Communicating Your Vision as a Director

Using the work I did on Shazam! Fury of the Gods as examples of communicating ideas in various ways.
Apologies for some moments with loud hand noises (unfortunate mic placement).
Shazam! Fury of the Gods is out now on digital with a bunch of extras like deleted scenes and commentary track. Physical release and streaming on Max: May 23

[@ZachKing]

David, this is such a helpful video for filmmakers and such a cool insight into your pre-viz process, thank you for taking the time to make this!

[@3n3j0t4]

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[@jknMEMES]

You subscribed to ponysmasher as well?

[@astrocapsule]

Babe, wake up; new ponysmasher dropped 🙏🏻

[@cinephileasmr6468]

This man makes me want to keep going on so many levels. Thank you for never leaving the community you started so many years ago!

[@Vesohag]

"Does that mean you can't be a director?... Yes." The end. 😂 Never change, David.

[@Charles12]

He got us in the first half, not gonna lie

[@OSW]

I love how you're a world famous director, but you still take time out to make informative and engaging KZbin content. Congrats on your success and we're all rooting for you. Sláinte! 🇮🇪

[@alcoholicgoat]

The fact that you were so hands on in pre-production, especially with animatics is insane.

[@Donvey]

Hey David. I talked about my frustrations with the industry on reddit a while ago, and you actually commented giving me some great advice. I love what you do, and you really do inspire me and so much others. Thank you.❤

[@goldengamers937]

This guy is so cool, like he literally made a video essay on his own films, so helpful genuinly its really nice to see a real un-press/adverising analysist of shots and scenes

[@rraptor158]

You have been an inspiration since your first short horror films. I am one in a sea thousands of comments but I hope to meet you one day as a director as well. Love this kind of content! No other director I know connects with their fans like this.

[@ruseboy]

I can't describe how refreshing and honest it is to watch your videos, but this one in particular. As a CG Sup (and budding filmmaker) its a blessing to see someone so involved in the creative decision making process and your journey discovering tools that enable you to better communicate your ideas are so welcome. Your producers should love you! Being so well prepared must save a lot of time and money not to mention you're cutting out all the unnecessary miscommunication and uncertainty that can often occur in a typical post production hierarchy. I wish more directors were this involved, and selfishly that our paths cross one day ;)

[@MrLaserPony]

Not gonna lie that wrong bridge scene would be funny to see on film haha

[@space_1073]

Having a massive blockbuster movie director who uploads typical youtube content as though a regular film youtuber is such a valuable resource for filmmakers everywhere.

[@HollyHargreaves]

David, as a horror short filmmaker, you are an inspiration. Love your videos🎉

[@iamcavon646]

You just brought my dream of wanting to be a film director back to me. Depression knocked me off for a few years and I’ve lost the motivation, but you brought that back to me.

[@Creamcups]

This video shows your talent as a director so well. It's apparent you have a real sense of how to work with your crew, your empathy for people is tangible. It's why your films always have a clear vision even when most people's vision gets lost in the studio system.

[@mnemosftb]

Never stop doing these, they are so appreciated

[@mauritanianex-muslim2485]

This video is worth a thousand masterclasses in directing. You are an inspiring person. شكراً ديفيد

[@NathanLathroum]

One of the reasons I ever finished my indie film was being able to look back at videos like these. Gave me a lot of confidence even when we had to deal with all the challenges. And now we're working on another one. Endless thanks for the inspiration to make stuff happen. 🤟

[@kikynessanez5060]

I don't want to be director, or similar... but I just CANNOT stop watching your videos and loving your work It shows me how much love and effort are behind production, and how we get the final product And how much hard work is done, how much detail It make appreciate your art more than anything and therefore, appreciate the final product I follow you since the horror shorts, and will ever do Your love for your art and your humbleness make us, your people, follow you forever Thank you for not forgetting us

[@GrumpyWolfman]

Imagine walking around one day and seeing some guy on his phone seemingly talking to himself on the street, you ask him “hey, what are you doing? Are you an influencer?” And he says, “no, I’m David S Sandberg doing storyboarding for the new Shazam movie…”

[@liquidsnow1]

I worked on some assets used for this project. The movie turned out great. Great work Sandberg and the entire team.👌👌👌

[@GreenGoatProductions]

You're not only a great director but really good at inspiring people to keep making films. Thx for all the great content. (Also, great shirt)

[@IamSH1VA]

22:33 I love when big creators/directors appreciate & loves to use free/ cheap/ open source softwares…. *This video is filled with pure gold*

[@moviesaredope]

23:40 dangit, my guy. You got me laughing for minutes with that one 😂

[@Hrothmeir]

The crudely animated Ponysmasher cut of Shazam has joined the Tatooine Graffiti cut of Star Wars on my most-wanted list.

[@SilentLulamoon]

This is the best possible video to show to someone who wants to know what exactly a movie director does.

[@jgjcreations7393]

Thank you sir for still doing KZbin and sharing such important insights and knowledge for us younger filmmakers to learn from !!! Also, PLEASE COME TO HORROR !!!!!

[@alcon835]

"It is a very outlandish concept that an actor would appear in a movie." oh wow, I'm dying. Love your videos. Thank you for all you do!

[@bryceontheloops]

no matter the reviews on Shazam 2, you are a great director and we all love these vids explaining your artistic process, I wish more Hollywood directors did this

[@ramennoodles7328]

Those videos are so incredibly inspiring and i love that you’re still doing them

[@nebgol]

Continuing to be the most applicable behind the scenes source for a multitude of creative roles. Good stuff, smasher.

[@REaDComicsau]

This video is so damn good! There is no one else like you David, what you make is so inspiring and exactly what I want and need to hear. Your videos are the best and Fury do the Gods was such a great movie!

[@mypal1990]

I'm glad you're still showing videos like these and show how much care and love a movie goes through!

[@jeremymolinari6597]

Incredible video! Thank you for sharing your process, to call it inspiring would be an understatement. You are what’s best about the filmmaking community, thank you for doing what you do and being who you are.

[@SeanMarsalis]

Genuinely appreciate all the insight you give away for free. It's been beyond helpful over the years.

[@tastyneck]

Love that you still share these types of vids on your channel, David. Can't wait to what film you're working on next!

[@probot6515]

So down-to-earth for a massive blockbuster filmmaker, and I appreciate that. You went from small budget horror shorts to Lights Out and Shazam!. Keep making awesome shorts/films!

[@thecommentor1804]

I should be doing my homework, but man watching these 25 minutes was so worth it. Really great insight into the process of directing.

[@davidbjacobs3598]

What we see: Major Hollywood Director. The truth: Plays with action figures for a living. Love all these inside peaks to your process, and that you've continued them even on massive scales! On my last short film, Lights Out was a key reference. Thank you for the inspiration!

[@AndybopN]

Tack så mycket för att du delar med dig av andra sidan av produktionen man aldrig får se. Alltid lika kul att se hur likt filmen blir till referensmaterialet i dina exempel!👏

[@IsraelAgyemanPrempeh]

You’re an inspiration and your humility to come back to the community you started from always amazes me

[@scare_duardo]

David, I appreciate you so much. You’re immensely talented, and the humility and passion you put into your filmmaking is always on display. Don’t ever stop. So excited for your return to horror soon! Much love!

[@alexanderwales7870]

Absolutely love these behind-the-scenes videos, especially as they're illustrative of concepts in filmmaking.

[@darraghhynes5376]

As an aspiring filmmaker on the autism spectrum, I just wanted to say thay you're one of my biggest inspirations, David. I have made six short films (with one gaining six festival selections) and I truly feel like I would not have developed as much as I have without your advice and stories which I carved deep in my heart, especially your last piece of advice of sticking around on the "Random Advice" video. I hope to persue this as a career in the future and I just wanted to say thank you!

[@matthewopteijnde]

Absolutely love this content. Mind-boggling that a director of your level shares something like this on KZbin. Gem!

[@1EndlessDream]

Love your videos like this, David. Thank you for your explanations and hard work while making them!

[@nicoolio_gp]

The VISIONARY David F Sandberg. These videos are so insightful and inspiring, really appreciate your effort and the fact you share all this with us at all. Excited to see what you do next!

[@alexrechkin7]

David you are the best, i collect all of your "how to direct" videos, they are awesome and very useful, i even downloaded all programs you mentioned.

[@ThatYoungMoose]

this lets me know to keep going. Thank you for always giving us so much tips and insights from big scale projects to small ones.

[@olzhasbeis]

I freaking love creative process videos and the way you do them is just brilliant! Much love, Sir!❤️‍🔥

[@apixel.content]

Such wonderful insights, thank you for taking time to share this to the world!

[@pacsmaniac5589]

Hi David, I sincerely can't thank you enough for doing these videos and giving us insights, and I salute you for not forgetting where you started off!

[@atomsofstardust]

David, I’d like to thank you sooo much for making these educational videos, explaining everything and sharing your knowledge! You are an immense inspiration for probably every underdog out there, and I’m so thankful to you not only for all this wealth of information you’re giving us for free, but also for being a great role model! I literally always have the urge to create when I’m watching your videos! Thank you, sir!🙏🏻

[@TheMaverickWerewolf]

Thank you for these videos. I've always wanted to direct films or even enter the filmmaking world somehow, in some way, since my early childhood. I had basically given up. Lost hope. But honestly watching Fury of the Gods and then finding your youtube after (I am embarrassed I didn't discover it after loving the first Shazam so much) have inspired me to start trying again. Love your films, love your work; wish you all the best!

[@julian9664]

I can see why this guy keeps working, must be a wonderful person to work with

[@AllThingsFilm1]

A great example of how its best to use whatever tools you have at your disposal to convey your ideas and directions. It's more about the having clarity in your storyboards and animatics than about the tools that were used to create the boards and animatics. Great video.

[@bertsy]

David, your videos are legitimately some of the most informative and inspiring videos on KZbin. I also really enjoyed your recent interview on Chris Stuckmann's channel and was super pumped when I saw this new behind the scenes video pop up in my subscription feed. Thank you for continuing to freely share your knowledge and experience even after all your success in Hollywood. I'm definitely looking forward to your return to the horror genre!

[@mikal]

As an indie director, I can affirmatively state that you do WAY more prep than most people. Not that you shouldn't. It's better to be over-prepared than under.

[@grosehorror4209]

Thank you for making these, David. Your videos with Lotta really helped me when I was starting my channel and I have now just made my 9th short film and gained over 1100 subscribers. Four years on, through trial and error I feel I have found my own voice. Your videos are the most solid foundation to help people start and you give us motivation keep going. I wish you and Lotta nothing but success in your careers and I will always be a massive fan. Please always keep making these, this is the most valuable filmmaking channel out there.

[@leodoerfler]

Thank you so much for taking the time to create these types of videos. You are a huge inspiration. 🙏

[@amalgamateproductions1944]

Clicked immediately! So excited to see an upload from you. Love all of your work.

[@Yerixshfueada]

This is amazing, thanks for taking the time to do these videos for the community.

[@MariaVosa]

Love how generous and enthusiastic David is with his craft. I hope he gets a new project soon that makes him as happy as he deserves to be. And more content for us! 🤩

[@nolwennroberts7903]

Thanks for putting all this together ! As a story artist it's a little hard to imagine how live action directors work without a full storyboarded movie, so this is great :) there really is no rule.

[@GalZiv]

It's amazing that you're doing this. Thank you for all of the inspiration you provide.

[@lilmilontiktok]

These videos are literally the best. I learn a lot from them every time and honestly they’re incredibly entertaining. Hope you keep them up🙏🏽

[@GodMcQueen]

*I sure do love these!*

[@ubeardave]

Thanks for this David! Really appreciate you putting the time into this and sharing with us!

[@BassemEssam]

Thanks David, your videos are always if not extremely inspiring and informative, are like hanging out with an older brother looking out for you and passing tips. Thanks for entertaining and educating us.

[@BURNTMILLROAD]

David-- you've been hugely inspirational for me and so many other horror filmmakers. Can't thank you enough for staying engaged with your community.

[@gunneone]

Can't appreciate enough that you are giving such good advice for free on youtube that others would take a lot of money for on master classes. Entertaining and very valuable at the same time. Thank you.

[@flamewave64]

your detailed insight into the production is rad!!! it makes people that see it feel more connected to the movie itself. hope you continue to express this stuff for whatever work you may do in the future.

[@Maximustemp]

Great to see modern day directors share their knowledge and breakdowns on the internet!

[@sanjeev.101]

thankyou so so so much for making these videos, please do not stop making these videos. you are such a good person.

[@faves2064]

Massive thanks for making this David, I really enjoyed Fury of the God's, even more so than the 1st shazam. Looking forward to whatever you do next 😁

[@chaunceypierce8803]

Thank you for still taking the time to do this! It's greatly appreciated.

[@leofreaking]

5:45 love how this joke lands, made me chuckle quite a bit! Love your channel, always a pleasure to see a new video from you pop up. Cheers

[@jackieboyborden]

Crazy how much work you're individually doing! So cool to see

[@carlossierramenendez5871]

Thank you so much for doing this!! Your really give us a better idea of how everything works in big productions.

[@phils2086]

I loved both Shazam films , I could really tell you put a lot passion in both of them . I hope you get the opportunity to make more bigger films like this .

[@ignaciocasini7773]

I adore u David, always giving hope and peace with a little bit of humor!

[@tallerwarrior1256]

David it’s been a while since you posted a more one to one video! I’m really glad that you’re able to still find time to put something out on your old platform so that student filmmakers like myself can learn from your success. Keep living the dream and thank you for bringing us along with you.

[@inks-project-archive]

So cool to see the behind the scenes work for this movie! Love all the different little techniques you used!

[@matheusbastosdp]

I hope everyone watches this video appreciates the level of wisdom and transparency David shares with all of us. Like, the fact that all this amazing information and education is on KZbin for free for us to watch, showing the directors process at a studio level for a BIG blockbuster action film is insane. Filmmakers coming up 20-30 years ago could only dream of having this. Thank you, David!!

[@realjpegmafia]

Thanks for still uploading man , watched Shazam 2 recently and it’s cool to see the behind the scenes work done on it

[@hi-five4960]

I feel absolutely unready and unprepared for the idea of doing all of this and having a creative grip on all of this. But like with everything, the first step is always finding out, so thank you Ponyemasher.

[@JoelRamos14]

I’ve never clicked on a video faster! Thank you for continuing smashing ponies !!

[@khanmichael]

Thanks so much for this and all of the art you create!

[@Melondeaudodo23]

I love your behind the scenes videos, It’s extremely helpful and fun!

[@adhvithnambiar3743]

Welcome back @Ponysmasher! We missed you man! You're freakin awesomeness!

[@zachyocum4076]

David, I believe in you as a filmmaker and knowing your story inspires me to keep pushing forward! Thanks for this video! I’ve been wrestling with this process personally lately and I look forward to getting better with your help! I pray you keep making awesome movies so I can support them!

[@NapplePine]

This video was so helpful and inspiring! Looking at those big budget effects heavy films it can be really hard for indie filmmakers like myself to really relate to what that creative process looks like. It all seems so larger than life. Seeing you bring it down to basics with action figures and doodles makes it wayyy more real. Thank you!! Wish more filmmakers did this type of content!

[@trayneadjeifilms]

This was amazing insight. Really helps to see how much work you put in for every shot. Sometimes I think im crazy when I over think details and end up doing sub par work. Thank you for the inspiration!

[@adashofbitter]

I can't believe how generous you are with your time, and how much you clearly want to teach others what you've learned, despite your wild success from shooting short films with your wife in your apartment to making films for a hundred million dollars. Thank you!

[@tyleradams3490]

I finally watched this movie today, with my kids too. I've been hoping to see it so I could watch this youtube video haha. Great job! Let me tell you though... I was thrilled to see Diedrich Bader in this. What a gem. And then I cried for 12 minutes when that scene went down and he went, you know, down. Messed me up!

[@solar-monk]

I really look forward to these. Hope you do more KZbin videos and share your knowledge with us. We really appreciate your generosity in sharing your experience behind the scenes, it helps us all grow as filmmakers and artists. Wish more professionals would do the same, but that's what makes you one of a kind and unique. Cheers man.

[@proctoscopefilms]

The greatest high you'll ever get is when someone brings in something that not only shows that they understand what you have in mind, but that makes the project even better.

[@DoctorBatmanMD]

Proof that playing with action figures pays off. Thank you David! :)

[@davidsteel8324]

This is wonderful. Thanks for sharing David. Loved the film!! ✌🏻❤️⚡️

[@fortheloveofbollywood4617]

I really appreciate everything you share. We love you sir.