Behind the Scenes: Lights Out Trailer

[@CZsWorld]

YOU ARE LITERALLY MY HERO!

[@blakethompson2397]

Hi ;)

[@CZsWorld]

+Blake Thompson Hello.

[@EverythingChannel1987]

Love ur vids

[@HAVgiraffe]

I love how you are so honest about the process. The bubble wrap thing was hilarious.

[@ChristyABell]

I love you still take the time to make these behind the scene videos. I can see your personality shine through and it makes me immediately want to share and hit the replay button

[@ponysmasher]

Thank you +ChristyABell !

[@nilstoresson7713]

+ponysmasher '

[@blackridgeproductions2738]

Dude... u are inspirational. The fact you shot a Hollywood film and trailer and ur like “yea I just pulled out my bmpcc and shot stuff” and then u break down how everything is done?! It’s amazing.

[@Maraike-Animator]

"Dude! Did you know Hollywood ripped off your short?" "Yeah....they stole Lotta and everything. Damn Hollywood." OMG so funny lol :D :D 6:16

[@Stigmatix666]

"Lights Out"? He directed both the short and the full-length :P

[@madnessbydesignVria]

#givemebackmylotta

[@Lifesizemortal]

Actually he ripped off the idea of Lights Out from a manga called "Kouishou Rajio". Of course, stealing ideas from Japan is a time honored tradition in Hollywood

[@anhnhvn]

@@Lifesizemortal I've read tons of manga and have never even heard of it. People come up with the same ideas all the time. Doesn't have to be a ripoff.

[@Lifesizemortal]

@@theforevermachine nope. read the manga. or stay ignorant. your choice.

[@DarthBiomech]

I would love to hear you talking more about actual experience of suddenly advancing from a two-man crew to a commanding a huge crew with expensive gear and producers to report to and schedules that needs to be maintained, huge money that's at stake, etcetera... I guess that was a lot of shock and stress, so I'm curious how you were overcoming this. From what I guessed, most directors move upwards in movie industry relatively slowly, from simple nobody on a set to higher and higher importance roles, learning about what to do by watching real directors at work while they are doing so. So I'm curious to hear point of view of a man that was basically just throwed into a pond to learn how to swim. Would love to see the actual film. but it seems that I just missed the theatrical run in my city...

[@ponysmasher]

Yes, I will do that. I'll just have to find the time since they will most likely be longer videos.

[@yourregulerkidgamer4159]

+ponysmasher if ur the creater of this movie can I have promission to make a game about it

[@marianartz7006]

I remember seeing this movie in Cinema when I was only 16. I pretty much shat my pants. Well done

[@zstamey84]

I was privileged enough to see an early screening of your film and it is phenomenal! I had the same thought that I always do going into any horror film "I hope this isn't cheesy". It certainly was anything but cheesy. The whole audience was screaming the whole time. I love how you let your characters be smart as well. Not letting them miss things that would have you screaming "why don't you just do this!?" "omg, who would do that???". Very well done and super super exciting to see these behind the scenes videos and a whole KZbin channel that I didn't know existed. I'm a huge fan! Actually, I saw your "Lights Out 2013" short long before I heard of the feature film and thought maybe someone had ripped off your idea. Glad to know this is your project and great to see someone grow a short into a feature! Congrats and thank you for the fantastic experience!

[@Welshpatriots]

He is a legend I love his films and his honesty. Hollywood doesn’t deserve great people and film makers like this with David. Truly a great guy!!!

[@j.jmarlon1417]

dude!! you have no idea how much I appreciate you for. this video. between your vimeo videos, short films, and interviews, you and your wife brought back a lot of inspiration for me to stay motivated. definitely seeing lights out on day one. I love your commitment with sound. can't imagine the theater speakers.

[@Deenique16]

Right?! I'm so excited

[@rickysimon4470]

i watched lights out short years ago.. and the chills still deeply in my spine.. i watched all of your shorts.. including your hollywood movie lights out Man!! YOU nailed it!! and now im goin to bed and im turning my lights on! thanks ponysmasher. more movies to come! ur the man!

[@TSAwesomeonomy]

BIG thanks for everything you've done, David. I'm really grateful that you've used your opportunity of creating this film to provide the rest of us with transparency in the filmmaking industry. Your insight across KZbin and Reddit has been really valuable to me, getting to understand how films are made and what your experience has been transitioning to big productions. I've loved hearing about all the processes and little hacks you used during the making of Inside Out. Also the film terrified my friends and I, so thanks for the good scare!

[@TheRealMacAndCheese]

Lights out was a breathe of fresh air for me as a huge horror fan. I was in university when it came out and had limited time to go see movies. I would never miss a horror movie but I was decently disappointed in most except for this one. I just appreciated the simplicity of the story, the tension, and call me crazy but I love jump scares. Anyway, thanks for sharing all of this, I've been watching your videos every morning for hours before work since last week when I first found your channel.

[@Whofan06]

I still can't believe it's just been the two of you all this time, your shorts were already Hollywood quality. XD I am so excited, I almost screamed when I saw the trailer at the theater!

[@qutalive]

I first saw the trailer at my local cinema. I live in Moscow. The trailer immediately grabbed my attention 'cause I felt that there was something different with this horror movie. And then I found your channel and couldn't believe how much amazing work you've done before getting that feature. So congratulations, dude! I'm certainly going to see Lights Out when it hits theaters and I'll be waiting for more awesome stuff from you!

[@ponysmasher]

+Andrew Quta Thank you! More awesome stuff will come 😊

[@Baja383]

It comes to no surprise to me that "Lights out" is being made into a full length film. You are bringing a new mechanic into the horror genre with this film and it frightened the hell out of me. Thank you and your team for giving inspiration to aspiring film creators! Hope to see what comes next.

[@robertodavidson3071]

I'm really glad that you're directing this movie. One of your qualities that I really like is how you actually made your characters think!

[@ponysmasher]

+Roberto Davidson We had fun with that in the film as well. Characters who don't behave like typical stupid horror movie people.

[@comedicmemoir]

Thank you so much for posting these videos! It's so nice to see someone documenting and describing the journey from making small indie shorts to a big studio production. You're living the dream, man! Can't wait to see Lights Out!

[@vitalbutinar]

David you're the man! Thank you for posting videos about this it's such and inspiration to see how somebody else started out and how and of course where it's taken them. I totally agree about what you said about seeing something that had gone wrong in a shot. Nobody else sees it but you know the cable was there and there's nothing you can do about it and every time you look at that shot you see it. So thanks again for giving me a little when I needed it.

[@alaricxyz]

David and Lotta, congratulations on your first feature film. Audience loved it here in the Philippines. Thank you for keeping your channel up and running and for always sharing. Been a fan since forever. Thanks again.

[@GHBMovingPictures]

So cool to see these indie film techniques being used in such a large film. You have been such the inspiration to me in my filmmaking endeavors, so thank you. I'm super pumped to go see this at the end of July!!!

[@succubunnie]

I went to see this movie the day after opening night and I’ve never been so afraid while watching a movie. It was AMAZING! Did not disappoint me!

[@Ian-S.]

I love you man, you're a riot. Your level of honesty and transparency, even into the darkness inside of us all, is inspiring. Always be you, you're an inspiration.

[@damiensantillan6125]

Your videos, new and old, give me a lot of hope and inspiration. Thank you

[@victordominguespaulo1367]

I am really glad that Blender was used in this movie! Great contribution to the Blender community. Blender FTW

[@autumnmorgan6506]

Fantastic! Its awesome to see creators be so open around the creative process. I've been a fan of your short films for a while now and I can't wait to see how Lights Out translates into a longer movie.

[@EposVox]

Some genius stuff in here!

[@VincentiusGunawansfilms]

I've watched all of your horror shorts and have been so inspired by them. When I realized that the Lights Out posters I've been seeing was indeed the feature-length remake of your original short, I went nuts! I just watched it in the theater tonight and you've definitely made me an even bigger fan of yours. It was definitely the best horror film I've seen this year and even one of the best I've seen all time. Really love the storytelling and directing! (especially how you clearly stayed away from the stupid cliched "let's-go-check-that-creepy-corner-for-no-reason-just-so-that-the-ghost-can-catch-us" scenario too often found in horror films.) And as an aspiring filmmaker myself, I am beyond thankful for all of the BTS' you've uploaded here for us to see. You are more than just inspirational - you showed us the way to achieve what seemed impossible. Thank you so much for making my day! :)

[@brycenator100]

Can't wait for lights out! Keep up the fantastic short films!

[@cinemadrew]

I just saw the movie, saw how you went from shorts to features, and how the transition was awesome. You are a huge inspiration to me. This is awesome

[@Cuc047]

I saw the movie on opening day and I was very happy , scared me a lot, thanks for making it , I loved it :), Good Luck with your's future projects

[@ponysmasher]

+Cuc047 Thank you!

[@jasonchilado]

+ponysmasher hey what's up ponysmasher? u planning a attic panic full length anytime soon?

[@leo.oliveira.trailers]

+ponysmasher This is really cool! I'd like to be a film director one day, and after seeing this video, I felt very inspired by how much you accomplished with so little. Congratulations. I can't wait to see more of your movies. One little critic I gotta say though. I think it would be cooler if you didn't explain who the girl is right at the beggining. But I loved the idea!!

[@jorgedlr7016]

+ponysmasher This is fucking shit not the story but the man who created it or should i say the man who stole the idea of it we all know you copy creepsmcpasta

[@dystante]

I love your work. Lights out scared me to death the first time I saw it. It is really good. Awesome work!

[@emretufekci101]

Regarding the bubble wrap, remember: True art is never finished, it's only abandoned. Best of luck to you and your family, it's wonderful to see a short I enjoyed come to life. Cheers.

[@wexusdotcom]

What's pure about this is that the MINDSET is deeper than what he is saying but if you do the work & produce enough ... That feel you develop is amazing in this BTS!!! - Great story!!! Thank you ;)

[@thegrimefather1110]

Congratulations ponysmasher, i've been watching your shorts since near beginning. I love them all. About time you got some proper recognition!!

[@ponysmasher]

Thank you!

[@kurtemeigh]

Thank you so much for this video. I have always been fascinated by film making. I will be watching this just because I respect where you come from, and the road that you went down to get here.

[@thenaje]

how am i only finding this channel now? best thing on the web. thank you!

[@francisfotography214]

Thanks David. Trying out some of your low budget techniques and they work perfectly. I feel you and a group of others are revolutionizing the big budget excess that many hollywood studios are still clinging to. Guerrilla film making all the way!!!

[@borussenyannik]

I am so happy that you have the chance to create your own film... Well done man.

[@GhoulishExpeditions]

This is a great insight into making a Hollywood movie that I'm sure most of us have never gotten. I'm excited for you. Haven't seen the movie yet. I'm gonna go rent it right now.

[@zstick]

I cannot wait to see this film. I hope everything goes well for you and you're able to do whatever it is that you want with your future now that you'll have this springboard into the industry. Please, though, keep making shorts from time to time! You're too good at it to stop now!

[@GuilleKH]

This video is great. It's really interesting when a director talks about what he thinks about his own project and shows to the audience what he used to make his film possible like you did. I wanted to see this film (I liked a lot some of your short films), but now I'm totally going to do it :)

[@Invisableman111]

I totally understand what you mean about there always being one thing that sticks out. That's the creators curse - and also the MAIN reason I stopped acting in my own film productions. Its looking great, so psyked to see the final production! And I'm also really happy to know that you're treating this with all the heart and soul you've treated your other movies - right down to the practical effects and ghetto tricks. Really inspirational!

[@drmartyr9462]

Your are such a Huge inspiration to me! i can't explain de joy i had seing that Lights out was coming out as a full movie and BY YOU! You were filming those short movie in your appartement and now this! If you love what you do and put all the effort and love you can make it. you're the proof of that.. Thanks

[@anotherdude9456]

I love behind the scenes footage. I always want to know how things are done, the eyes with reflective tape is so simple but so creepy I have to find a use for it.

[@michaelham696]

i loved the original short and alot of your other work. can't wait for the full feature.

[@sarahdippity]

The reflective tape idea is awesome, David!

[@sarahfreed8648]

I am über excited to watch this movie! I am a huge fan of your shorts, and they inspired me for a couple of school projects I had to do; a German film, and a film for theatre production. I mean, I wasn't able to use your lighting techniques, but your stories were enough. I cannot wait until June 22! I want it to come faster!

[@VampiricReflection]

As an aspiring prop maker, watching this video about the film creation was fascinating. I love how you used the reflective tape for the eyes, that's very clever! I can't wait to watch this movie!

[@RachelFilmsThings]

It's really inspiring that you've taken the time to do a behind the scenes for the feature. I have found your channel to be a place for wonderful horror, but also somewhere educational for indie filmmakers on a budget. I am so excited for you both and look forward to where this takes you!

[@ponysmasher]

+Rachel Travels Places Thank you, I'm also curious to see where this takes us :-) It's lead to great things so far.

[@jeaneugeneguan11]

You have a great sense of humor, and I love your short films. Subscribed.

[@SUPERSLEEPOVERFILMS]

Thanks so much for making these videos, they help me with my own shorts. I will for sure be watching Lights Out the day it comes out.

[@kenzium5052]

Im so proud of you guys like i remember when i first found this channel & it was just short films which were so good but now you guys are making movies & thats so amazing, cant wait to see it!!

[@AlbertoTrianaDirectorDP]

So much truth and awesomeness in this video! I've had the pleasure to work on some feature length film sets as a PA and Dolly Grip, but am trying to put out some of my own short films online now as a DP and Director! Every time I see you update or just rewatch an older video it reminds me two things. 1. Get Off your ass and Do it. 2. Get it out there. Thank you for all you do and I wish you and Lotta all the best! I will be there Opening weekend! :D

[@ponysmasher]

+Alberto Triana (Berto) Thank you very much! Yes, getting off your ass and doing it is the best way to get things done :-)

[@AlbertoTrianaDirectorDP]

+ponysmasher Right on man! I'd love some feedback when I finish this one Im working on now. Its just a 3 min horror short, shot it in an after/evening by myself. Im using After Effects for the first time... Keyframe tracking hooo boy lol. I mean just any advice if you ever find time would mean the world to me! If not i completely understand as well. Keep it up man! I'm rooting for y'all!

[@drifterillustrator5927]

Congratulations! I've been watching your shorts for years, excited to see how the film turns out.

[@sachioko234]

Whoah. This is art. I can't wait until this is out. In the Philippines, while waiting for Conjuring 2 to show up, the trailer for this one played first and wow... people were reacting well to it. Screams here and there. . .

[@ItsRileyDude]

Thank you for showing how you do these things. First and only channel i have the bell on for and you didn't even ask.

[@KevinWinchester2491]

I have been a huge fan of all your videos, cant believe that you'll actually be making a full fledged movie now !! , you have really come up a long way, an inspiration to everyone, cant wait for this movie to release :)

[@FellGrey]

I'm very happy for you and your success in making Lights Out a real movie; I really enjoyed it. It's also great that even you had to get your hands dirty in the making of this film. I look forward to your future endeavors!

[@paulrose4201]

Haha now all I will look at during that scene will be the bubble wrap. 😂

[@TheOutNash]

I've been fan of your short movies and yesterday I watched this movie, first show. Loved it !!!! Keep it up.

[@TheOnly1Zalo]

Im impressed. For a hollywood studio film it seems like you were the one solving most of the problems on set, despite being the director and not a producer or a studio VFX professional.

[@Dekead1930]

That eye effect is incredible!!

[@josephhoffman2992]

the film was really good! Saw it twice! One with myself and one with my mom!

[@MasMashFilms]

Watched the film yesterday. Loved it! Best horror movie of the year by far! I know you'll make Annabelle 2 great as well. Just wanted to tell you guys you are a huge inspiration to me and others who make short films on KZbin! Keep up the awesome work

[@OrionWolf00]

That last line you said there is sooo true 😂 there are so many things i point out to my parents when they watch my shorts and theyre like "i wouldnt have even noticed if you didnt point it out to me"

[@CharlanaJo]

I am so proud & happy about this! How exciting it must be for you guys! Can't wait to see it.

[@kifenty2075]

this was so cool. I wasexcited when I first saw the trailers, knowing your short made it to the big screen, congrats the movie was great !

[@Nagrooven]

I saw Lights Out already at the pre-screening at VidCon! I had to say, I wasn't expecting much, but it turned out incredible!

[@ryanpalmer6930]

Hi David. Congratulations to you and Lotta on your short film becoming a movie! I have been a fan of your short films ever since I first saw Lights Out and I was thrilled to see it become a full movie. I just went and saw it and it definitely lived up to my high expectations. It is one of the better horror movies I have seen in a long time. The scares remained terrifying throughout, the cast was excellent, and I'm happy to say that I was much too scared of Diana to notice the bubble wrap, even though I knew it was there (having already seen this video before I saw the movie). I will probably also be sleeping with the lights on for the next few nights. I'll be looking forward to the Annabelle movie you're making, as well as the Light Out sequel of course!

[@ponysmasher]

+Dr. von Nostrand Thank you, very happy to hear that!

[@jasonchilado]

+ponysmasher hey David PLEASE reply! I am a big fan of your work and I love your shorts so much! I'm 14 and you have inspired me to write horror movies when I get older! I really hope one day you can direct a full length of attic panic that I wrote! Thanks for everything and good luck to you and your wife to your new Hollywood career!

[@ponysmasher]

+nba73 Thank you! I'm not sure Attic Panic could sustain a full movie though.

[@jasonchilado]

+ponysmasher THANKS for replying! maybe a family can move into a new home but it has an evil presence in the attic. And Loretta makes a cameo. Pretty clique but i'm just brainstorming. Anyway thanks again and I hope you can upload more videos soon!

[@cbb3480]

I can't wait to see this in theatres this Saturday! I'm not surprised that you've had so much success! 😊

[@Q2Japan]

Man... we're all lucky as ehll to be able to learn this much from your work :0 Thanks from Japan!

[@Mu3azOsman]

Amazing insight!!!!

[@andersmellerup4771]

Dude, you're killing it. Freaking love these videos of yours, instant subscribe!

[@JoshuaGerlach]

Hey David, Love your movies and this channel! I'm a huge fan of yours! Thanks for the video you make the greatest Behind the scenes videos hands down!

[@martinjohansson541]

Riktigt häftigt med Lights Out och tack som fasen för att du delar med dig av lite tips&trix!

[@hxbfilm]

It is so cool that you really talk about the stuff behind the scenes in a hollywood production - you are on your way to a big gamer in the filmmaking industry (i´m sure) but still you take your time to to tell us about your work and the problems you have to face. Nice to see that you can make use of your indi film making experience on the big set by the way! Keep up your good work!

[@raefeasts]

Just saw the movie! It was so scary! I loved it!! Really glad you got the spotlight you deserve! I'm telling all my friends to watch it!

[@hamham545]

congratulations on the movie! i really loved it! i remember when you announced the movie a few year's ago, can't wait to see your next film!

[@saraw1379]

Okay but this is so much less professional than I imagined, I'm so glad I stumbled upon this video because it has totally changed my outlook on films :)

[@startled911]

Looking forward to the release, but I'm going to be looking for that bloody bubble wrap now...cheers...Loved the idea using reflective tape for the eyes..A true film guy!

[@andyang6725]

I really like your sense of humour, even in the film itself. Enjoyed it!

[@drewwjo3586]

Just got back from the theaters today. I did not know that the film was derived from a short. (And one of the best ones at that) I'm a new subscriber and I gotta say you have got to have one of the most complex minds I've ever seen. I had just watched the making of "Closet Space" and I don't understand how you can just imagine well thought out stories that just capture your full attention and satisfy your horror need! Thank you for a wonderful idea and movie! Sad I didn't get to see more of Lotta. (She sold her part though!) Keep up the amazing work :)!

[@SevrinK]

The bubble wrap...I know your pain! Once again, thank you for sharing this stuff and showing us behind the curtain.

[@dylandoesminecraft]

You said you found a way to let the actress keep her eyes open with the reflective tape on. Could you please tell me how to do that?

[@ponysmasher]

+ItsDylan We modified a pair of tanning bed eye protectors. They're shaped after the eyelids so they they're close to your face. Her vision was still limited though since the reflective tape was right in the middle. But she could look down and see where she was walking etc.

[@BrunoParnell]

@@ponysmasher We're shooting a short tomorrow and are using this technique, thanks for all the tips dude!

[@jennaflores622]

So excited for both you and lotta! Congratulations. You two inspire me SO much

[@MYSTERIOUS5HRJ]

U R now my Friend 😘💝🔥 Its a great experience to me Iam 17 years old this will make me a good director i hope. Now You r my teacher of film making Thanks a lot lot lot🔥😘😘😘😘👍 love from Kerala, India

[@1weck1]

Anyone else watches behind the scenes to be less scared of the movie?

[@raymondkelly7596]

yup

[@brettschaap3610]

Me

[@orenji196]

Yes, this guy's work is just too fantastic and spooky, I need to know how it's done so I don't feel scared lol

[@cassidybryan6479]

me

[@ellenlewis9059]

Yess 😢😱😓

[@thetuke9254]

This movie has very clever marketing keep it up can't wait!!!

[@Yassutta]

Your movie is very well done!!! The last 30 mins scared the bejeezus out of me.

[@shoelias008]

You're so nice and humble, even after you made your own hollywood feature film, you still posting videos and even answering questions! I'm Sooo looking forward to see this film!

[@ponysmasher]

+Elias Gonzalez Well yeah, it's what I love to do 😊 Good thing that it's cheap to do as well. If this Hollywood thing doesn't work out then +lottalosten and I can always keep making movies ourselves.

[@shoelias008]

ponysmasher Again, your answer is so humble, you do what you love and dont care about fame and thats why you deserve everything and more! You are an inspiration, honestly you inspire me to move my ass off the chair and follow my dreams! Thanks!

[@elena9.7.77]

omg that reflective eyes trick I loved it!

[@barrymendonca]

The last thing you say at the end (what is it like to be a filmmaker), I completely agree. When I do my short films and start the editing, sometimes you find that little fault that starts to haunt you forever 😂😂😂

[@lexderochechouart]

Hollywood has to love how you make savings with such good ideas ^^

[@Serenade172]

Great films. Congrats on the big movie based on one of your short ones. "lights out" was scary and I believe the movie will too. Also like to say congrats to Lotta for making an appearance for the Channel.

[@Eccentricities-x3]

Happy the movie is coming out, I promise I will be going to see it in theaters lol..But I still really love watching your short films too, you're so creative and it's amazing.

[@aileenbelinda7170]

keep the great work~ loves the collaboration teamwork of you and james wan!!

[@MissMallory]

I was so excited when I first saw this trailer because I recognized that girl (locta?) and I was like omg this is from the shorts on KZbin haha you're incredible sir. Wish I could work with you! Love horror movies and we can't wait to watch lights out.

[@QuesGer]

You're amazing! Lights out will be released here in the Philippines tomorrow! Can't wait to see it! And I hope you'll be able to make all your shorts into full length movies. Will definitely watch all of it!

[@PeterAlbanese_]

This was soo good to watch as a massive movie fan.