The YouTube video that broke Hollywood

Watch nothing, except everything by Wesley Wang

Subscribe to @wesleywangfilm

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00:00 The YouTube video that broke Hollywood
01:02 Are you reading this?
02:38 Why this video went viral
07:42 Interview with Wesley Wang
19:07 Interview with Lucas Shaw
33:28 Will YouTubers take over Hollywood?
43:02 Deepend

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ABOUT US
We’re Colin and Samir, creators based out of Los Angeles California. We make videos about the creator economy, and the lessons we’ve learned over 10 years of being on YouTube. We also interview creators and try to get to the bottom of what’s working on YouTube and where the creator economy is headed.

[CGPMAD]

"I did it because I didn't know it was impossible" is such a great quote to have in mind whenever creating anything. Love the Citizen Kane nod

[labonimredha]

Immediately recognised the thumbnail lol

[iamjohnxu]

i met Wesley last year at Sundance. One of the most humble, bright kids ever. Had no idea it'd lead up to this moment years later, but never one more deserving!

[benrosner_]

Went to high school with Wesley and helped on the set of one of his films in the 9th grade. He's such a guy and the lengths he goes to in his filmmaking, even at 14 years old, is incredible

[SeanDoesMagic]

aw wtf thank you for the mention ❤
made my year- great analysis! 🙏

[dylan_]

‘Watched your film. Can you drop out of Harvard?” Is insane

[christiancoolbaugh]

I love when long YouTube videos have chapters to organize the video so per your question, yes I am reading this lol

[JonnyDiggit]

I saw Wesley's youtube video over 5 times by now. The first time I watched it, I was so captivated I rewatched it immediately after. I'm 18, it resonated with me more than any piece of content I've watched, like ever. Absolutely mind blowing to see this new age of cinema, and massive kudos to Wesley for getting a deal with hollywood.

[realaddiebowley]

Boutta watch this whole thing while I’m editing, thanks guys 🔥

[maze]

It was a great short film, but it is important to remember that like 40 professional film makers worked on it. Far outside of the scope for a typical YouTuber...

[izzysaks]

I was an extra in this film and the fact one of my favorite directors has now seen my face makes me so happy. I imagine Wesly will soon become many people’s fave directors

[KrisMadas]

I'm so glad "nothing, except everything" blew up on this site! It never made sense to me why short films and indie animations are so difficult to view outside of film festivals. Isn't the point of making something to show it to people?

Idk, it feels like some upcoming directors would rather take the "prestige" route of having their movie seen by 100 film critics/journalist rather than sharing it with real audiences of potentially millions on YouTube. The algorithm is fickle, but if your content is great then people will find it... So glad Wesley is paving the way and I hope others follow suit :)

[SurferFN]

I remember watching Wesley’s video and immediately questioning how YouTube is free

[ebasongaming]

It is great to see creators breaking out into larger spaces and making things that are new and fresh, but as you said, there's still going to be a big group of people who want to stay here.
Myself for an example, (but not on this account) create lowe-budget, easy turn-out short stories every week and it's working out great.
Staying low budget means low pressure. Having a weekly upload schedule means if I fail one week, I can move on quickly.
It's allowed me to experiment and have fun with a lot of projects, and I bet there are many more out there who can find their own sweet spot as well.
Love seeing how the industry is growing and becoming more exciting like this!

[beatbuildersstudio]

I think the thing most missed is that the guy thought of himself as a filmmaker first. He just happened to find luck uploading to YouTube.
I think this is were most creators go wrong. They call themselves "YouTubers".
YouTube isnt a job. Its a place to upload content.
He also self funded hos own stuff. Many creators on this platform want to get paid to create there content. It should be find a way outside of YouTube to make money to fund your own stuff.
This is how all business works.

[ChristinaAaliyah]

Saw that video being recommended for so long, just watched it bc of you guys! So cool to see the opportunities that can come from youtube

[CoolScratcher]

I'm sixteen and Wesley and I have interacted before on the internet. So kind, so humble... if any young director deserves to make it big, it's this guy. I hope I get to work with him some day.

[MitchFrickingClark]

I was about to go to bed when I got this notification. Rip my sleep

[RangeWilson]

Seems like the basic equation hasn't changed... you want to be a Hollywood director, spend $50, 000 and a year of your life making a short film, then hope that it truly rocks AND everything goes your way afterwards. Samir can do this right now if he really really wants to, but it's definitely not a path open to everyone.

[PrmosVision]

I had the chance to go to NYC during October of 2023, for the All American High School Film Fest, and I saw Wang's video in the AMC Theatre on 84th Street. Seeing Nothing, Except Everything on the big screen was such a roller coaster lol. The end of the film genuinely had me rethink my life, and it still makes me tear up a little. I never met him, but I will always remember seeing Wesley's video in the theater before it blew up :).