Can You Be An Introvert Director?

[@MoonlightSocial]

"I'm not a shy person but I do find social interactions very draining" is the best description of being introverted I've ever heard. Thanks for this video.

[@Quirkyalonester]

I had the shy thing growing up, made worse by well intentioned pressure to be 'polite'. When I finally took control and started questioning 'social norms' that had been ingrained in me, I was finally able to just say no sometimes, which felt incredible. I could choose if I wanted to push myself or not. I still get people who question me not acting like they think I should, but I've grown more confident in myself and the boundaries I have made. And people who know nothing about me do not get to dictate how I respond or how I'm going to live my life. Why they even feel like they can is beyond me.

[@MoonlightSocial]

@@Quirkyalonester Love this. So true.

[@Quirkyalonester]

@@MoonlightSocial it really struck a nerve when he talked about atypical autism, as I've never been formally diagnosed, I was tested in elementary school. The range was not as wide then so I was odd but nothing specfic. It wasn't until my mid twenties till I started getting into info about aspergers/autism, and all of a sudden it was like I knew. And then even though I was still different, it was okay. But saying no and creating boundaries meant I was taking care of me rather just being a party pooper.

[@deancreate]

Wise man, isn’t he? 😆

[@marianocerda5024]

That is so true, I once went out to have dinner with some friends in a place that was full of people and I was like really anxious, and when I got home I was very tired and fell like my brain was burning. And I didn't even speak much

[@456Tal]

"According to Wikipedia, I am a Director" - Director of DCs 'Shazam!'

[@Ben-rz9cf]

"These days you can spend hours in a bathroom and have a great time" ~David Sandberg out of context

[@grantyman1]

Hasn't it always been that way

[@creamithmanning2632]

@@grantyman1 It's ALWAYS been that. Think outside the box. Or inside the pants, if you will.

[@nithincbabu8460]

"Introvert doesn't necessarily mean shy". Most people don't realise this. Thanks for sharing.

[@gameone272]

David you’re such an inspiration for young filmmakers

[@sarahdippity]

Well ... ALL filmmakers, I must say! Thanks David! So much!!

[@pablogonzalez9842]

And even human non-filmmakers.

[@sarahdippity]

@@pablogonzalez9842 YES!!!!!

[@noahmccay6048]

He definitely has been an inspiration for me. One of the people that gives me hope that im going to be ok and that filmmaking is a worth my time.

[@rosechuma2006]

@@pablogonzalez9842 And even non-human filmmakers. I mean, uhhhh-

[@johandrytenias1725]

"..as the years go by the movies get a little less shitty" - David F. Sandberg (2021)

[@collaborativekiwistudios1191]

There's my next inspirational poster lol

[@gothnate]

More acceptance of introverts is needed in this world. Everyone says, "You just need to get out of your shell!", but we don't want to. We like our shells, and you're damn lucky if we invite you into our shells!

[@wright96d]

This is why I loathe when my mom tells me I need to meet more friends.

[@BThings]

It is so annoying when people think they're "helping" by basically overstepping boundaries and forcing you to be someone you're not, just because they think you'd be more fun that way. If someone can't accept you being you, then why would they go to the effort of changing you?

[@Quirkyalonester]

@@wright96d it's not the number of friends you have, just as long as they love/accept/support/and encourage you. I also have to say that I've heard so many times that online friendships are not real. Having a million 'friends' on Facebook, yeah I doubt you are close with all of them, but I'm close with a small number of people I've met through twitter and they the closest and best friendships I've ever had in person.

[@deancreate]

True!

[@ut2k4wikichici]

@@wright96d glad my mom's a fellow autistic introvert

[@thomasbrush]

You may not be good in a room when you're unprepared, but you're great in a room in front of a camera for KZbin. AMAZING content. Helpful more than you know

[@KAT-rd8rd]

Ay thomas

[@uniworkhorse]

Huh. Makes me wonder if I've got the exact opposite problem at times. 🤔

[@EpicLightMedia]

Thank you for being HONEST! You make me want to be better.

[@stevengonz]

Unsubscribing from Ponysmasher

[@connectronbuilds9960]

@@stevengonz hahahahaha

[@afriendofepicproportions]

I was literally doubting myself super recently, rethinking my decision to go to film school & become a director because of my personality - this video was perfectly timed and super helpful. Thank you so much

[@nikk796]

Best of luck

[@franciscojuracema7809]

Good luck and enjoy! :)

[@Horsey45]

Wish more directors had YT channels to talk about this stuff like you do.

[@dan-mb2ne]

Imagine Tarantino lol

[@EvanMonroe]

As an introvert and someone who hopes to eventually make movies one day this was very inspirational. Thanks for being so down to earth with your videos and how you interact with your audience.

[@UncleHyena]

Eyyyy love you on EFAP and loved you Breaking Bad analysis video. From what I see of your film knowledge, I think you’ll be terrific!

[@jeffemerson60]

As a person who was constantly discouraged from making or participating in making art of any kind like Theater, Painting, Music, and Especially filmmaking because of my introversion and autism, I really appreciated you making this video David. It's good to see somebody who is similar to me make it big.

[@DarthBiomech]

Introversion only helps with paint and music actually, or so I heard, lol. I speak from experience: The more time spent alone is more time you can practice in creation of these things. friends are optional, family is optional.

[@MrUberKewl]

The fact that after making a few films in Hollywood, you still reach out to us and talk about something so personal (which maybe a lot of us also suffer from), is what I respect you for. Thank you for sharing this... Gives me hope too!

[@greendusk93]

I think the hardest thing about being an introvert filmmaker is having consistent initiative.

[@xmlthegreat]

Yeah sometimes you have the emotional energy to get things done but most days I find myself thinking "Ugh, do I gotta do this?"... And this is while I'm doing editing or still work on set for someone else's film. I was called to shoot production and promo stills at the last minute on a shoot and I really really didn't have the mental preparation necessary to do it but I went anyway and got it done.

[@MalibuDollface]

I didn’t know I needed this , thank you David!

[@blazemartinez533]

Never clicked so fast in a notification, and with the word "introvert" dang 😂

[@shitchops]

haha yep!

[@natnael8484]

You have, stop lying!

[@petrvalnych3140]

I dont like that word everyone using it these quarentine days

[@rijin9460]

Being an introvert and want to become a film director... yes sometimes youtube algorithm can read my mind

[@Lambent_Haze]

The most relatable human in the film industry.

[@minastark9364]

True

[@everstar2440]

Yep

[@southlondon86]

David is one of the most openly honest people I have ever heard. I’m on the autistic spectrum too and his description of fearing break time at school is something I resonate with 100%. In fact it is so scary how almost alike we are, I feel like this man is a long lost brother or something! I’m so proud of him for making it to where he is! Such an inspiration!

[@Impulse_Films]

As someone who loves filmmaking, has Autism, and who just finished college, I needed this video to remind me of my confidence. I was able to fly out to LA a couple months ago to help with production on my first short film. I was nervous to be apart of it but I had practiced working on sets so many times over the past year that understood I was in my element. I could adapt to this quickly and easily. I’m now done with college and will be pursing work as an editor and hopefully future filmmaker down the line. Thanks for this video David.

[@zacharyantle7940]

Hello fellow aspie filmmaker! :D

[@TheCodyNetwork]

I'm a young, aspiring filmmaker as well (still in college). Just keep working hard and staying motivated!! You got this :)

[@Impulse_Films]

@@TheCodyNetwork Thanks for the advice. Much appreciated.

[@KarlVeiga]

*sees introverted director* “Well of course I know him, he’s me!”

[@sergiopalacios4967]

As an introvert who wants to make films for a living, I’ve always though I may not be made for the job because of my lack of social skills. Thank you for changing my view on this, you are an inspiration for me and many others.

[@deancreate]

Same! Hearing that communication skills are a crucial part of directing movies scares me. But hearing David talk about calmly talking about it brings me so much comfort. He’s basically my second father. 😆

[@fourmoyle]

So much this.

[@deliafabri13]

"life is perfectly livable despite the existence of people who think you suck" I will live by this quote for the rest of my life. Thank you

[@EndTimesProductions]

Thanks for this new years gift!! God Bless!

[@BigDoener]

David F. Sandberg: Hollywood's most relatable director out there. Love your videos

[@giulianojahn]

OH MY GOD! THANK YOU, DAVID! Ever since I was a little kid aspiring to become a director, and even now as I'm chasing that dream, I've always been intimidated by the fact that I'm an introvert. You have no idea how much this means to me. I really needed to hear that.

[@markjacobproudlock7130]

I’m a huge introvert and an aspiring director, and hearing this is really inspiring.

[@kisherefilm]

I avoid drama like the plague and avoid social situations, yes, I am an INTROVERT . Films were always my escape as a kid and that’s where my passion for filmmaking grew. Now 38 years old I am making films with my wife similar to yourself. I have a day job but filmmaking is my passion alongside this. When I watched your short Lights Out it changed my mindset and I thought to myself maybe I can do it. I wanted to be a filmmaker. My wife (thank god for her) supported my craziness and we made a short horror called Attic Entity. It made it into Digital Filmmaker Magazine in March of 2015. Since then she has supported me on my next film project that has taken me 4 years. Throughout I have battled self doubt and feeling very stupid. Being and introvert I cast my wife, a few family members and one of few close friends. I am so so pleased that you made this video... makes me feel less lonely and it has addressed some of my biggest fears that have been holding me back. Cheers! Scott 🎥🎬 🇬🇧

[@viewswithben]

Where can I watch your film?

[@AiRbaL2000]

That’s so cool, although how do introverts find a wife? Asking for a friend 👀

[@HoradoTerror]

Loved the video format, the new background and you talking about being introvert. Happy new 2021, waiting for the next vídeos 💜🌹🦇

[@Noahtdom]

I was literally thinking of how directors were more outgoing and social and wondered if I could do that. I refresh my KZbin feed and find this. If that’s not a sign then I don’t know what is.

[@abulzia7609]

That's your breach of privacy.

[@DerkMiester]

As a screenwriter with autism, I really appreciated this! (Especially the part about what I'm creating now might be worse than what I made before, and how progress is not linear...that's a tough one!) Pitching does scare me, but I want to improve. Thank you for sharing!

[@zacharyantle7940]

What kind of stuff do you write? I'm a writer too and wanna direct, make some kinf of movie about autism itself :)

[@M1NDCR4WL3R]

@@zacharyantle7940 If you will make a video about autism please don't engage with 'autism speaks' like Sia did. I am autistic too and I don't like that it's always the neurotypical people who make films about autistic people without working properly with people who are actually on the spectrum.

[@joshuarodriguez617]

Having just graduated film school still with crippling anxiety, I definitely needed this. Great vid!

[@JordanNMusic]

Thank you for saying Introverted doesn’t mean shy. It’s always off-putting for me when people label me as “shy,” before getting to know me. I just don’t feel like talking sometimes. Thank you for making this video.

[@santicraft8]

See early Wes Anderson interviews for further reference

[@ss-hc7tb]

what

[@juyanine]

links please

[@santicraft8]

Typing "Wes Anderson interview" into the search bar should do the job, but here's one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGOUoYZ7oLCpjJI

[@AnandKu44]

Another legendary director

[@SonicHaXD]

Always glad to learn something new from you Mr. David XD

[@JoseFernandez-cd7ew]

He doesn't deserves a suck video

[@JonaMv01]

A year ago you sr uploaded a video called ¨Random Lessons Learned from Making Films¨ where I wrote u a comment where I said I'm not extroverted at all and other things and for my surprise you replied to my comment... that video was a life saver for me. Recently I was wondering if it was possible to be introvert in this industry and then you sir upload this video... You keep giving hope not only to me but to many of us. Thank you so much!!!!!

[@valhallartworks8509]

"I'm probably not the easiest person to become friends with..." That is too bad, everyone needs a friend like you sir.

[@jayfolk]

As long as they can command direction and treats Filmmaking as problem solving and collaboration.

[@GazAdventures]

Love your channel David, really like seeing your opinion as someone who works closely to people who don't really seem to talk about the stuff you do in these videos.

[@artvmex]

That's what I needed, thank you!! I'm film student, I wish you happy new year from México:)

[@laythguitarhero]

Why do I feel like I’m watching a Chris Stuckmann video

[@AusDragon]

A lot of people dont realise how draining being around others can be for introverts, I always have days where I just want to be left alone, not answering messages, not talking to anyone because I need time to myself to recharge. Listening to this gives me hope, thankyou for sharing your story.

[@AnandKu44]

Absolutely correct

[@pixlbit-designs-vfx]

Thank you for this well-articulated, and thought out conversation. I 100% suffer from the same things you talked about, and I thought that it may have just been me...I too, am working to build a life as a vfx artist/ film-maker, and it is so heartening to hear this from someone who understands the struggles that come with being an introverted individual.

[@redbanditfilms5905]

Hey David, as a huge fan of what you do here on youtube and everything you've done outside of the platform aswell, I just wanted to take a moment and thank you for remaining consistent with these videos. Most of us probably see filmmaking on a large 'blockbuster' scale as merely a dream, but it is incredibly refreshing and inspiring to see someone that has already made it in the industry being as down to earth, honest and relatable as you are. I cannot thank you enough for sharing your knowledge and experiences on here and have it be accesible to all of us. You truly are an inspiration dude, cheers from Mexico!

[@viktormonov9397]

As a teen who intends to dedicate his life to becoming a director, I thank you for this video. It's a matter fact, I'm great at interacting with people and I'm able to fire up people about ideas and project but often I lose motivation and purpose. Such videos light my passion again. Thank you!!!

[@martinsantos.4591]

Hola, solo quería decir algo: te agradezco sinceramente por darnos todos éstos consejos de forma gratuita. Y que también te seguimos en el otro lado del continente.

[@houbo14]

Translation: Hi, I just wanted to tell you something: I sencirely thank you for giving us all this free advice. People also follow you from the other side of the continent.

[@8lec_R]

@@houbo14 thanks for the translation

[@madnessbydesignVria]

Thank you, David. As a fellow Introvert, I 'd say this is the best TED Talk I've ever heard. Maximize your skills, dedicate yourself to overcoming your weaknesses. Live your best life. I wish there had been messaging like this when I was growing up. We're often told that being an Introvert is wrong. It's not. I don't hate Extroverts. I'm not even mad at them for not understanding us. I just wish they could accept that we will never be like them, and that's okay. There's room enough for all of us... :)

[@mr.krepshus1467]

Tusen takk for at du tok deg tiden til å lage denne videoen David. Som en ung, litt usikker og veldig ny filmskaper som mange ganger er fylt av angst så var dette veldig meningsfylt. Tusen takk!

[@smitmachhi]

Translation: Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video David. As a young, a little insecure, and very new filmmaker who is often filled with anxiety, this was very meaningful. Thank you!

[@smitmachhi]

Mr.Krepshus You're also really Inspiring too just like Ponysmasher.

[@cheshire2.047]

@@smitmachhi What language is this?

[@8lec_R]

@@smitmachhi thankyou, kind soul

[@zacharyantle7940]

@@cheshire2.047 Norwegian :)

[@johnvermintide]

Wes Anderson and Winding Refn watching this: BRUH

[@francislancero69420]

why

[@LiTTleGaBi21]

Such a good talk. As an introvert, social interactions are very draining.

[@Plaughrey]

You are such an inspiration! Thanks for putting your story out there for us to hear! My wife and I are going to start a journey of producing our own horror movies, and seeing your journey has been so influential in the pursuit of this idea! Thanks again!

[@GrandShielder]

This should have been a Ted Talk. Very heartwarming and reassuring. Thank you for opening up and sharing ! Best wishes !

[@southlondon86]

You’re right actually! He should definitely be invited to give a TED talk!

[@ub150black]

Your speech make my day, David! I'm not a director but what you say is so universal for introvert people. Thank you for such advices. Now, I'm not so alone! :)

[@lilylaina3365]

This is incredibly inspiring! When I was diagnosed with autism I was also told that I was an "anomaly" and that I didn't quite fit exactly on the spectrum. To find out that one of my favourite directors has a similar diagnosis, but has managed to work around the difficulties it can cause to still create amazing media is very comforting! I often feel like a failure when my introvertedness or my executive dysfunction gets in the way of creating the content I want to create, but it's a relief to know that it's still possible to succeed even with those things sometimes holding me back.

[@jakeyBfilms]

As a very introverted person who wants to direct in the future but can struggle in social situations, this video was very helpful and inspirational. Its even harder getting other people on board with your vision and ideas when your socially awkward, but sometimes the most creative ideas can come from people who are in their own head most of the time.

[@YeahWhiplash]

What an incredibly healthy mindset to have. *Shuffles advice into back of head for future scenarios where I gotta persevere in uncomfortable environments*

[@MarkLambertMusic]

Damn . . . you're my mental and emotional doppelganger. It's both comforting and inspiring to hear words I could have spoken about myself-including the description of your childhood-coming from someone of your success. Many thanks for making this video, David.

[@itsdani__]

I myself have autism and can be fairly introverted. I want to make movies that I feel like are important to put out there but if I try to explain it, I butcher it completely and I’ll never be able to express the particular project in the way I feel about it. And with that in mind, I just want to say thank you for putting out this video because I hardly hang out with people who have the same ambitions, at least people who are also on the spectrum. I’m not saying that’s a bad thing, it’s just kinda hard to find a particular place.

[@zacharyantle7940]

I know what you mean. I’d kill to make movies too, I’m actually wanting to write some kind of dark comedy about people on the spectrum haha. I wanna see more stories about people like us that aren’t just tragic awards movies

[@nikolasmengel]

I LOVE every video you are putting here on KZbin, David. I'm watching all of them. You are incredibly inspiring and I'm so happy that you managed to get to freakin Hollywood. You are one of the most human and inspiring people I've ever listened to. Thank you again for doing this.

[@JTISREBORN]

I really appreciate all these videos and how informative they all are.

[@LukeNeumann]

Very wise words, thank you for sharing!

[@worldstarmoneymusic]

Thank you for trailblazing for the introvert directors!!

[@SportSkillWonder]

Your speech about the tribulations of making movies is sensational. your way of talking is so soothing ., you have a clarity that is fantastic.

[@loveatthehorizon]

I didn’t know I needed to see this until now. Thank you!!

[@chilledinlife4125]

You, sir, are the winner of the cinema KZbin community. This is so awesome that you, a legit director currently working in Hollywood, have an active and logical and useful advice! That is just, awesome!

[@kimojio]

Thank you for this, David. I needed it so much.

[@svendawson]

Dude! Thanks for posting this! It might be my favourite video on KZbin. It's so important that introverts are respected and celebrated in this industry else we will lose out on some amazing directing talent.

[@idite-na-hui]

Thank you for this one

[@idite-na-hui]

Well I mean, for other ones too haha

[@MBAfilm]

This is incredible, kind of like a cup of cool water after walking across the Sahara. It’s invigorating. Thanks man.

[@ElliotCoen]

This was just what I needed right now, like seriously! Thank you so much, David. Your videos are a constant source of inspiration and courage. Happy new year!

[@zacharyantle7940]

Hey Elliot!!!

[@ElliotCoen]

@@zacharyantle7940 hey :)

[@AnotherMovieStudio]

As someone who is also nervous at doing this stuff from time to time, this makes it all the more reassuring that this stuff is possible for me. Thank you David!

[@AlterCineYT]

Such a great and honest insight about introversion - and so refreshing to hear this from an accomplished director! Some fantastic TED talks from Brené Brown and Susan Cain, who talks about shame and introversion to a great deal. As much as half of the world's population grew up trying to fit themselves into the molds meant for an extrovert. Extrovertedness has been the mold marketed as the socially acceptable one, the profitable one. Even all of our educational and work places are designed for extroverts. Susan says that we need to encourage schools and work places to allow people to work on their own because that is where deep thought comes from. Introverts have so much to offer, but are usually shamed and not allowed to be themselves in many environments. "Vulnerability is not weakness.... Vulnerability is our most accurate measurement of courage.” Brené Brown

[@SteveWarner]

From one introvert to another, I absolutely relate to your modus operandi. Keep up the great work. The world needs introverts to stay balanced.

[@DreadVR]

As someone with OCD since childhood who went to film school, this video is beyond inspirational

[@SeanvL]

This one hit home for me. As an aspiring director, and someone who is also in my own head a LOT, your message is beyond inspiring. I fully stand behind what you said about dedication and there always being room for improvement, both personally and professionally. Let's keep going at it! 👊

[@karole.]

I`m so introvert, the lockdowns did/do not affect me on any way. Work from home, groceries delivered to my door. Unfortunately I can not shoot too much in my room. David, looking for smashing that poor pony in 2021 too.

[@hinuhinuhinu]

No you still need social interaction. But not too much. And every introvert has different capacity for social interaction. Ans depends on the topics too.

[@tarmin1711]

Me too, Karol, lockdown felt like I was home.

[@OpenFilmmaker]

Came looking for new content... was not disappointed. Thank you for making this. Love how you're embracing film, it's community, and helping others grow. Cheers to a successful 2021!

[@ryu.motion]

I really enjoy a director creating youtube videos. Really good in-depth view!

[@benbishop1131]

I love when Roger Deakins talks about 'hiding' in the camera's eye piece.

[@coolcam055]

This video feels like it was made for me. Thanks David

[@FranklinCarpio]

Why does this have not more views? You are literally speaking about life David! Everything you said was the truth and well said. Wise words Indeed.

[@pondopondo1497]

So basically grow a glorious thicc beard and things will happen. Thats what I got from this vid.

[@dragpalace]

I started to click on the thumbs up button at the beginning on this video and half way I kept clicking the thumb up, because I keep agreeing what you say. I'm introvert as an artist but "act to be extrovert and outgoing", which is devastating. It's unnatural for me. Thanks for your inspiring video.

[@pilzbmx]

"until it's not so bad" 😄🥰 very inspiring, thank you 🙂

[@chrisfern4699]

Don’t ever change, seriously man. I enjoy you for who you are.

[@stagelinedpro]

Me: I wonder when the next ponysmasher video is coming? Notifications:

[@DiLeggeBrothers]

You are an amazing director David. Seeing your old videos made me feel better about the ones I’m making on KZbin now. Thank you!

[@andrewshafferfilms5602]

I want to be a film director and I too have a trouble with social interaction so this helpful, thanks David!

[@ZomboyProductionz]

Thank you so much for this. As an aspiring horror director in film school this really spoke to me. Especially liked your explanation about how progress isn't linear. Not every film you work on will be chronologically better than the previous. Means a lot. Thanks again and can't wait to see what you do next!

[@TheStoenk]

6:42 love how that first drawing has three rows of teeth

[@CommandoNinja]

Such an inspiration, thanks a lot David for continuing to share your experience even after directing hollywood movies

[@Chifftie]

I love this channel sooo much 😊

[@MunchingSawdust23]

It’s really good to hear insider information like this from someone like you who’s just really down to earth. Thank you:)

[@phoenixz7011]

that outro is going to scare the shit outta Adum from YMS...

[@jeffersonstewart2182]

You’re great. Thank you for continually pulling back the curtain, and being such a great teacher

[@TheLight965]

MY question is "can you be a procrastinator director?"

[@heartdelacruz5285]

(2)

[@jessica5497]

I think most artists are

[@petscopkid]

Ooh as a procrastinator that’s a good question

[@danielorozco438]

Most movies have a tight schedule and a limited budget , people are getting paid for being there everyday. If you procrastin you are making the movie more expensive and you're wasting people's time.

[@tristanhartup4936]

@@danielorozco438 unless you're Stanley Kubrick

[@welchworks]

I wish this got big views like film gear reviews, but please never stop making these! So inspirational!

[@dannymadrigal5112]

Well I definitely needed this advice.

[@lukeothedukeo]

My first year of college was a rough, lonely time. Social experiences were few and far between, and when they did happen I felt like I had done everything wrong. Theaters were one of my few comforts at that time, and I happened to find myself walking into one during an extra tough day. I saw Shazam, and I felt better. It didn't magically solve my problems, but it didn't just district from them either. It gave me something to focus on and care about, it helped me decompress. So, from somewhat introverted guy to another, thanks. I appreciate your art and your willingness to share a great deal.