David Willing is a multifaceted creative force, residing in Melbourne, Australia, where his passion for filmmaking was ignited at the tender age of five after watching Beau Geste starring Gary Cooper. He pursued his passion by studying Film & TV at Deakin University, where his graduation film, Disintegration, received the highest honors and was screened at prominent film festivals, including Longford Cinema, MUFF2000, and Eyecandy2000.
David's professional journey took off with his first feature film, Surrogate, which had its world premiere at Sun Theatre on April 6th, 2022, and is currently being showcased regionally in select cinemas. He co-wrote the screenplay with Beth King, which earned numerous accolades, including being a finalist in the Final Draft's Big Break and New York Horror Film Festival 2018, as well as being a finalist in the Animal Logic/Truant Pictures Screenplay Competition. The film's trailer is available for viewing.
In 2019, David launched Screenplay Method's 1 Step-A-Day Screenplay, an online resource he developed after 15 years of experience teaching thousands of screenwriters and filmmakers. This comprehensive guide provides a daily dose of screenwriting wisdom, allowing aspiring writers to hone their craft.
David's directorial endeavors include My Little Life, a comedy mockumentary that explores the world of competitive miniature dollhouse making. The film premiered at the Setting Sun Film Festival, where it received five nominations, including Best Director, Best Film, and Best Comedy. Additionally, it has been screened at numerous other film festivals, solidifying its reputation as a standout comedy.
In 2015, David directed The Escape Hatch, a heartwarming and humorous exploration of love. The film has been selected by over 50 national and international film festivals, including BFI Flare 30th Anniversary, San Francisco's prestigious Frameline, Melbourne Queer Festival, and festivals throughout the USA, Europe, Asia, and South America. It has garnered five awards, further cementing its status as a beloved comedy.
That same year, David wrote, directed, and edited Walking With The Mursi, an adventure travel documentary that chronicles his 500km hike across the remote and desolate tribal region of the Omo Valley in southern Ethiopia. This intimate and personal story, combined with unique footage, offers a rare glimpse into the disappearing world of the Mursi people.
In 2013, David directed and co-wrote Lunch Date, a sharp comedy about online dating, which was developed through Open Channel and Screen Australia's Raw Nerve initiative. The film premiered on ABC2's First Date/Worst Date in 2014 and became the highest-rated short film, earning it two additional screenings. The film's success can be attributed to its relatable portrayal of the online dating experience.
David has written eight feature films, including The Seduction, which was developed through Film Victoria's Catapult Initiative, and Collar, which was shortlisted by the Australian Film Commission. He is currently developing three crime TV series, The Binding Murders, Future Past, and Tube-Watch.
Early in his career, David wrote and directed Collier Brothers Syndrome, a short film that explores the struggles of two brothers suffering from mental illness. The film premiered at the St Kilda Film Festival, was screened twice on SBSTV, and won the Best Sound Design award from the Australian Screen Sound Guild.
