On today’s episode, we welcome David Ash, a filmmaker who proves that creativity and responsibility can coexist. Based in the Twin Cities, Ash has built a life that blends a demanding corporate career, a family of four, and a thriving passion for storytelling through film. With a background in business administration and a full-time job as a treasury director, he is the definition of a weekend warrior — someone who squeezes every possible moment out of his schedule to write, direct, and produce movies. His journey shows that you don’t need to quit your job, move to Hollywood, or have a massive budget to make great films. What you need, according to Ash, is commitment, consistency, and the willingness to learn by doing.
David’s filmmaking journey began not in a studio, but in a contest. After entering a screenwriting competition that brought him to Los Angeles, he realized that while Hollywood admired talent, it rarely offered open doors to outsiders. Instead of waiting for someone to hand him an opportunity, he decided to make his own. He immersed himself in local workshops, learned camera techniques, studied editing, and began working on short films. His first feature-length experiment, Love: A Documentary, was a mockumentary produced for just $800 — a testament to what can be accomplished when creativity is prioritized over resources. That project, humble as it was, gave him the confidence and hands-on experience to take the next step toward more ambitious films.
As his storytelling evolved, Ash developed a style that combined emotional realism with psychological depth. His most acclaimed work, Twin Cities, explores themes of identity, mortality, and redemption through a lens of everyday realism. The film was a turning point — both artistically and personally — showing how powerful stories can emerge from seemingly ordinary lives. With no studio backing, he handled nearly every aspect of production himself, from writing and directing to navigating the complex logistics of filming around work and family obligations. His process may not have been glamorous, but it was deeply fulfilling. For David, filmmaking is less about chasing fame and more about personal expression — an act of discovery that connects his inner world with the outside one.
One of the most inspiring aspects of David’s journey is his practical approach to the creative process. He emphasizes planning and structure but always leaves room for experimentation and intuition. He doesn’t believe in waiting for perfect conditions — because they never come. “If you wait for the right time to make a movie,” he says, “you’ll never make it.” That philosophy has not only driven his filmmaking but also influenced his outlook on life. By treating creativity as a discipline rather than a luxury, he’s managed to produce meaningful work while maintaining balance in his career and home life.
Beyond his own films, David encourages other aspiring filmmakers to start wherever they are. He often mentors local creators and reminds them that filmmaking is more accessible than ever. Affordable digital cameras, editing software, and online resources have eliminated many of the old barriers to entry. What remains, he insists, is the challenge of motivation — the courage to take the first step. His own story is living proof that passion and persistence can turn the impossible into reality.
David Ash represents the new wave of independent filmmakers: grounded, determined, and driven by purpose rather than prestige. His career is a masterclass in making art on your own terms — carving out time, embracing constraints, and never losing sight of the joy of creation. In an industry obsessed with overnight success, he stands as a reminder that the most meaningful journeys are built one weekend at a time.
