Today we’d like to introduce you to David Yohe

Hi David, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?

Ah, the rollercoaster ride of my 40-year quest to become a filmmaker! The young, wide-eyed version of me, armed with nothing but a dream, Film Posters covering my walls, a camera, and an unhealthy obsession with Spielberg and John Carpenter movies, with no direction, just a deep love for the Movies and how they were made.

As a kid, armed with a camcorder, running around the backyard, reenacting scenes from “Halloween” my parents thought I was a bit strange to say the least. Back then, it seemed impossible to break into the film industry “even more than today” and especially if you came from a small poor desert town in the middle of nowhere. But, that was just the beginning of my epic journey.

Fast forward through countless failed attempts at making home movies and realizing Community College wasn’t for me, it was time to move where all the magic was happening and maybe, just maybe I could find my way, Hollywood, here I come. It didn’t take long for me to start sweeping floors and being abused as a production assistant on commercials, TV, and B-Movies. I loved it, every minute of it. A true test to see if you’re fit to survive in the business with its, fast paced, stress through the roof, long hours and lots of Subway and Dominos to eat. IFYKYK. After a good couple years of gig to gig I realized I can never truly be seen as something more until I became something more, so I decided to go back to school to learn more of what I loved and that was at California State University Northridge film school. Ah, film school – where dreams go to either flourish or get crushed like a poorly timed plot twist.

But hey, I not only survived, I flourished and was able to find my true calling in this industry, Directing, Writing and Producing. During my time at school I found a new family, a film family, from instructors to lifelong friends, I couldn’t ask for anything more. Armed with a degree, a heap of student debt, and a head full of ideas, I ventured into the wild world of indie filmmaking. Let me tell you, trying to make a movie on a shoestring budget is like trying to build a skyscraper with popsicle sticks. It’s ambitious, it’s messy, and there’s a good chance it’ll all come crashing down at any moment.

But hey, I’m nothing if not persistent. Despite the setbacks (and there were many), I kept at it. I wrote scripts that never got made, I pitched ideas that got shot down faster than a clay pigeon at a skeet range, and I faced rejection more times than I can count. But we kept making, fighting, and most of all learning and growing every step of the way.

Yet through it all, the good and the bad, I never lost sight of why I started this crazy journey in the first place – because I love telling stories and I love people. Whether it’s a tale of triumph or a comedy of errors, there’s something magical about bringing characters to life on the big screen.

And you know what? After 40 years of blood, sweat, and tears (mostly tears), I finally made it, we are currently finishing our first feature film which will have a huge premiere at a Top 5 Festival worldwide in August “we can announce it in late July” . For me it always has been the goal to create a long form feature worthy of the big screen and I couldn’t be happier. All of this, a lifetime of memories, a collection of films I’m proud to call my own, and the satisfaction of knowing that I never gave up on my childhood dream, couldn’t be possible without the help of others, so many gracious and talented people that helped me throughout my career and I couldn’t be more grateful for them. It makes me give back every time someone asks because that’s how this two way dream works.

So there you have it, folks – the condensed, slightly embellished version of my 40-year journey to becoming a filmmaker. It’s been a wild ride, but hey, isn’t that what makes life interesting?

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

There is nothing smooth about the Film Industry. But I think the more you look at it as a Marathon with a million no’s in front of you, eventually you will reach a yes.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

Ah, where do I begin? As a film director and producer with a diverse slate ranging from spine-chilling horror to heart-wrenching dramas “and sometimes both at the same time”, my days are anything but dull. I adapt to whatever genre the story demands. One day, I’m orchestrating jump scares that’ll make your hair stand on end, and the next, I’m crafting tear-jerking moments that tug at your heartstrings.

But what truly sets me apart from the crowd? It’s not just about the films I make, but the journey I take to bring them to life. I’ve been fortunate enough to collaborate with some incredibly talented folks along the way – from visionary artists to masterful actors – and let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like the bond forged on a film set. I’m not just proud of the films I’ve created; I’m proud of the lifelong friendships I’ve made along the way.

I believe in passion, persistence, and professionalism – the three Ps that define my approach to filmmaking. When I dive into a project, I pour every ounce of my being into it. I’m the guy burning the midnight oil to get that perfect shot, the one who won’t rest until every detail is just right. It’s all worth it when you see the final product up on the big screen. A Director is the true Gasoline for the production, and I always make sure I have my tank full.

Oh, and did I mention I love a good time on set? Give me a fun, collaborative environment any day of the week, and I’m in my element. Because let’s face it, filmmaking is hard work, but it’s also a heck of a lot of fun. And when you’re surrounded by passionate people who share your love for storytelling, it doesn’t feel like work at all.

So there you have it – a glimpse into the world of a film director and producer who’s not afraid to tackle any genre, forge lifelong friendships, and bring a healthy dose of passion, persistence, and professionalism to every project.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?

If you have money, and want to make a movie, call me

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @yohebear