Casey Neistat’s Formative Moment

Formative is proudly made in collaboration with Reddit’s entrepreneur community and Google Cloud Platform (cloud.google.c.... Follow the entire series and join the conversation at / formative !
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For our first episode of Formative, we sat down with filmmaker and startup founder Casey Neistat to discover what pivotal moment in his life drove him to the success he has today.
Casey Neistat was kicked out of his family’s house at 15, became a father at 17 and decided to move to New York City by age 19. After discovering video editing when the first iMac was released in 1998, Casey vowed never to pursue an average job or average life, reveling in the self-expression that editing video gave him. Today, Casey has over 1.5 million subscribers on KZbin and is the co-founder of the rapidly growing social platform Beme.
upvoted.com/vi...

[@casey]

Thank you so much for including me in this series. It was a tremendous honor to work with you guys

[@Nighthawk20000]

+CaseyNeistat We appreciate all your cooperation to make this great series! Without it, we would never see such a great history of Casey.

[@RightHearted]

+CaseyNeistat When do you wear a hat?

[@LoadsTV]

+CaseyNeistat my inspiration

[@rachit]

+CaseyNeistat You're the reason I make films and want to be a filmmaker when i grow up. No bullshit, no nothing. Just saying it. You're my hero (second, after my dad)

[@giusseppe_c]

+CaseyNeistat thanks! you are awesome!

[@JesMarwaha]

One of the most inspirational people on the internet. Wicked story.

[@reddit]

+Jes Marwaha Thank you, Jes! We're excited to keep delivering more--especially with great recommendations from r/entrepreneur. www.reddit.com/r/Entrepreneur/comments/3oqbvj/hi_rentrepreneur_were_introducing_formative_by/

[@CarlosSantos-gf3si]

+reddit where can i find the music?

[@RPGesus10]

+reddit this was amazing, it literally makes me proud to use reddit. thank you.

[@Pauldjreadman]

+Jes Marwaha I couldnt agree more

[@22sungho]

+Jes Marwaha 24by7job.com/?ref=5643

[@TrapNation]

Awesome video, glad to see Casey on here.

[@carloswins559]

+Trap Nation +reddit Get this guy on here?

[@stanleytucker3871]

TRAP NATION AYEEEE

[@SDBoards55]

never knew trap nation watches casey's vlogs 😂

[@52irishman]

d-d-d-d-d-drop the bass

[@golu_badbola]

+Trap Nation Post a comment on one of Casey's vlog to use trap music in his videos.. I've been commenting for over an year but to no avail, maybe he'll see your comment..

[@Carllama]

2 Casey videos in one day, BEST THANKSGIVING EVER!

[@ArcadiasAngel]

+FaZe Carl Hello Carl..

[@realestatewithdanny4337]

+Kennedy Bui u don't what ur talking about, just leave

[@catfunt5744]

+FaZe Carl So much hate lol

[@BariumCobaltNitrog3n]

+Boot Clan *you're

[@burnouty]

+FaZe Carl you too

[@hellowaya]

It's like a prequel to Casey's vlogs

[@SmuggleFugglePotatoe]

Yeah, but he has a "draw my life video" that's pretty similar. Check it out if you haven't! It wasn't the first video I had seen from him (far from it actually) but it was through that video I got hooked to his channel!

[@DavidGuerrero1]

I would strongly recommend watching his vlogs, his production quality is (in my opinion) the best on KZbin. I started watching them 3 months ago and I'm hooked. I start all of my mornings watching his newest vlog and I love every second of it

[@sunday.4597]

+David Guerrero watch his older movies too. bike lanes is great

[@DavidGuerrero1]

+sunday. I've watched most of his older movies including that one, it was great

[@beyondartistic3774]

+David Guerrero My mornings are his vlogs 2, it wouldnt be the same if he stoped vlogging

[@musingsofajay387]

+Hand Lotion his Running video is what got me hooked. I watch that video every time i dont feel like running and I always end up running 3-5 miles

[@ReasonMakes]

+David Guerrero Not only that, but the CONTENT is some of the best on KZbin. Casey makes a big deal about production, effects, acting, etc, all being "slave to story". And he does an excellent job telling stories.

[@volleyballl98]

Who else just came here from the vlog

[@DavidRivera-gc3hi]

I did ha-ha..

[@roanengland2692]

+volleyballl98 I DID

[@Bioxed]

+volleyballl98 Congratulations

[@austerror]

+volleyballl98 Me

[@MichaelFrancisRay]

here here

[@ChrisProuse]

Came here from Casey's channel - love this vid :)

[@omgiloveyou4665]

me too

[@HumanBehindMask]

IT'S YOU FROM THE VLOGS.

[@ininits]

Same here :)

[@hollylaughter8722]

+Chris Prouse "

[@kypejaw384]

Me to, Now onto watching more of your channel.

[@WhatsInside]

Follow your dreams. Whatever you felt inspired to do while watching this, do it. Thanks Casey.

[@UltimatePS3Gameplay]

+What's Inside? AYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!

[@onecloudproductions7515]

Lol just stumbled on this comment

[@maxmoeller5309]

I absolutely love watching the work casey creates. He is such an inspirational person

[@maxmoeller5309]

and the video reddit did about him is great

[@benatschiiii]

That was awesome! This is the kind of content I expected subscribing to this channel. Well done.

[@reddit]

+Ben Levian We aim to please, Ben. Thanks!!

[@MADBONE0]

+reddit aaaaannnnndddd i subscribed ^.^

[@NicolasWaldvogel]

+reddit Really really well put together video guys, your content rocks!

[@billybobjoeanimations118]

Subscribe to Casey

[@ZeroDisturbed]

It is weird how someone i've never meet in real life and that probably will never meet inspires me so much.

[@DariaMusk]

Daaaaaaaaaaaaum! That was brilliant! Gorgeous cinematography, and Casey is always inspiring in the most bad-ass-est of ways! Yay! Adding "be featured in a Reddit Formative video" to my vision board ;)

[@reddit]

+Daria Musk :) Happy to hear it, Daria. Thank you!

[@brokenpoptarts1409]

+reddit She says this to everyone, about everyone. she is a sub begger.

[@NHix33]

+Daria Musk Haha I said "Dayyyummmm" out loud after this video finished too haha

[@JGTechBlog]

+Daria Musk How are you verified at 2k subs and im here at 20k subs and still cant get verified ???... KZbin!!!

[@JonWrightt]

The production quality of this is amazing! Really good job on the cinematography and editing!

[@TrinaDuhra]

This was awesome! Inspired by Casey yet again!

[@RCFunTime]

+TrinaDuhra , Not sure who inspired who?! Casey is good but reddit went the next level with state of the art camera gear and pro editing!

[@bigjuicychicken535]

+RC FunTime (Mike) she meant she was inspired by casey

[@AwesomenessHippopotamus]

Casey and I relate on a ton of levels. I left home young, worked my tail off doing construction till I could afford to chase my dreams. Moved to the UK and now I'm earning my masters degree while working at my dream job. Everyone told me I couldn't do it, everyone told me it was a silly dream, but here I am doing it. Don't be deterred by those who settled for less.

[@nathanieldrew]

Tremendous story, tremendous cinematography. Such an incredibly refreshing way to look at the world.

[@DavidWorley94]

As a 21 year old boy, this is one of the most inspiring things you can show me. Thanks Reddit and thanks Casey x

[@Kravven]

one of the best youtubers !

[@PaulCarter206]

+Boanca Radu-Cristian *The best youtuber

[@ZealousEscape]

+Paul Carter Best vlogger, idk about overall

[@chiaraascencio1589]

+? qpqloopCarter , i99

[@Popsfresh]

+Boanca Radu-Cristian Make sure you vote for Casey in the shorty awards for youtuber of the year.

[@YourLocalGuatemalan]

Casey has been my favourite guy for a few months now. His daily vlogs are a must in the mornings. Truly inspirational in every regard.

[@ChippyGaming]

This was a really great watch! :)

[@Flavio617]

very inspirational ! im still to this day so honored to have had casey use one of my beats , hes the real deal!

[@upcomingcloudrapperluca7645]

first time I heard Casey say fuck

[@mlefeb]

Watch his older videos

[@upcomingcloudrapperluca7645]

Matthew LeFebvre I've been here since the bike video bud

[@mlefeb]

Luca Thomas Ok then...

[@AgentXaos]

Did it get you off, sweetie?

[@upcomingcloudrapperluca7645]

+χάος what

[@slbrick56]

Came here from Casey's vlog. I'm probably much older than many of the folks who are here, but I am so impressed with Casey's drive, devotion to his dream and family, and his ability to simply enjoy life. His emphasis on 'positivity' (is that a word?). Great video by reddit. Well done.

[@VivienneGucwa]

Great first episode! Inspirational!!!!

[@sentient1705]

Best inspirational quote from Casey that makes you want to think and move out of your box: *_That moment, leaving Connecticut, leaving what was a life that very easily could of been my entire trajectory, working kitchens, living in a trailer park, struggling and being miserable, making the decision to leave that, and embrace something that was certainly terrifying that was unknown, that was undetermined in every capacity, that inflection point, that decision, has been the most pivotable decision in my entire life._*

[@chrisw3972]

I built a half pipe in my office... I bet that teacher didn't.

[@BariumCobaltNitrog3n]

I love how comfortable people are saying hello to Casey. His enthusiasm is infectious.

[@doug]

love this!

[@Poudii]

cinematography on point! love how much they did with the skateboarding scenes in his nyc studio

[@Beardbrand]

Hey guys, congrats on your successful launch of your new show. You couldn't have picked a better person. Love me some Casey Neistat.

[@SharkTheBear]

ARE WE NOT GOING TO APPRECIATE HOW PERFECT THIS VIDEO IS? Starting from the recording of the video to the editing, and all the other stuff that I don't know anything about. Highlighting some of Casey's words, and the drawing of the apartment for better visuals, and using the old video of Owen and the blur clearing on the Work Harder lights, it was all PERFECT. I want to let the team behind this video that YOU GUYS DID A FANTASTIC JOB AND YOU SHOULD BE PROUD OF IT. THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS. Time to binge on the rest of the Formative Moment videos now brb :'D

[@AitchC]

2 girls and it takes you 6 weeks to get one of them pregnant LoL

[@ldomi25]

He is pretty slow amirite?

[@BariumCobaltNitrog3n]

+H Ca uhh more like 6 weeks is when they did the first test. he got her pregnant in less than a week.

[@Dirtlifer]

I found Casey on KZbin in 2012 and have been hooked on his craft ever since. He is in my opinion one of the greatest hidden treasures in American cinema. I know KZbin isn't technically considered "cinema" but when you're talking about the quality and overall impact he continuously produces, I think that word is most appropriate as he has a way of blurring that line! Well done vid right here! Nailed the essence of Casey and his rocky trail to success and internet relevance. Two thumbs way up and there'd be more if I had them to share!

[@charlimarieTV]

wow seriously GREAT interview!!!

[@toesand1992]

I'm thankful I found Casey this year.

[@aorules]

For anyone wondering, the song that plays at the end is DB_Aimless FULL by Temp Love. A link to the song can be found here: www.templove.com/#!details?id=13482452

[@HaydenDore]

+aorules Thank you :)

[@templovemx]

+aorules We produced that record! If you're interested in checking the whole thing out - you can find it here: templove.bandcamp.com/album/not-my-tempo

[@aorules]

+TempLove Great! Thanks for the link.

[@TheLegalizeBro]

+TempLove It's fucking brilliant! loving the vibe :D

[@ReasonMakes]

+TempLove I can see where the inspiration came from :D

[@MagicHarps]

I've heard this story countless times, but it never gets old. Casey is the biggest inspiration for a lot of us

[@CGagnon5]

Holy shit he only has 1.5M subscribers in this video. He is well over 5M less than a year later

[@antbatt1313]

6.29 mil on 1/17/17

[@BenAllen76]

Casey is easily and by far one of the most inspirational, motivational, genuine, down to earth and positive guys I've come across. He seriously deserves every bit of success he achieves!

[@JackMcSeveneyUKS]

Principle: "If you think you're gonna grow up and be able to skateboard through the halls of your office you got another thing coming" Casey: "I built a half pipe in my office a few years ago just so I could skateboard while i worked" LOL

[@trickyricky98]

Principal* sorry couldn't resist

[@AlanTaccone]

Came here from Casey's channel - awesome video. The best part is that I saw his early work years ago and didn't even realize it was him until I stumbled across his channel about a month ago. Now he is by far my favorite vlogger/content creator/internet master. Keep up the good work!

[@melaniemurphyofficial]

Bloody loved this :)

[@writtheegg]

this is the only ad I did not skip

[@IKS-Exploration]

Casey is an amazing creative guy! :)

[@FrankDiNardi]

I live in a town really close to Casey's upbringing and even closer to where he had his summer house in New London Connecticut. I came across his videos after searching for drone information and became totally addicted. His videos have become a part of my daily life and have inspired me to make my own videos and started an aerial photography business. Casey has that "it" factor.

[@MarcoAlvares]

Casey is fucking awesome. Great content, reddit!

[@Miniplev]

Huge props to the production team! This was extremely well put together and the graphics blended so well to further explain what Casey was saying. And of course a big thanks to Casey for sharing. Living proof that if you want something and no one else around you wants it for you. You can still make it happen with work.

[@SmartTechReviewer]

Wonder what the girl who dumped him, thinks of him now...

[@WeAreCamels]

The girl that dumped him is his wife. They got back together.

[@xylotobryte]

+Abdukahor Muzaffarzoda Candace is his wife now, but she is not Owen's mother/the girl Casey got pregnant.

[@WeAreCamels]

***** oh lol thanks fixing the mistake

[@xylotobryte]

+Abdukahor Muzaffarzoda No problem

[@sassclasstv]

Well they're on good terms so I guess there's that

[@JordanRants]

he's such an inspiration.. love him as a person. don't see how anyone could hate casey he's the most down to earth dude on this planet

[@Alejandro_Away]

Casey Neistat is your definition of= "JUST DO IT"

[@thesoccerplayersguide9620]

I don't think I am alone in saying that what makes Casey's vlog the best is him. Just an awesome guy who represents what most young people on youtube want, to find themselves and reach for their best.

[@SadHoursDrive]

The *best* daily vlogger.

[@stevocanuck]

Casey's career is growing around the world so fast. Everyone's recognizing his work it's impossible to catch up

[@KaranBulani]

1:43 seeing casey abuse for first time without beep

[@thewheelhouseproject1528]

His unbridled enthusiasm is why he is so popular! It's contagious! He's motivated me to take risks in my own life. Thanks Casey!

[@khcstewie]

Hey what was this shot on?

[@reddit]

+khcstewie FS7 + A7RII with some beautiful Panchro lenses

[@khcstewie]

Damn. Looks awesome. Great video guys :D

[@armandop6924]

+reddit have you done a romanatwood formative

[@Luckywynne]

Raising the bar for every storyteller on KZbin, and motivating people to act on their ideas. Great job Casey!

[@carlo3526]

What's the outdo song? With the drums and all

[@sheeperskipps]

I saw an ad for this awhile back at that introduced me to Casey Neistat. I watched the entire ad and now, I'm a devoted fan. Thank you Reddit for this and making it an ad.

[@Tardisius]

Good story =)

[@thisismynameok]

I see you everywhere Tardisius xD

[@RageElixir]

The quality of this video is incredible. This story is very inspiring. Thank you Casey, thank you Reddit.

[@trebvvv]

I've watched all of caseys vlogs and videos, but I still don't know, what does he do at Beme? He always says he's working, but does he code, or...?

[@doomerbained]

What would an owner of any company do?

[@Dmetal23]

+trVe Owners don't code that's what cheap indian labor is for

[@SpecterWRLD]

+Dmetal23 Really? So tell me , who is the CEO of Google and which country is he from? You watching this on KZbin is all because of an Indian. SO think twice before commenting crap you little shithead. Get out of ur moms basement and get some knowlwdge.

[@blahhblah6635]

He's an innovator. In a sense he comes up with ways to improve his product. This includes meetings, coming up with funds, advertising, planning, etc. Look up other social media CEO's. He does that.

[@Alex-om1be]

Such an inspiration, as Casey says "WORK HARDER"

[@robulosity84]

This guy is what happens when a 40 year old tries to be hip

[@MX-CO]

He is Hip he totally accomplished it! And Made 25,000,000 along the way!

[@ilyaonthefly]

I've seen this video so many times now and it never gets old. Casey is a huge inspiration to me and to many. I love this series as well, the idea of interviewing different creatives/artists/entrepreneurs and exposing their "formative moment" can definitely help people who are doing something in a similar field. Keep up the great work on these!

[@tordb]

Oh boy, Reddit is making short films now about people no one cares about. If you truly want a waste of time, watch WWE.

[@undermoonstars]

Someone's jealous.

[@metabeer]

+KawaiiBirdie13 haters gonna hate, just ignore the poor guy

[@zan8085]

Oh boy haters are being miserable again lol

[@nicolaso215]

Try not to cry too much, I'm sure you can make something of your life just like him. Someday :)

[@TheFitITGuy]

+Lord Levrion casey has 1.5mil subscribers. Obviously people care about him, more people than will ever care about you.

[@ZSharkPH]

I bet Casey was very happy with this edit and shooting. You guys did an amazing job capturing one of you tubes brightest stars.

[@aznmarinex2]

Casey is probably one of the most intelligent human being on earth. He is pretty much a grown kid with all kinds of fun gadgets and shows the world that you do not have to follow the "intended path" in order to succeed.

[@MirandaMarieChannel]

Sharing this with my class for my "Insight Video Project On Leadership". Casey is inspiring and an amazing role model. Thanks for making a quality video! Enjoyed every second of it!

[@jason01095]

Here by way of Casey's plug. The production value on this video is fantastic. Looking forward to what's to come!

[@csp42199]

I love the amount of times he bashes Connecticut. I have to say, as a native-born Connecticuter, it is not the best place to live in, thrive in, or get a lifestyle out of. He made the right move by getting out of here because there was no way in hell he was going to succeed in this state for very long, if at all. You go, Casey.

[@Littlebulldog88]

That F word at 1:43 was so refreshing; since he censors himself in the VLOGS.

[@HeyGuysItsMichaela]

i could listen to Casey's story and wisdom hundreds of times and still be entirely fascinated.

[@MassiveBrad]

When Casey says a video is WOW, he is never wrong this was amazing and very well edited, good job Reddit

[@DaleReubin]

That was one of the best short videos on Casey, not made by Casey, I've seen. Outstanding!

[@debracornett5384]

Yes, Jes Marwaha, I so agree with you....Casey is one of the top most inspirational people prominent on You tube and the internet....I love his daily vlogs....I am 61 yrs young ....and am learning so much from him and I am a Retired RN/Healthcare Professional. Viewing his life progressions has assisted me in gaining a new perspective on life and also expanded my relationship with the internet, you tube and the digital world.

[@ElioDellaValle47]

Awesome job! Casey is the most inspirational people on the internet

[@Thelawncarenut]

Excellent - filled in a few gaps in Casey's history that I was unaware of.

[@pianoaround]

Good to see this guy crushing it as always. I run into him from time to time downtown and he is certainly a guy to be inspired by.

[@99AppleDJ]

If you don't know Casey, he is one of most adventurous person on KZbin. He is not a vlogger... he is more than that!

[@kuya5000]

This was a wonderful first episode. Can't wait to see what more you guys have in store! :D

[@toriiii752]

i am a huge fan of caseys, we're from the same town in Connecticut and its inspiring to see someone actually leave and do something. amazing individual

[@CoachLapezo]

There hasn't been very many people in my life that truly motivate or inspire me. Never would I think someone from youtube could have such a positive impact on the way I look at life. Casey's a mentor without even knowing it.

[@jonasjohajohanson9517]

The editing and the video design is extremely good! Great work!

[@eddiesmaize3814]

Dude I freaking love Casey Neistat I've been watching him since 2012 and it's great to see his channel finally grow!

[@valentinotto_]

everything was just so on point: the cinematography, the graphics, the musik.....i love it

[@devintheman3]

Casey you're the man. It's humbling to see where you have come from to where you are today! Break down the barriers!!

[@MattSS101]

The skateboard scene at the end gave me goosebumps. Powerful scene, great guy

[@ianw814]

Such an incredible human being, inspirational is not the word.

[@lukebfilms4232]

Iv heard your story so many times and it is still so inspiring. You are the reason for my youtube channel which i so certainly love. Thankyou casey

[@guasabara]

I wish this video would've been longer. Casey's story is fantastic and I'm sure it inspires others to make a jump and try and do it.

[@GinAmber]

Love his brain, smart, amazing personality.

[@ginaheartscupcakes]

This is so well edited wow!

[@MAG320]

Caseys a beacon for all other aspiring KZbinrs. Redefining the world as we know it.

[@MsJazzyjazz85]

I absolutely love Casey Neistats work and personality! He's everything we all should want to be! Hard working, fearless, intelligent, and caring! He has changed so many peoples lives through his vlogs and his movies have inspired many people to get up and work with what they have, tell your story! I am suffering from major depression and anxiety attacks at the moment, and whenever I watch Casey he makes everything better! He makes me believe that the only thing holding us back from our dreams is fear! Every single day he portrays that message to all his viewers on YT.

[@Betty-wb2oe]

3 months later and it's the first time I see this video as an ad

[@SiskoSilberARG]

Great music, production, montage, editing, story line, animations, graphics, and every single aspect of it... I'd like an extended version of this, but 6 minutes is a great choice. Subscribed!

[@SaadAlkabli]

This guy is amazing and inspiring me in every single vlog .. I started my vlog because of him.. thanks For creating and sharing this

[@JackCozens17]

love you casey man never stop posting content on youtube