinking is narcissism, and that, for those of us who identify as intellectuals, we are afraid to be simple and joyful in our momentary existence. Even though in reality, we all know that everything is all really just that simple. But then how will we create art without struggle? And thus it goes on and on.
i know there is no one else like you. why are you right on time? your emergence perfectly timed? something was sown during the age that you were born that took 45 years to fruit and blossom. there is nothing you could have done to change this. bro you are destiny. you were made for such a time such as this. you are the fruit of the gods.
Van I loved everything about this video, everything. You definitely are an artist/filmmaker to strive for. You shine a light on my interest/hobby of making a video or a film(eventually) which I have put in the darkroom of my life. You make me not feel afraid or feel daunted about this task of film-making, I feel excited and elated for it. I am grateful to you and I respect you. Thank you and I wish very best to everyone.
This whole story was the final line. You took my mind for a casual drive and then brought me to tears in one scene. Thank you for caring for yourself, so that you might inspire viewers to find a path that includes creativity. Well done.
When I was in my early 20s I had a shitty job at an advertising agency in São Paulo, Brasil. At some point one colleague of mine when to Amsterdam on vacation, met a girl at the hostel he was staying and she gave him a copy of Cats Cradle by Vonnegut. When he came back, he showed me the book and my life changed. I became obsessed with Vonnegut, read all of his books I could find in Brasil. Even backed the Kickstarer project of Bob Weide (10 bucks, but that’s what I could give). Now I’m 35, still reading Vonnegut from time to time and have no idea what to do with my life. But your videos are helping me a lot man. This one specially hit too close to home. Thank you for this. You are a very talented and special human being.
Your channel wouldn’t be the same if you weren’t in the videos. We all come here for you Van. You are an inspiration and an influencer…. and owning it!!!!
Watching your films over the last year has given me strength to get towards my goal of being a film-maker, which I thought was long lost to insecurity and lack of drive. You walk us through your steps, inner dialogue, self doubt and most importantly the amount of WORK you do to ensure quality. The jaw grinding and delicate process of refinement until the idea has flourished. I’ve struggled a lot with my purpose, as I know film is the route I’m supposed to take, yet let the industry myths and potential future pressure get to me before I’d even started. I’m going to start again, and I look forward to the work. Thank you Van, dearly and deeply.
Was worried that you'd quit making videos. It's been a few weeks, but now I see what you've been up to. Keep going. I am not in your typical demo. I'm 63. Still trying to figure out what will make me happy. Ha...you look like you've reached an important crossroads in your life. I think I'll listen to Cornell West more. Today I drew, and painted with my son. Keep making the videos, I'm in agreement with Tom Sachs.
Mohala, 30:40-30:50. said it all. Your ability to move fluidly from thought to creative onto finished product while capturing the birth pains of each new unveiling is your craft captured and shared. Thank you.
this is my favorite short film you've posted to the channel. it's imbued with your sense of doubt about and struggle with unanswered (or unanswerable) questions and yet-to-be-realized potential and personal metamorphosis. the search for resolution is palpable in this, even through to the final seconds, and it denies us a cathartic answer. perfection.
Glad to see you back Van! There's no other content on youtube that feels more inspiring and genuine. I feel that along the way I lost my spirit and I'm glad to be getting it back. Best wishes and God bless.
You're simply a teacher that hadn't realized they were teaching yet, although many of us have already been learning. You have been very influential to me in my efforts to go from nothing to something. I'm only part way to something but spending the last year watching your videos has influenced me tremendously. I'm glad you're back. Thanks and Happy New Year!
Hey Van, your videos are not narcisistic. They teach other spirited men to claim and love there spirit. They reassure us on our self awareness and remind us on what it is to be human. I appreciate every video you create. The ego must be tamed and can be used by others to learn.
On the one hand I enjoy the predictability of scheduled videos, on the other hand finding a new video of yours randomly makes it more precious and exciting. Not sure which I enjoy more but love all you do either way! Thanks Van
Van, I just ran into your channel, and I have watched at least once all your videos, but this one hit home, I'm 45, I relate to a lot of the idiosyncrasies of growing up in the 80's, 90's, and some of the 2000's... I've come back to this video at least 5x to look for some hidden subliminal message such as the one you had Void, maybe I rewatch it to keep my hope alive that I will figure out my life purpose. Thanks for leading the way by sharing your journey, your talents, and more importantly your "voice".
Van, you yourself are the aggregate of those influences. Such that, you are a curation of these books, films, people, director commentaries, teams, projects. To not share that is catastrophic. You are more than the sum of the information you took in.
some time ago, i unsubsrcribed from your channel. For a reason, i could not really understand, it did not feel right any more. I was very sad about that. I still watched the new uploaded videos, but they left me sad and empty. Now i understand....you are a human just like me and have your own struggles. In my mind i put way too much expectations into your work, to help me, to inspire me, to make my world a better place. It is my job to make my world a better place, and thanks to your wonderful and important videos i try to be a better man each day. At age 67 i know it is never too late. I am a subscriber again, thanks for your great work
You are so good at what you do. Be proud of that. Narcissism has gotten a bad rap. There is nothing wrong with a tiny bit of healthy narcissism, or ego or self promotion. What ever or however you look at it. You have a gift. The gift of storytelling. Storytelling in a new way. Short form movies. That have clear direction ,definition and clarity. Youre just damn good at what youre doing.
I personally like to see your creativity and how you like to build things, I’m sure there’s so much of you, and stories you can share, don’t stress out Van, we enjoy your videos (:
Man, this is beautiful. I missed your videos in the past few weeks, but I'm so glad you took the time to craft this one to perfection. Thank you, Van. You do influence me.
The challenge is in how to connect the positivity others receive to the internal realization of it ... Van, your viewers have ALWAYS felt this way about you. So as always, thanks for sharing the journey with us.
Some people who exist before the camera don't like to see themselves working. Dame Maggie Smith has never seen most of her work in Downton Abbey. She just doesn't like watching herself. Others, who have cut their chops in front of the camera and have achieved mastery at that craft, have also worked behind the camera as directors; they have somehow made peace with watching themselves, Robert Redford, George Clooney, Jody Foster. I've always enjoyed Van's perspective as the narrator/dir. And I've always wanted to follow (as a viewer) where Van goes and watch what he does, when he's in shot. In the Neistat Brothers, his stories were the ones I found myself watching over and over. When Van talks about his brother, I found that video riveting, his take on describing his brother was utterly fascinating. Like watching Robert Redford, who as the subject, allows us to see 'thinking' going on, he always shows us the wheels turning. Some of the best examples of this are in 3 Days of The Condor and Spy Game, and All the President's Men. That's what it's like when Van's on screen, whether he's shooting himself doing something, or someone else is shooting him doing something, watching his wheels turn, he's the more fascinating perspective to watch on screen. I was puzzled why he stopped exposing his work to the masses. Hearing him here break down what he was doing post Neistat Brothers has been so intriguing that I had to watch the video in blocks to digest not only what was being presented but how it was being presented. It was like watching that old Cinema 360 at Disneyland, constantly spinning to see everything, getting dizzy trying to see everything. He may tire of hearing his own voice in the edit, but it's always the better voice in the work. When Casey asked his wife, "who is the more talented Neistat?" The answer is clear, "Van." And not that it's a competition, merely who is the better voice you want to hear? Never stop making your curated takes on reality. They are one of the best examples of a curative presentation around. And the realization that Van has gone from the influenced to the influencer, the inspired to the inspirer is one of the most honest and imperiled journeys. From son to father, from apprentice to master, student to professor, audience to director...subject to storyteller, this journey is revelatory.
Wife has worked for HBO for the last 28 years. She quit recently to pursue other endeavors. I’m a builder. We have three kids. You have influenced all of us in ways I can’t explain. Everything is only perfect
Your section towards the end really touched me. I'm a 28 year old artist and filmmaker, attempting to throw myself into freelance videography and creative consulting. I'll be honest IDK what I'm doing right now, but just trying to make a similar innate artist's life dream happen while paying the bills. I grew up with computers, being born in 1993, and by 12 years old was when social media started to become present. I'm very tech-savvy and can't go a day without checking things on screens, but when you started talking about wanting to give up screens.... I FEEL THAT immensely. I want that. I want a period of my life with little to no screen presence. As a long time video maker throughout my whole life, I relate to a lot of your sentiments, like thoughts on narcissism, etc. For me, the incessant need to document with a camera I see as more of an honest act of capturing the human experience. And if you happen to be speaking in your video documenting, so be it. It's your artful way of capturing your human experience. I wish for that skill for people of all different walks of life in their own artful way.
“I generally went crazier … “. Love your self awareness and transparency @Van. For that I would say your not as much an narcissistic … anymore. Good for you buddy 👊🏻 Edit: 49, still searching, and learning from your videos (among others)
Your best video is the one about personal crisis, how fitting. I can’t name a better way to profound growth. Kurt’s quote about doing your work/art, no matter how badly, will stay with me forever. Thank you for being an inspiration, Van.
Van, keep up the good work. Though you might feel the videos are about you, you discuss issues we all go through and externally process through them. I haven't felt any of the videos have been to build yourself up. As an example, your running video. You mentioned that you don't like it, but you know the positives outweigh the negative... So you get after it. I can relate. The vintage truck video is awesome. Who hasn't wrestled with wanting something that is not realistic and asking yourself why. The one where you get angry and ruin stuff... Been there. I appreciate the creative ways you find to process and reflect. Keep up the good work. You brightened my day today when I saw you had a new video. It is good work and it is worthwhile in my opinion.
Van, I loved this, and the wait was worth it... Ignore the dictates of the algorithm and post once your satisfied you've made something worthwhile... we can all go rewatch our favorites on your channel while we wait. I like your (what I think of as) aside videos, the one's about what's happening around the house, what your wondering about, etc , but to have a gem like this pop up every once in a while is (definitely) worth not having a new video every Friday. ...and all the plywood structures and gadgets make me feel warm and fuzzy. Keep after it.
Your video's are amazing and always gets me to think about my own life. As a new dad, the video where you and your son went on a trip made me so hopeful about the years to come and the stories we will make. Thank you. Please keep sharing your thoughts and your lessons, so we can learn too.
Also…A gen X man was shaped in some way by PBS. It used to be so awesome. I’ve been a super fan of the new Yankee workshop, and this old house since inception. I’ve obsessed over every episode for decades. Such inspiration! Also…the freaking cooking shows were incredible. To this day, I love cooking shaped in some part by all the great cooking shows like best chefs of the west, etc. I think I was 3 or 4 when they’re started producing them and I’d watch every Saturday for literally decades. God! I effing love your content mostly because we’re very similar in our philosophy of life and state of life. Similar age, upbringing, etc. keep sharing! You are using your creative nature to touch us deeply. I love it.
Every time I watch one of your videos it makes me want to close the lid to my laptop and go out into the world and experience it. Which is what I'm about to do right now.
Your story about the film at Void makes me think about those sublime moments of influence in my life and how much I love art and human emotion. Thank you
This video has left me with that tingling in my mind, similar to when you finish reading a great book. I’m a 19 year old kid with dreams of making it as an artist. You inspire me, Van. Thank you
I am always so happy, whenever I come across comments like yours. I am about ten years older than yourself, with two kids of my own, and I love the thought of young adults in your age-group, knowing to push-through societal norms so-to-speak. Following their dreams, not allowing outside influences to stifle their creativity. While I'm sure it will still occur in your life naturally at some points, as long as you try your best to stay true to YOUR ideals and as cliche as it sounds, follow your dreams, you will do just fine. Sending good vibes and I really hope that everything goes well for you.
What you're doing is fantastic and especially fires me up being a creative person. I appreciate seeing your creative process and also appreciate you being honest and vulnerable. This helps the rest of us to be brave. We're here with you through the rest of your journey and are incredibly grateful to be learning and growing along with you. Thank you Van.
Van!!! PLEASE do not worry too much about stories every time, Youtubing is hard, many burn out. Please, just film things you are doing/making/riding etc. You as a person, the Spirited Man, to a lot of us, is already very interesting and a pleasure to watch and listen to. Heck, you could even do ASMR style videos, where you are doing things with very little words. TAKE CARE of yourself and do NOT BURNOUT! Much love from an avid fan from the Netherlands!
This video explains why I’ve always felt so much kinship to your videos. From New Yankee Workshop to Hunter to The Burden of Dreams we’ve been moved by the same minds. But no nowhere is this more apparent that when you talk about realizing how much of you thinking comes from Vonnegut. For decades I’ve referred to Vonnegut as “The father of the my intellect.” I place the moment I became a person at his doorstep.
There was a nearly tangible, yet fleeting vibe that existed in the early 2000s, when the Gen-x’ers were doing their thing and us millennials were watching. It’s very hard for me to describe it in details but it’s perfectly on display in this man’s films from back then.
In many ways that was the peak of culture, particularly in places like New York City etc. The internet had just come into its own in its sort of current usable form, music was peaking, movies etc. There's a reason you're seeing so much nostalgia now in music and other things. 9/11, while a mostly New York, east coast event, affected things nationwide culturally and things changed quickly after that. New York was never really the same, the music industry changed, lots of things changed. Van's new videos even capture some of this feeling from back then in some way, which Casey's never really did. Casey's stuff was good in a different way and captured New York life in a more modern sense. The early 2000's were the peak and then quick last gasps of what came before, with the new tidal wave of the new (good and bad) quickly swallowing it up. Yes I'm a Gen Xr.
@@amp776 it's not about our generation it's about a vibe man. Judging by your following post you also seem unable to appreciate a local American culture. Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater my dude
@@amp776 it's clearly not worth arguing with you. I share the same sentiment as the original poster. I meant a mutual generational sense of the times. According to your codswallop definition, all of my experience of reality is a figment of imagination. Certainly the imagination plays a role in my understanding of things, but it's an understanding which I feel safe to say is similar to that of the original poster's.
That’s because we lived life without the influence of social media. If you were creative, you became part of a creative network of likeminded people and it was an amazing tribal experience. We all loved the possibilities of social media in the beginning because it was a great way to get the word out about your work, but the more industrious kids turned into a hyper-narcissistic reality tv show. People today are much more influenced by social media, by likes, subscriptions, and the slew of Nerdwriter clones who are all copying the same template. There’s been a music review channel where the guy is just regurgitating Wikipedia entries and it’s one of the most popular channels in that category. The purity of doing something because you’re passionate and you’re obsessed is overshadowed by the look at me content that seems to dominate the social media landscape. We were the last generation to experience a more analog culture. Most young people didn’t even have cell phones back then. It was very rare that someone had a digital camera with them. We just lived kind of basic lives which in hindsight seem very special because we were untainted.
@@djstarsign Agreed - I moved to Portland in 2006 and saw that city's last wave of that era. Literally everyone on the street was some weird artist in a noise band, but not in a annoying self-promotional way. It was a really special time and I'm grateful to have seen a small bit of it. Again, I arrived late on that scene and it was quite different even a couple years later.
Thank you for always making me think more.
Also, idea for a Neistat Brothers redemption second season: “Neistat Fathers” stories of being a dad.
wow i like the idea!
NeisDads
@@rileysierhuis7335 NiceDads
I loved this. I’m now 17, with all that comes with it, and I’m finding that the more I move the more I’m compelled to move to live to breathe; and that the less I move the more I feel stuck, consuming and stagnated. Thank you, because it’s pieces like this one that drive me to move.
There’s not many UA-cam channels around where, once you’ve noticed they’ve blown a deadline, you get irrationally excited because of how EXTRA good it’s going to be. Been anticipating this one and it didn’t disappoint. Love seeing the process. Stay on path.
My thoughts exactly. 🙌🏼
This is the only UA-cam channel where I hit the LIKE button before I watch the video.
Likewise!
ditto
Every time!
Dude! I saw your comment and then I went back up to see if I liked the video already, and yes, I have liked the video already.
And don’t watch sped up.
Hands down the best of this channel and that’s saying something when this is possibly the best channel on UA-cam
Van, I’ve been struggling with creativity over the last 8 years, I create in private, sharing the minimum with limited people. The struggle I have is extremely similar, why me? Why should people care about me? Do people need to see me? I should stop.
You sharing your stories wouldn’t have the same energy if you weren’t in them. You sharing your story of Unstuck in Time, may just have been the catalyst I needed to take the leap. The leap into sharing creativity is the hardest jump to make and this spirited man feels excited.
Many thanks for continuing the journey and sharing your story and thoughts!
- poshjarry
At 36, I’m in my Vonnegut phase, after *trying* to read Slaughterhouse since high school. Finally finished it, now I’m completely hooked to reading. Im currently in Shop Class as Soulcraft thanks to this channel. Me in a nutshell: I failed out of college because of my obsession with cars, and I’ve been living off of my music, built a recording for over a decade now, built a studio with my own hands, while pursuing film as a hobby. Yeah, you basically made this channel specifically for me, right now, in this moment in time. Cheers. Maybe I’ll get to skip the mid-life crisis.
I have been... struggling.
As an early 50 something, with a failing career, and in recent years, a loss of the freedom that unintentional sacrifices in life had given me. And so I have found my questioning purpose. Especially given the nature of those sacrifices and then the loss of the life those sacrifices had afforded, due to the unforseen circumstances of the last few years.
This left me lost, not just a loss of "things".
I, like many my age I would imagine, esepcially if they too are at a loss, have turned to philosophy and literature. And after a considerable amount of time with these ideas and those thinkers, highlighting life, its paths and its pitfalls, you release this...
The timing could not have been better.
Especially given what my inner self slowly begins to convince my conscious mind, is a reasonable, appropriate, constructive and positive way to move forward. And so slowly progress and again find purpose and worth.
Thank you, as always, for your content. It is reasuring, inspiring and comforting in a way so few things are these days. I hope I can have a similar effect on at least one person in the world, at some point... let alone the countless people your work has reached, and continues to reach.
So again, thank you.
I am proud to have you on my list of influences sir. Thank you for the work that you do.
I'm 57 and looking after my Ma on the Gulf Coast of Texas...after 18 years NOT making millions in the movies. To me you are the most acutely interesting dude on UA-cam. Please, continue.
As an aspiring director I vowed to myself that I WILL finish writing as many ideas as possible this year. Your video on narcissism Van kicked the wish into high gear. I know what I want it’s how I believe must change. Tired of worrying about embarrassment I just wanna DO.
The best kinds of anything: art, architecture, humans etc. are all "manifolds" - having many different forms or elements that bring things together in a cohesive, positive whole. Thank you Van.
This channel is simply perfection. Thank you Van for your art. You’re truly an inspiration.
The people who thoughtfully wrestle with this concept are the people I want to hear from most. Thanks for stepping in front of the camera.
Happy New Year Mr Van Neistat. We’re all grateful to have found your channel last year. Here’s hoping for an even better year for us all.
Phew, glad you're back. Missed you mate. Another thoughtful/thought-provoking film. Happy New Year.
It's been years since I've been to a religious service of any kind (I'm Jewish for what it's worth), and I'm strangely feeling like you're my new Rabbi. Not a prophet or anybody divine, but a guy who has read the essential texts, and is up there to offer guidance and teachings based on the great writings and wisdom of the ages. So thank you, Van. I'm not sure anybody's ever called you a Rabbi. But that's what you are to me right now. And I needed a new Rabbi. Rock on, brother.
So well said....I was raised Catholic in a very Jewish community on the east coast. Like you I don't practice. Now on the west coast...just a mish mash of people with little tradition. I always missed the community and especially the wisdom of the Rabbi's. Maybe I need to find a new one as well. Theres always room. Peace
commence rambling: a few days ago I was in up in Kiel seeing my partners very ill father, once I realized he didn't have the energy for much company, I hatched the plan to go to Hamburg to see the Tom Sachs exhibition. I loved it and started (continued with amplified vigur) wondering what I'm doing with my life, especially in light of the old man ticking his days away.
Today needing some focus, I dug up Ten Bullets (which should be universally required viewing). This reminded me that months ago a Belgian mate had sent me links to this channel saying that he was reminded of me. So I watched a video or two, and was naturally hooked. Then I dug up some podcast interviews while i got back to work. Now I came back to see what the most current offering was, and its an honest, frank emotional and logical journey.
I just wanted to back up what the letter writer said: you're a positive influence and I thank you for bringing us along on the adventure (though i know: "never read the comments")
Today I learned. Good things are worth waiting for. We had a long delay between Van's videos and now we see why. This is Van's artist talk.
Sometimes, when I watch these videos, towards the end, I suddenly stop breathing until my eyes cry and then I feel something. Thank you.
Oh I watched all the adds I think. I am poor that is all I can.
Van, I absolutely can't get enough of your do it yourself videos. If possible, profitable and not damaging to your family's welfare, please always keep them coming.You're making a Spirited Man out of me.
I need to watch this 5 more times... Still processing.
A screenwriting professor of mine was always adamant that it was criminal to waste the audience's time, so we needed to make sure that whatever we had to say was important. Van, if something is important to you, I promise it's important to somebody else. There's a lot more letters out there that ought to have been sent. I truly appreciate this journey, your channel feels set apart and I truly look forward to each episode as an opportunity to reflect.
Thank you thank you thank you. I am feeling lost in life. I'm in my third year of electrical engineering and feeling deeply lost. I see many people around me doing things, working hard or just enjoying life. I feel like each passing day is making me more and more numb, with less direction. I feel an immense pressure to start figuring things out, to find a driving passion to fuel me. But here I am, not doing much with myself, sacrificing most aspects of my life for a degree I'm not even sure I want to finish. "I can't start doing this, I need to finish material from my electronics class" is the types of thoughts that permeate in my brain l, constantly, with the consequence of dissatisfaction in life. I've always wanted to make videos, build things and produce art. Kind of like what you are doing, but never had the courage. So fuck it, and I mean it, fuck it, I'll make my life purpose about finding what my life purpose is. I'll push in all boundaries. I'll make failing and trying again, crashing until I go in the direction I feel is right, my main priority. This has been a wake up call, Van - thank you. You're videos always keep me thinking for the whole day, makes me boil with willingness to do something.
Godspeed for everything Van, godspeed.
Hey. You will do great. The only limitation is your very own mind, which, at the same time, is what could catapult you into something new you may wouldn’t have even thought of.
I am already a fan of whatever it is that you will create.
A good life to you my friend, and everybody else on this planet.
My situation is so very similar to yours right now (at least similar to what you stated in your comment). I am also in my third year in computational physics and I feel deeply lost. I feel like I am in the dark, failing to latch on to something.
Find your “Why”. Godspeed friend.
Hey Alfredo,
You have no idea how much I relate to that. Second year of Software Engineering here, feeling as bad and lost as you do.
I feel horrible three quarters of my time, becasue I hate what I am doing so much, and the life I am living doesn't even feel mine.
I hear you. I care about you. Try to focus on what you want to do. I am trying to do the same, and it's hearbreaking, I feel completely good for nothing and useless, and I'm struggling just to function on a day to day basis. Stay hard my friend.
Never worry about what others are doing! That's too much to live up to. Worry about what YOU are doing. Finish your Engineering, and let it and other things inspire you to do something that fuels you. I am in my late 40's and still making my life purpose finding what my life purpose is. Some get lucky and just get find their purpose right away, but for many they accept the status quo or they keep looking.
Something that makes me happy is that there are ~150k people who sat through a 30+ youtube video. And I'm proud of them for doing that, in this world of marketing's "you must do everything as fast as possible" mentality.
I came across Caseys vlogs when he started out a couple of years ago, your brother had a huge influence on me regarding whats possible in a day. Through his videos I came to your channel and i am thankfull for that. Your videos are different to what is posted on most channels nowadays it feels more real. I enjoy the depth and the calmness and I always feel refreshed and inspired after watching.
Van has been one of my key inspirations for many years. I was so glad to see him finally get online and start this channel. I devoured all of those videos and this latest one is one of my favorites. Both he and Casey, and particularly his work making those videos for Tom Sachs showed how brilliant their creativity was. It’s all there, Kubrick, Eames, Gondry, Anderson, Varda, Herzog, and it’s so cool for him to literally show us the influences for his videos. I’ve always loved Casey, but Van to me was the more existential of the two. Watching those old Neistat Brothers videos, I loved his narration. I’m just glad this old guy can still find inspiration in Van’s new work and not just rewatch the old videos dozens of times (which I did for years before he started his channel). Excited to see him bring more voices to his work.
which other videos are you talking about? i thought he was new to youtube.
@@safiullah4955 yes, his channel is new to UA-cam. But there are at least 5 or 6 videos he made for Tom Sachs (the most famous one being Ten Bullets, but also, How To Sweep, Love Letter to Plywood, Color, and a few other “NASA” videos). Someone also posted the entire Neistat Brothers season about 5 years ago, and then there were the videos he put on Vimeo (which included everything from ads for J Crew to riding in the Holland Tunnel, stealing your own bike, the science experiments, and a bunch of others).
He also had a huge hit early on with Casey called iPod’s Dirty Little Secret, which was around before UA-cam even existed. Tom Sachs actually put together all the Nautical Challenge footage on his channel a few years back, and Van was the main protagonist (he was competing against Tom in a race). If you haven’t seen it, it’s brilliant. I was a huge fan and actually went to the world premiere of A Space Program during SXSW in 2016. That’s a 45minute film that pretty much distilled everything into a longer narrative, full of all the DIY goodness both Tom and Van (and even Casey) adhere to.
@@safiullah4955 ua-cam.com/video/CnuRfPjYXc0/v-deo.html
@@createdjustforyoubypaul about four years ago, some guy created a Van Neistat appreciation blog or page. I don’t even know if Van had set up his Vimeo page yet (which has a ton of his old videos). Van somehow caught wind of it and got in touch with him to send him a care package. Maybe if you make a Van appreciation video, he might reach out to you.
This is beautiful. thank you for taking the time to make it and share it with us Van
Van, I had this exact issue with a short documentary I recently created. It's a film about my dad, a film about friendship, a film about flying and being a pilot, a film about doing what you love. I struggled for a long time trying to tell the story... how I would tell the story. Then I realized I needed to put myself in the film, to bridge the gaps for the audience. Everything got back on track and I was able to finish the film. I showed it to about 200 friends and family last summer and published it to my UA-cam channel shortly after. I really appreciated this video.
Can you post the link to this video you mentioned?
Would love to watch.
Struggling with these same themes
Narcissistic is the 80% of instagram and youtube...This is art. Thankyou
I am a software engineer and I never do anything material. Since watching your channel, I started sewing things by hand that need sewing, and I fixed my own central air system in the attic. You reminded me that I can make tangible improvements in life - not just on computers. Thank you.
Van, I don't think you'll ever find this comment, but if you do, there's something I want to tell you. This exact video was waiting for me in the bookmarks for some days, I knew I want to watch it, just was dealing with a work I truly love. Watching it now, making exact time for it made me just speechless. I have watched a lot of your work here on youtube and have always been inspired by the masterpieces all the time. Never commented, now I should. This work is outstanding, motivating me in a lot of ways maybe you can't even imagine. I'm just wondering, you mentioned The Spirited Man video, is there any way I can watch it? Just out of curiosity about your story. These videos are works of art, I know you know it. This deep feeling I've got after seeing this particular one is hard to describe, but it's just amazing. Thank you for this work, you're great being yourself. Thank you! JH
In primary school ( 1995 ) we had a news channel made for children here in the Netherlands.. this was the highlight of our day.. i don’t remember math class but I remember these super creative videos talking about life, the news and fun experiments 🧪 . It gave me the happy feelings😊 . You and Casey trigger that same feeling with your videos. Every time I finish one I want to go out and be more creative. Thank you 🙏🏽
Dear Van,
I'm in Film School. For a class I must do an individual film. All my own.
Just wanted to thank you for your great work. Which greatly influenced me. Because of youI've become a better person and a better filmmaker. Thank you.
@@createdjustforyoubypaul I have no idea how. If I did know, I'd love to send him a letter.
Hope this finds it's way to your eyes Van. I am a 46 year old artist living in Dhaka Bangladesh, who made his first funded short film a year or two back, is going to put down a proposal for a second film in a few days, needed to see this video to have the resolution to write down the plot line. I have also been to the hills of California, spent time with the Lakota people there and learnt much from them. Ever since been introduced to your channel by your brother, you have been a constant inspiration and joy to my life. As a young father myself your spirit constantly inspires my spirit. So I think you are definitely a spirited man. The great spirit will agree I think. Thank you for being, creating and sharing your truth with us. Love to you and your family. Peace
I am pursing a film career and in the process of moving. Throwing things away and donating ALOT. This video hit a deep cord in me as the old is dying when the new is emerging. It’s crazy I happened to watch this while I move. This is a moment I didn’t realize until your video spoke to me.
Tbh I have to give myself some slack because I am near my mid twenties and still new to this world 😂.
I love your videos man, definitely making me feel better about moving.
Dear Van Neistat,
I have just watched this video on my TV and felt compelled to take the phone and write a bit for you just before you told the story of the man who wrote the letter. Nevertheless, I felt like I should be considerate and write to you either way.
Your stories have a strong sense of universality in them. I am a 20 year old brazilian actor and when you were talking about your audience and about reading books and finding one's purpose it felt like you were talking to me directly. I got emotional listening to your trajectory and I can't help but to put myself on the shoes of this spirited protagonist. I can draw so many parallels with my own life.
You have indeed passed down your influence to us. I have even read (and loved) Matt Crawford's Shopclass as Soulcraft because of your videos. Don't dare doubting the quality and importance of your production because you are one of the best things that have ever happened to UA-cam.
You are an artist first and an youtuber second, and even though these two things overlap in your case, they are different. Artists have a real job in society, and that is to illuminate humanity on what it means to be human and show everyone hints and glimpses of what is yet to come in human experience.
My best regards,
Enzo Torres
You challenge my brain to comprehend your statements. I like it. I stop what I'm doing to listen and actually absorb what you say. Well done.
Wow. This is exactly the recent dilemma I’ve been facing recently around being a creator who makes content with myself as the “face” of it. And it’s kind of a relief that your conclusion gave us permission and new insights into the generosity that can come with the use of our image, instead of always berating ourselves for being too front and center.
To me, it’s almost as if we should see ourselves as an instrument and tool instead of the point of focus and attention, just for the sake of it. Your videos demonstrate this point really well, because you’re not just talking about yourself and “showing off”, the main subject of your videos are still around something greater and more universal that all of us can relate to.
I still struggle with this, and I think, as artists we can feel vindicated even in our struggle because we can create content from that internal drama. And I think that is where we become a snake, eating itself, and that could be quite dangerous. Perhaps the balance comes in holding our struggles lightly and see everything as just a part of the game of life that everyone is living in.
I realized recently that overthinking is narcissism, and that, for those of us who identify as intellectuals, we are afraid to be simple and joyful in our momentary existence. Even though in reality, we all know that everything is all really just that simple. But then how will we create art without struggle? And thus it goes on and on.
i know there is no one else like you. why are you right on time? your emergence perfectly timed? something was sown during the age that you were born that took 45 years to fruit and blossom. there is nothing you could have done to change this. bro you are destiny. you were made for such a time such as this. you are the fruit of the gods.
Great to have you back, Van!
Van I loved everything about this video, everything. You definitely are an artist/filmmaker to strive for. You shine a light on my interest/hobby of making a video or a film(eventually) which I have put in the darkroom of my life. You make me not feel afraid or feel daunted about this task of film-making, I feel excited and elated for it. I am grateful to you and I respect you. Thank you and I wish very best to everyone.
Why don’t you start small and make a 60 second film?
This whole story was the final line. You took my mind for a casual drive and then brought me to tears in one scene. Thank you for caring for yourself, so that you might inspire viewers to find a path that includes creativity.
Well done.
When I was in my early 20s I had a shitty job at an advertising agency in São Paulo, Brasil.
At some point one colleague of mine when to Amsterdam on vacation, met a girl at the hostel he was staying and she gave him a copy of Cats Cradle by Vonnegut. When he came back, he showed me the book and my life changed. I became obsessed with Vonnegut, read all of his books I could find in Brasil. Even backed the Kickstarer project of Bob Weide (10 bucks, but that’s what I could give). Now I’m 35, still reading Vonnegut from time to time and have no idea what to do with my life. But your videos are helping me a lot man. This one specially hit too close to home. Thank you for this. You are a very talented and special human being.
Your channel wouldn’t be the same if you weren’t in the videos. We all come here for you Van. You are an inspiration and an influencer…. and owning it!!!!
Watching your films over the last year has given me strength to get towards my goal of being a film-maker, which I thought was long lost to insecurity and lack of drive. You walk us through your steps, inner dialogue, self doubt and most importantly the amount of WORK you do to ensure quality. The jaw grinding and delicate process of refinement until the idea has flourished. I’ve struggled a lot with my purpose, as I know film is the route I’m supposed to take, yet let the industry myths and potential future pressure get to me before I’d even started. I’m going to start again, and I look forward to the work. Thank you Van, dearly and deeply.
I found this channel over the Christmas break, and I've been salivating waiting for the next video. Keep it going Van!
Welcome to the community!
About 15 years ago, I was walking up Third Avenue in the East 50's and saw Kurt Vonnegut sitting on a bench. I said hello, as did he.
A truly humble man, when he dies, only wishes to be forgotten.
Was worried that you'd quit making videos. It's been a few weeks, but now I see what you've been up to. Keep going.
I am not in your typical demo. I'm 63. Still trying to figure out what will make me happy. Ha...you look like you've reached an important crossroads in your life. I think I'll listen to Cornell West more. Today I drew, and painted with my son.
Keep making the videos, I'm in agreement with Tom Sachs.
man...way to be transparent about the tumultuous journey you took. much needed insight for many of us watching
That was intense for sure the moment the battery touched the water , revived goldy amazing revelation of thought there .
Mohala, 30:40-30:50. said it all. Your ability to move fluidly from thought to creative onto finished product while capturing the birth pains of each new unveiling is your craft captured and shared. Thank you.
Wow, New Yankee Workshop! Watched that and This Old House when I was a kid. Learned so much from those guys.
I remember in highschool I used to watch the Neistat brothers ALL the time and wondered where Van went. Now I have my answer. Great job!
this is my favorite short film you've posted to the channel. it's imbued with your sense of doubt about and struggle with unanswered (or unanswerable) questions and yet-to-be-realized potential and personal metamorphosis. the search for resolution is palpable in this, even through to the final seconds, and it denies us a cathartic answer.
perfection.
So happy to have you back, Van. Haven't even seen the video yet, but still happy to see you back.
Glad to see you back Van! There's no other content on youtube that feels more inspiring and genuine. I feel that along the way I lost my spirit and I'm glad to be getting it back. Best wishes and God bless.
You're simply a teacher that hadn't realized they were teaching yet, although many of us have already been learning. You have been very influential to me in my efforts to go from nothing to something. I'm only part way to something but spending the last year watching your videos has influenced me tremendously. I'm glad you're back. Thanks and Happy New Year!
Hey Van, your videos are not narcisistic. They teach other spirited men to claim and love there spirit. They reassure us on our self awareness and remind us on what it is to be human. I appreciate every video you create. The ego must be tamed and can be used by others to learn.
On the one hand I enjoy the predictability of scheduled videos, on the other hand finding a new video of yours randomly makes it more precious and exciting. Not sure which I enjoy more but love all you do either way!
Thanks Van
If one year’s worth of mindless wandering & wondering at UA-cam lead me to your channel, then every second of it was worth it.
Thanks!
Van, I just ran into your channel, and I have watched at least once all your videos, but this one hit home, I'm 45, I relate to a lot of the idiosyncrasies of growing up in the 80's, 90's, and some of the 2000's... I've come back to this video at least 5x to look for some hidden subliminal message such as the one you had Void, maybe I rewatch it to keep my hope alive that I will figure out my life purpose. Thanks for leading the way by sharing your journey, your talents, and more importantly your "voice".
Van, you yourself are the aggregate of those influences. Such that, you are a curation of these books, films, people, director commentaries, teams, projects. To not share that is catastrophic. You are more than the sum of the information you took in.
some time ago, i unsubsrcribed from your channel. For a reason, i could not really understand, it did not feel right any more. I was very sad about that. I still watched the new uploaded videos, but they left me sad and empty. Now i understand....you are a human just like me and have your own struggles. In my mind i put way too much expectations into your work, to help me, to inspire me, to make my world a better place. It is my job to make my world a better place, and thanks to your wonderful and important videos i try to be a better man each day. At age 67 i know it is never too late. I am a subscriber again, thanks for your great work
You are so good at what you do. Be proud of that.
Narcissism has gotten a bad rap. There is nothing wrong with a tiny bit of healthy narcissism, or ego or self promotion. What ever or however you look at it.
You have a gift. The gift of storytelling. Storytelling in a new way. Short form movies. That have clear direction ,definition and clarity.
Youre just damn good at what youre doing.
Thank you for your absolutely beautiful presence in the world, and amazingly supportive service of truth. God bless brother ❤
Paying forward is a blessed concept. Paying forward is not always about finances but more about influences. Thanks
I personally like to see your creativity and how you like to build things, I’m sure there’s so much of you, and stories you can share, don’t stress out Van, we enjoy your videos (:
Man, this is beautiful. I missed your videos in the past few weeks, but I'm so glad you took the time to craft this one to perfection. Thank you, Van. You do influence me.
The tension in this film is palpable... had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. So freaking good. Best thing I've watched in years. Thanks
The challenge is in how to connect the positivity others receive to the internal realization of it ... Van, your viewers have ALWAYS felt this way about you. So as always, thanks for sharing the journey with us.
Some people who exist before the camera don't like to see themselves working. Dame Maggie Smith has never seen most of her work in Downton Abbey. She just doesn't like watching herself. Others, who have cut their chops in front of the camera and have achieved mastery at that craft, have also worked behind the camera as directors; they have somehow made peace with watching themselves, Robert Redford, George Clooney, Jody Foster. I've always enjoyed Van's perspective as the narrator/dir. And I've always wanted to follow (as a viewer) where Van goes and watch what he does, when he's in shot. In the Neistat Brothers, his stories were the ones I found myself watching over and over. When Van talks about his brother, I found that video riveting, his take on describing his brother was utterly fascinating. Like watching Robert Redford, who as the subject, allows us to see 'thinking' going on, he always shows us the wheels turning. Some of the best examples of this are in 3 Days of The Condor and Spy Game, and All the President's Men. That's what it's like when Van's on screen, whether he's shooting himself doing something, or someone else is shooting him doing something, watching his wheels turn, he's the more fascinating perspective to watch on screen. I was puzzled why he stopped exposing his work to the masses. Hearing him here break down what he was doing post Neistat Brothers has been so intriguing that I had to watch the video in blocks to digest not only what was being presented but how it was being presented. It was like watching that old Cinema 360 at Disneyland, constantly spinning to see everything, getting dizzy trying to see everything. He may tire of hearing his own voice in the edit, but it's always the better voice in the work. When Casey asked his wife, "who is the more talented Neistat?" The answer is clear, "Van." And not that it's a competition, merely who is the better voice you want to hear? Never stop making your curated takes on reality. They are one of the best examples of a curative presentation around. And the realization that Van has gone from the influenced to the influencer, the inspired to the inspirer is one of the most honest and imperiled journeys. From son to father, from apprentice to master, student to professor, audience to director...subject to storyteller, this journey is revelatory.
Wife has worked for HBO for the last 28 years. She quit recently to pursue other endeavors. I’m a builder. We have three kids. You have influenced all of us in ways I can’t explain. Everything is only perfect
Your section towards the end really touched me. I'm a 28 year old artist and filmmaker, attempting to throw myself into freelance videography and creative consulting. I'll be honest IDK what I'm doing right now, but just trying to make a similar innate artist's life dream happen while paying the bills.
I grew up with computers, being born in 1993, and by 12 years old was when social media started to become present. I'm very tech-savvy and can't go a day without checking things on screens, but when you started talking about wanting to give up screens.... I FEEL THAT immensely. I want that. I want a period of my life with little to no screen presence.
As a long time video maker throughout my whole life, I relate to a lot of your sentiments, like thoughts on narcissism, etc. For me, the incessant need to document with a camera I see as more of an honest act of capturing the human experience. And if you happen to be speaking in your video documenting, so be it. It's your artful way of capturing your human experience. I wish for that skill for people of all different walks of life in their own artful way.
“I generally went crazier … “. Love your self awareness and transparency @Van. For that I would say your not as much an narcissistic … anymore. Good for you buddy 👊🏻
Edit: 49, still searching, and learning from your videos (among others)
Thank you very much, van! That is so inspiring. Was afraid you wouldn’t make videos anymore. Happy to have this wonderful peace on UA-cam!!
Your best video is the one about personal crisis, how fitting. I can’t name a better way to profound growth. Kurt’s quote about doing your work/art, no matter how badly, will stay with me forever. Thank you for being an inspiration, Van.
Van, keep up the good work. Though you might feel the videos are about you, you discuss issues we all go through and externally process through them. I haven't felt any of the videos have been to build yourself up. As an example, your running video. You mentioned that you don't like it, but you know the positives outweigh the negative... So you get after it. I can relate. The vintage truck video is awesome. Who hasn't wrestled with wanting something that is not realistic and asking yourself why. The one where you get angry and ruin stuff... Been there. I appreciate the creative ways you find to process and reflect. Keep up the good work. You brightened my day today when I saw you had a new video. It is good work and it is worthwhile in my opinion.
What I see while viewing your offerings is not a change, but an evolution. Thank you for tricking me to watch the middle part.
Amazing and Brilliant....well worth the wait.....young UA-camrs will gain so much from this and it will be a seed of greater things to come here.
Gaining enlightenment from our influences of brilliant minds is a place I want to be. Thank you for sharing. 🙌🏼
Van, I loved this, and the wait was worth it... Ignore the dictates of the algorithm and post once your satisfied you've made something worthwhile... we can all go rewatch our favorites on your channel while we wait. I like your (what I think of as) aside videos, the one's about what's happening around the house, what your wondering about, etc , but to have a gem like this pop up every once in a while is (definitely) worth not having a new video every Friday. ...and all the plywood structures and gadgets make me feel warm and fuzzy. Keep after it.
This is probably your most profound video. And yes, you have had a positive influence on my life.
Thank you for sharing with us. It’s helping a bunch of us in our 40’s figuring out our stuff. And connecting with our true self.
I'm 67 and a UA-cam creator. I love your channel.
Your video's are amazing and always gets me to think about my own life. As a new dad, the video where you and your son went on a trip made me so hopeful about the years to come and the stories we will make. Thank you. Please keep sharing your thoughts and your lessons, so we can learn too.
I just had a son. Seeing yours help with the smoke made me misty eyed. I hope that for my own and me in the future.
Also…A gen X man was shaped in some way by PBS. It used to be so awesome. I’ve been a super fan of the new Yankee workshop, and this old house since inception. I’ve obsessed over every episode for decades. Such inspiration! Also…the freaking cooking shows were incredible. To this day, I love cooking shaped in some part by all the great cooking shows like best chefs of the west, etc. I think I was 3 or 4 when they’re started producing them and I’d watch every Saturday for literally decades. God! I effing love your content mostly because we’re very similar in our philosophy of life and state of life. Similar age, upbringing, etc. keep sharing! You are using your creative nature to touch us deeply. I love it.
this is without doubt or contest my favorate channel on youtube ever. thank you
Every time I watch one of your videos it makes me want to close the lid to my laptop and go out into the world and experience it. Which is what I'm about to do right now.
This fulfilled man is happy to see this spirited man's impact on a supporter's life, very fulfilling work Van!
Your story about the film at Void makes me think about those sublime moments of influence in my life and how much I love art and human emotion. Thank you
This video has left me with that tingling in my mind, similar to when you finish reading a great book.
I’m a 19 year old kid with dreams of making it as an artist. You inspire me, Van. Thank you
Same
I am always so happy, whenever I come across comments like yours. I am about ten years older than yourself, with two kids of my own, and I love the thought of young adults in your age-group, knowing to push-through societal norms so-to-speak. Following their dreams, not allowing outside influences to stifle their creativity. While I'm sure it will still occur in your life naturally at some points, as long as you try your best to stay true to YOUR ideals and as cliche as it sounds, follow your dreams, you will do just fine. Sending good vibes and I really hope that everything goes well for you.
What you're doing is fantastic and especially fires me up being a creative person. I appreciate seeing your creative process and also appreciate you being honest and vulnerable. This helps the rest of us to be brave. We're here with you through the rest of your journey and are incredibly grateful to be learning and growing along with you. Thank you Van.
Van!!! PLEASE do not worry too much about stories every time, Youtubing is hard, many burn out. Please, just film things you are doing/making/riding etc. You as a person, the Spirited Man, to a lot of us, is already very interesting and a pleasure to watch and listen to. Heck, you could even do ASMR style videos, where you are doing things with very little words. TAKE CARE of yourself and do NOT BURNOUT! Much love from an avid fan from the Netherlands!
This video explains why I’ve always felt so much kinship to your videos. From New Yankee Workshop to Hunter to The Burden of Dreams we’ve been moved by the same minds. But no nowhere is this more apparent that when you talk about realizing how much of you thinking comes from Vonnegut. For decades I’ve referred to Vonnegut as “The father of the my intellect.” I place the moment I became a person at his doorstep.
My best 31 minutes of 2022 so far. RIP Kurt Vaunnegut
aguante 31 minutos
As iron sharpens iron, one man sharpens another. You're an inspiration.