The Homemade VFX in Lights Out

BIG SPOILERS FOR LIGHTS OUT!
A look at the VFX I made myself in the film Lights Out.

[@NostalgiNorden]

They say hollywood takes away you're uniqueness but Man your fingerprints are literally all over that picture ;)

[@zathaca6928]

@If you laugh you sub! you're*

[@yolekz]

@@zathaca6928 your’e*

[@saykojitube]

Moviemaking = problem solving

[@a-life]

Saykoji sampe sini anjir...

[@IantoddusSardus]

nice

[@BlueEyesWhiteCinnamonRoll]

You’re about 2 years too early

[@a-life]

@@BlueEyesWhiteCinnamonRoll true....😧😧

[@gillesmatheronpro]

It's a logical thing... he creates a thing that generates problems, he then brings ideas and solutions to solve those problems... technicians bring the "tools" to turn each solution into a reality. A film (whether long or short) is the final result of a long cycle...

[@EposVox]

Binging your content at the moment. I'm mad I haven't discovered your channel before.

[@kaden.vasquez]

Same, like what on earth this channel is a gem. I wasn’t even a big fan of either Shazam, or Lights Out. But seeing the human element behind it all really puts filmmaking into perspective.

[@rayk9598]

I like the details you added, like making the FaceTime call more compressed rather than being 1080p HD Quality

[@ponysmasher]

+Smijeva Well that bothers me in movies. Also when they do fake glitches and compression that doesn't look like the real thing at all.

[@MichaelJaeYT]

You're low key a genius, such a great movie

[@lykos_productions]

THIS is why I look up to David BIG TIME. He isn't afraid to show the magic behind the movie

[@fdzmarc]

I love how a director helps other people in his own movie, wait, only David does it so, congratulations, you're amazing!

[@mikadocious]

You're truly an icon for the modern horror age & so grateful that you began your journey through KZbin because you gift us all these amazing BTS bits. Your short films were my favorites, your full films will be my favorites. Keep making art!!! 🙌🏼

[@LostUtopiaFilms]

The insights you've been able to give us on the creation of Lights Out are unbeatable. You're seriously awesome man!

[@georgevasiliadis4228]

I just love how pure dedication helped you overcome common film-making problems, as well as budget problems. Tools don't make the man. Excellent work and stunning presentation! P.S. Blender is life boiiiiii

[@TheVoiceofChief]

I love how immersed you are in the film as both a director and as a hands-on editor! Thumbs up right there!

[@deweygerard4143]

Awesome! Lights Out was such a great and simple short. The fact that it lunched your film career is inspiring to all wanna be directors. Thank you for that!

[@Best360]

Amazing to see how much skill from low budget filmmaking comes in handy in Hollywood too. Can't wait to see more!

[@maddis6821]

Annabelle creation is by far the best Annabelle and is even one of my all time favourite horror movies! Good job dude

[@manuel_elastico3163]

Please do more and never quit (unless it’s important obviously). Even though I’m not a VFX artist or a film director or even work a camera I think this helps so many media students or up and coming film directors and VFX artists. I know there’s a lot of channels up there that do this already but you have a lot of experience and you work in an environment where u do this everyday which is many people would rather listen to your advice and tips and input. So thank you for doing stuff like this!!

[@nickstumphauzer]

These videos are the most inspiring thing to young filmmakers. Please keep them coming!

[@ShadDaMan94]

I love how transparent you are about the filmmaking process. Your content is truly inspiring.

[@cass.i.am_]

God, when I heard that Lights out got a movie, I legit screamed. I've been a fan of your shorts for a while, so it was cool to see it get recognition. Although, to be honest, your other shorts deserve more recognition as well!

[@shitizgoel1]

You are a great filmmaker. Hats off to the way you pay attention to the smallest possible detail and sort it out in a low budgeted way. Love your work.

[@gwent1650]

In all honesty I'm not really a big fan of your bigger movies but you definitely are one of my favorite directors for being more down to earth and giving helpful advice to aspiring film makers, stay golden.

[@ponysmasher]

+Linak TheDoodler Well only one bigger movie has been released so far so I might still win you over. But thanks!

[@lukes_123]

I've been watching a lot of your videos and they are all top-notch, super informative. The original Lights Out short is my favourite horror short of all time.

[@jothishprabu8]

I saw lights out and Anabelle2 in theatres. Loved it💗. keep up the goodwork.

[@JudiChristopher]

I love this Video... as I love all of your videos... YOU give me HOPE.

[@hellnawnaw]

Wow this is fantastic! It's so cool to see what kind of quality you can create with free tools like blender.

[@JoeVirella]

It’s really cool that David gives back to the KZbin community that helped propel his career. He’s the best!!

[@fcarvajalbrown]

It is amazing how you can work on a truly professional film with free or budget conscious software... love your videos and your approach!

[@CST1992]

I just want to say, you're amazingly talented; taking simple things and working with what you have, and putting works that are absolute MAGIC. Terrific job.

[@Nagrooven]

I really hope they let you make more horror films! Your stuff is such a breath of fresh air in the horror genre.

[@user-cf5zr1rd8c]

Dude, is there anything you can't do? I feel like you did the whole movie all by yourself

[@ponysmasher]

+Tim Not at all, I mean just look at the length of the credits on the movie.

[@aseerahsan5610]

@@ponysmasher You're the leader of that length, aren't you?

[@littlered6340]

I respect that he refuses to take credit for other people's work, even when people are trying to give it to him. He's probably really awesome to work for.

[@gillesmatheronpro]

Similarly to the conductor of a symphonic orchestra... with the global vision, the final project in mind, the ability to direct everyone towards a common destination. Even though a musical conductor can't play all instruments, she/he usually is a good performer (mainly piano or violon or cello). Thanks to all this, the film director can speak and understand the "language" of each person involved in the project. And only he/she can do that... being the eagle circling above, with the vision of it all.

[@chako33]

I loved boths versions of Lights out (short and the movie that was released a little while ago). Knowing that you're taking care of Annabelle 2 already gives me goosebumps and excited because I know that you'll make sure to have a great polished product for the audience. :)

[@AishawithanEye]

That's a great idea to use a lower res version of the film to figure out vfx before doing it on the raw footage. Thank you for sharing your process!

[@cjkalandek996]

Dude, you are a true inspiration for low budget at-home filmmaking!

[@ShiraziOnEverything]

I'm actually interested in becoming a director myself, and this really helped me understand the process of filming to post production. Cheers mate, loved the film!

[@drewh79]

hey man, this is awesome. As someone who just finished film school it's really great to see a director giving back to others. really appreciate it, you're a fantastic director.

[@nickimarrocco]

Great work! So grateful that you take the time to inform via KZbin every aspect of how you make your material. Wishing you many years of successful filmmaking to come...

[@celica96]

I would've never imagined that VFX production used rudimentary techniques like "throw towel on fire to put out". I had always imagined they had magic tech that just made stuff work. Really cool to learn just even about tiny fraction of the effort that goes into making a movie. I'll have more appreciation going in next time to the movies. Thanks!

[@theL4Y3R]

You are the greatest of all time. ill stick up for you and your movies anyday. Respect where it counts

[@ihassan1001]

Man you're smart, creative and hard work....very dangerous combination...so much to learn from you!

[@kevinwendellcrumb1802]

Awesome work David. It's really cool to see the BTS and hear your thoughts. Really looking forward to Annabelle 2!

[@InclementFilms]

I love how down to earth and real you are! :D

[@JudiChristopher]

Exactly ... He is an Actor's Director.

[@LizaLavolta]

I love the spirit of diy. As a musician who will be directing and doing the fx for my videos - you don't know how encouraging this is. :) Ty for sharing

[@dawsonboyle99]

Probably one of the best Horror films I have ever seen great job!

[@simonm6851]

i dont think so. not original. all horror movies the creature shows up in the dark. no big deal. James wan make that happening. direct a film with 50 people with millios of $$$$ and with the best team the money can buy is easy. is the same thing you give a idea to any director with james wan in hollywood will became famous. Thats all. But as i said, i thnk David S. is a god director.

[@dawsonboyle99]

simon M your opinion although I think it was very well made!

[@RenzoBC]

simon M your comment is hard to read. It takes a lot of talent to make a movie of this caliber especially when it was pg13. You make it sound so easy like you can do it too. You can't, that's why your ass is not a director working in Hollywood. David is extremely talented and I've been following his work since the beginning. Oh and this horror movie was his original idea that got made into a big Hollywood adaptation that he got to direct himself. How many short film horror directors have gotten that chance? The movie was damn good and original and I can't wait to see how annabelle 2 and his future work turns out. He's definitely earned my respect.

[@PBarry]

Love your sense of humor. Great stuff. Thanks for taking the time to share.

[@mongrel6901]

Thanks for pointing it out, now I can see the towel falling in the actual scene and I can’t unsee it.

[@gavingwinn4277]

Dude... you would be the world’s greatest fan editor if you made fan made trailers and stuff.

[@DanSpadafora]

You, sir, are a boss. Keep doing what you're doing. The negativity clearly doesn't get to you and that's the right attitude. Can't wait for the next short (or feature!).

[@WolfgangKern]

Thanks for sharing. Great insight and also really nice to see, that you are still going the extra mile for shots like that.

[@DamienMurphy]

I could watch these kind of insights into your work all day! Great Job!

[@TheBuffNerds]

Incredible work!

[@damodarpatel2272]

Really inspiring video Sir. I'm a filmmaking student and a self taught vfx artist myself, so glad I came across your channel. Had really enjoyed the film as well in the theatre. Cheers! Keep up the great work!!

[@mazeot]

I'm so happy you actually took the time to make a facetime call realistic, there has been too many times I've seen films where the webcam camera happens to be an Alexa with Cooke Primes....

[@brentlauren5824]

Great video David! Love seeing how everything is put together behind the scenes

[@Nefville]

Hey great job, direction & VFX was spot-on. Eric also did a great job, the Bret twist at the end had me, I loved that he came back!

[@landonhagan450]

The original Lights Out short is one off the greatest horror shorts of all time.

[@howkre8ive]

I really like seeing that you aren't a "Hands off", "I'll tell an expert what I want", kind of "Hollywood" director. And that you still have the DIY attitude as well. You aren't afraid to continue using the tools of your past like iPhones and Blender to tell the story. BTW, it's so cool that you have been using Blender! I love Blender. Great video! Keep up the good work! PS: My wife says, "There's NO WAY IN HELL I'M WATCHING ANNABELLE 2!" Apparently you scared the hell out of her the first time. ;)

[@crono_digger]

I wouldn't be surprised if you did most of the acting too. Haha! you're super talented and I can't wait to see what else you can offer for the horror genre.

[@sunnyveerpratapsingh1102]

The fact is that you are a good director also a good blender artists

[@jigurd]

I have zero interest in horror films, but I really enjoy you talking about your process and the nitty-gritty of filmmaking! :)

[@Hector_Castro]

I've been learning vfx, 3d printing and modeling, animation, and lots more. But after realizing I would like to direct film I thought maybe I should stop learning those skills since that's not my main interest. Thank you so much for showing me that those skills are absolutely still worth learning.

[@nickpapps7155]

Man, this is great inspiration! Thank you for sharing an inside look at your process on this film for these shots!

[@DJDanMurphy]

This is such great info - thanks so much for sharing :)

[@bodytemple]

thanks for this, i met you and your wife when you came to youtube space in nyc, with my daughter, even hit you on Instagram about the dvd not having a commentary or features but this is great too cause it still keeps us connected with you on youtube.

[@StatswhatIlike]

You sir, are absolutely inspiring. Your approach these projects and skills show some insight and craftsmanship. Congratulations to this awesome project!

[@soumyajyotisarkar]

Next generatio film maker. A new concept of film making shown to public. Love from India 🇮🇳

[@Photographicelements]

"and the internet rejoiced...." LOL. Thank you for sharing all these details, it really helps indie film productions!

[@joshjones]

I love this video. I love how you really showed what you did, and you didn’t dumb it down.

[@wickerdan9275]

Cool to see some of the “behind the scenes”. Also I really like the main theme from the credits.

[@knucklesbyname]

This is amazing. Thank you so much, David, for taking the time to teach us the ways of the samurai!

[@nnnneeeeuuuu]

RLM brought me here, I had no idea you had a youtube channel! saw a couple of videos that made me want to try blender and see what I can do with it, thanks!

[@LaneCarter]

This is really inspiring. So cool that you can push your budget since you're so used to working with a smaller one!

[@occularmalice]

I'm kind of surprised Hollywood producers would let you do visual effects. It's great you were able to do this and the results are fantastic.

[@JDRos]

This is my dream work, VFX ❤ When I watch movies CGI always amazes me so I'm like "someday I'm gonna be the one making the impossible a reality."

[@CameronGallagher96]

This video is absolutely amazing!! Thank you so much for everything!

[@higgyforever]

Absolutely great that you share this!

[@julieann-marie1279]

You're the next Wes Craven! Amazing work :)

[@startled911]

It's great how you kept so involved! Nothing but admiration for your love of the project and your many talents David! So, what's next?

[@TUKMAK]

You went above and beyond! Whoah

[@joelthefilmmaker]

Thanks for sharing this, David! I show Lights Out to all my students at NYU

[@darqjade]

Love your work and it's so awesome to see you and your lady move into the big leagues, giving us horror fans, the good stuff for a change. BTW. I swooned a bit when I saw your Lock Screen pic was from The Fog. I think that movie is so under rated, it's my 2nd fav JC movie, after The Thing of course :)

[@ireneuszciaglo2228]

Fantastic Work ! I'm impressed !

[@EricCarter12]

Awesome work David! I really love these behind the scenes videos! I'm surprised at how much effects you had to end up doing for the movie. Does the low budget require you to do the same on Annabelle 2? Please do keep these types of videos coming and I will continue to watch them!

[@ponysmasher]

+Eric Carter No on Annabelle I've mostly stuck to just the temp effects. There will probably only be one or two final effects by me in the movie.

[@EricCarter12]

Cool. Thanks for the reply. I reviewed Lights Out and when Annabelle 2 comes out I will review that too. On a percentage factor how much of the movie is done?

[@ponysmasher]

Hard to calculate a percentage, delivery of the finished film is in february though. We've already had a couple of test screenings of the film so there are people out there who have seen an early version.

[@EricCarter12]

ponysmasher Nice. Thanks a lot for answering my questions! I really appreciate it!

[@theL4Y3R]

i wanna screen early and give feedback :(

[@p-squareshortfilms6145]

I am the biggest fan of you... u r always an inspiration...... waiting for your next film.....

[@subirm1991]

Your descriptions are most impressive :) I am really excited to hear that you are going to be involved in the Shazam movie. As someone who has a deep understanding of visual effects, I'm sure you will do well on the comic book property.

[@MarjorieW]

Amazing! I never considered Blender for use as VFX software. Much respect for using Open Source software!

[@timhall1287]

Thanks for sharing all this cool stuff. And nice phone wallpaper!

[@succubunnie]

David, you are amazing.

[@humbertoteski]

Man, your work is amazing. Congratulations.

[@edh615]

I'm speechless, great motivation dude!

[@wazumedasho73]

It was awesome to learn how these fx are done, this is amazing!

[@blengine]

Brilliant! You've done awesome work throughout! Very inspiring. Great use of Blender too! :) Aidy.

[@madnessbydesignVria]

You're my hero. I hope Lights Out is hugely successful (I loved the original short)...

[@BrEaKiNg_Brad]

really nice work. Professional as hell.

[@jasontucker2262]

Dude, you are the shit!!! Such an inspiration for guys like myself trying to get started and catch a break like yourself. I truly feel you would still be content on just making homemade movies with Lotta even though your big time now..... Keep doing your thing bro!!!

[@jacoaths]

love watching all your vids man, amazing job!

[@talic-os5899]

This blender software sounds like magic xDDD This is so cool to watch, thanks.

[@mikedimples]

Great job, I had no idea those were CGI shots. Really cool it's with free software too.

[@santiagosancho2317]

OMG... this is so inspiring. I don't understand how is that you have only 100.000 subscribers being so didactical

[@rafa06n]

man, you are a master, i am seeing all your videos👏

[@pdv]

Dude I love this video so much. Thank you for doing it. You're a monster! I gotta learn 3D camera projection. You can do so much with it!

[@zbeast]

Ya, it's been what 4 years now I just found your channel... Interesting work you have done here.. I just thought directory did the sit behind the camera thing and let the effects guys handle the well effects... Your a triple threat.