David Wayne Young is a multifaceted creative force, possessing a wide range of skills as a writer, actor, producer, and director. His journey in the world of creative expression began at the tender age of six, when he first started writing. As he grew older, his interest in acting blossomed in the sixth grade, setting the stage for a lifelong passion.
It was during his college years that he crossed paths with Christopher Strong in a screenwriting class, marking the start of a fruitful collaboration. When Chris discovered David's acting prowess, he encouraged him to audition for the lead role in Illumination Cinema's debut feature, Living After Midnight, released in 2016.
As David befriended Tyler and Chris on set, their camaraderie blossomed, and they continued to work together, with David serving as an actor and consultant on their scripts. This collaboration ultimately led to his integration into the Illumination Cinema family.
Since joining the company in 2016, David has taken on a variety of roles, including producer on the feature film Left Hook, as well as writer and director of his first short film, How Much. Beyond his work as an actor, producer, and consultant on the studio's projects, David has also honed his skills as a story analyst, providing expertise to various competitions and production companies. His first directed feature film premiered in the spring of 2021, a testament to his growth as a filmmaker.