David Willing, a multifaceted creative force, has made Melbourne, Australia, his home, where his passion for filmmaking was first kindled at the tender age of five after being captivated by the cinematic masterpiece, Beau Geste, starring the legendary Gary Cooper.
As a young individual with a clear vision, David's passion for filmmaking only grew stronger with time, prompting him to pursue a formal education in the field. He enrolled in Deakin University's prestigious Film & TV program, where he dedicated himself to honing his craft.
David's dedication and hard work ultimately led to the creation of his impressive graduation film, Disintegration, which received the highest honors and was screened at some of the most prominent film festivals in the industry. These esteemed festivals included Longford Cinema, MUFF2000, and Eyecandy2000, providing David with a platform to showcase his talents to a global audience.
Throughout his journey, David has consistently demonstrated his unwavering commitment to his craft, and his impressive achievements serve as a testament to his perseverance and dedication to the world of filmmaking.
David's illustrious career in the film industry began with a bang, as his debut feature film, Surrogate, made its highly anticipated world premiere at the esteemed Sun Theatre on April 6th, 2022. Currently, this cinematic masterpiece is being showcased regionally in select cinemas, allowing audiences to experience its unparalleled excellence firsthand.
As the co-writer of the screenplay alongside the talented Beth King, David's creative vision and collaborative efforts resulted in a project that has garnered widespread recognition and acclaim. In fact, Surrogate has earned numerous accolades, including being a finalist in the prestigious Final Draft's Big Break competition, as well as the New York Horror Film Festival 2018. Additionally, the film's script was also a finalist in the Animal Logic/Truant Pictures Screenplay Competition, a testament to David's exceptional storytelling abilities.
For those eager to get a glimpse of this captivating film, the trailer is now available for viewing, providing a tantalizing glimpse into the world of Surrogate.
David, a seasoned professional with 15 years of experience under his belt, took a significant step in 2019 by launching the 1 Step-A-Day Screenplay, an innovative online resource that he meticulously crafted. This cutting-edge guide is the culmination of his extensive expertise, having taught thousands of screenwriters and filmmakers throughout his illustrious career.
As a testament to his dedication to the craft, David designed this comprehensive guide to provide a daily dose of screenwriting wisdom, empowering aspiring writers to refine their skills and unlock their full potential. With its wealth of knowledge and practical advice, the 1 Step-A-Day Screenplay is poised to become an indispensable tool for anyone looking to hone their craft and take their screenwriting skills to the next level.
David's journey as a screenwriting instructor has been marked by a passion for helping others achieve their creative goals. His tireless efforts to share his expertise have made a lasting impact on the lives of countless screenwriters and filmmakers, and his latest endeavor is set to continue this tradition. With the 1 Step-A-Day Screenplay, David is once again pushing the boundaries of what is possible, offering a unique and invaluable resource that is sure to inspire and educate aspiring writers around the world.
Biography:
David's illustrious directorial career boasts a diverse range of projects, with one notable example being his comedy mockumentary, My Little Life. This captivating film delves into the intriguing world of competitive miniature dollhouse making, offering a unique and humorous perspective on a previously unexplored subject. The movie made its premiere at the prestigious Setting Sun Film Festival, where it garnered a remarkable five nominations, including nods for Best Director, Best Film, and Best Comedy. Notably, My Little Life has continued to impress audiences, being showcased at numerous film festivals across the globe, further cementing its reputation as a standout comedy that has captured the hearts of viewers everywhere.
David directed a cinematic masterpiece, "The Escape Hatch", in the year 2015, which wonderfully blended heartwarming and humorous elements to explore the complexities of love. This critically acclaimed film has been fortunate enough to be selected by an impressive array of over 50 national and international film festivals, showcasing its universal appeal and widespread recognition. Some of these notable festivals include the prestigious BFI Flare 30th Anniversary, San Francisco's esteemed Frameline, Melbourne Queer Festival, and numerous other esteemed events throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, and South America. The film's success has been further solidified by its impressive haul of five awards, thereby cementing its status as a beloved and timeless comedy that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
In the same calendar year, David embarked on a multifaceted creative endeavor, penning, helming, and fine-tuning the editing process for the adventure travel documentary "Walking With The Mursi". This captivating film chronicles David's arduous 500-kilometer trek across the sparsely populated and harshly beautiful tribal region of the Omo Valley, located in the southernmost part of Ethiopia.
Through his personal and intimate storytelling, combined with the unique visual footage he captured, David offers a rare and privileged glimpse into the rapidly disappearing world of the Mursi people.
David made his mark in the film industry in 2013 by taking the reins as director and co-writer of Lunch Date, a witty and engaging comedy that delves into the world of online dating. This clever short film was the result of a collaborative effort between Open Channel and Screen Australia's Raw Nerve initiative, which aimed to foster innovative storytelling and talent development.
The film's premiere took place on ABC2's First Date/Worst Date in 2014, where it left a lasting impression on audiences and critics alike. In fact, Lunch Date went on to become the highest-rated short film of its time, earning it not one, not two, but three additional screenings.
David, a renowned filmmaker, has had an illustrious career, boasting an impressive repertoire of eight feature films, each one a testament to his unwavering dedication to his craft. Among his most notable works is The Seduction, a film that was nurtured through the prestigious Catapult Initiative, a program designed to foster innovation and creativity in the Australian film industry, courtesy of Film Victoria. Additionally, his feature film Collar has received widespread recognition, having been shortlisted by the esteemed Australian Film Commission, a testament to its exceptional quality and impact.
Currently, David is actively engaged in developing three crime TV series, each one a thrilling and suspenseful ride that promises to captivate audiences worldwide. The first, The Binding Murders, is a gripping tale of mystery and intrigue, while Future Past is a thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of human nature. The third, Tube-Watch, is a heart-pumping, adrenaline-fueled ride that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.
In the beginning stages of his professional journey, David embarked on a creative endeavor that would showcase his versatility as a filmmaker, penning and helming the short film "Collier Brothers Syndrome". This poignant and thought-provoking production delved into the complex and often fraught experiences of two brothers grappling with mental health issues, offering a powerful and relatable narrative that resonated with audiences.
The film premiered at the esteemed St Kilda Film Festival, a prestigious platform that has launched the careers of numerous talented filmmakers. Furthermore, "Collier Brothers Syndrome" was showcased on SBSTV, a significant exposure that introduced the film to a broader audience. Additionally, this remarkable short film garnered the coveted Best Sound Design award from the Australian Screen Sound Guild, a testament to the outstanding craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into its creation.
