The Baldur's Gate video is absolute gold. Even my wife and kids, who have zero interest in such games, found it hysterical.

@joeltalksaboutmovies

8 ай бұрын

Aww I love to hear that! My goal is always to create something that doesn’t require deep knowledge of the game to enjoy.

@zitrodivad

8 ай бұрын

same! i’ve never played that game either but still really enjoyed the video!

@papahemmy8587

8 ай бұрын

@@joeltalksaboutmovies Your video was the first time I've even heard of the game.

@pandjammasbeeair2141

8 ай бұрын

​@@joeltalksaboutmoviesthat baulders gate one made me finally play the game!

@rageisalotofwork

8 ай бұрын

I didn't have any interest in the game until I saw it. Now I'm about 200 hours in.

I stopped checking notifications years ago because youtube was *only* sending me negative ones that would ruin my day, so I definitely feel what you're saying about that...

@joeltalksaboutmovies

8 ай бұрын

It is so bizarre! You think they’d have an algorithm that detects that stuff, the times I’ve gotten a “not funny” or “this is bad” notification is baffling, whereas I’m getting one hundred times as many complimentary comments that don’t get notifications.

@ramsoomair

8 ай бұрын

Time to game the system for the sake of attention. Not funny, this is bad. Hey Joel and Scott! Big fan of both channels. I'm not sure how it'd work but I'd go pretty nuts if you somehow did a crossover or traded content styles for a day/video.

@robh7800

8 ай бұрын

Scott and Joel is a combo I’d love to see in a video

@fernandodaela

8 ай бұрын

@@joeltalksaboutmovies it's possible they have some algorithm that realized negative comments have a higher chance of engagement. As in you're more likely to engage and reply to a negative comment than a positive one. Only way it makes sense to me at least...

@crisp_like_dylan

7 ай бұрын

@fernandodaela This is almost assuredly what is happening here. The algorithm prioritizes engagement, and the algorithm has determined that most users (and creators) are more likely to engage with negative feedback than with positive feedback. Would sure be nice if KZread had some empathy for what creators on their site go through when negative feedback gets spotlighted by their systems.

This video was clearly sponsored by a healthy sense of self worth, authenticity, and integrity. There wasn't even a link to a microtransaction riddled mobile game. Time for me to rant: Every time I hear Joel open up about creativity and the artistic process I learn something new. I love how he approaches art and I feel he truly has earned the moniker of "artist," not just from his work, but his mindset. Even the way he talks about people leaving negative comments on his work is incredibly empathetic. Just him recounting what someone must feel like to leave a negative comment was so refreshing, to see someone actually try to put themselves into someone's shoes and see the pain behind someone's anger instead of outright dismissing them or making them "the enemy." When you made the "Baldur's Gate 3" video, my first thought was, "Cool, Joel Haver did a video on 'Baldur's Gate 3." My second thought was, "This is probably sponsored... Dope, that means Joel got a paycheck," and then I watched the video and enjoyed it a lot. I swear, if Joel Haver ever does a sponsored video like the BG3 one again I'm going to enjoy the hell out of it and probably share it with my friends because I think it's really funny. Rant over. Edit: Artists deserve to be paid for their art, what they do is invaluable to the human experience, entitled audiences should stop shaming artists for accepting payment for their art. You can't eat wishes and dreams.

@DanKaschel

8 ай бұрын

Sounds more like a gush than a rant :)

@Tikky503

8 ай бұрын

Yeah but I cant gacha a healthy sense of worth or authenticity, wheres the ad joel?! tell me about genshin impact!!

99% of youtube comments: positive and friendly. The 1% that youtube decides to send as notifications on my phone: incoherent insults.

@joeltalksaboutmovies

8 ай бұрын

I’m glad it’s not just me, it’s very bizarre to the point it must be intentional hahah. Some algorithmic Stockholm syndrome grindset to make us work harder or something. Cause you’d think computers by now could differentiate between “funny” and “not funny” comments because it really is that simple sometimes.

Sponsored or not, your animations have always been masterpieces. None of them ever came off as an oversell or something invasive, at least in my own opinion. I think your work and the people who love it can speak on your behalf.

I have fought sponsors tooth and nail to keep certain jokes/bits in my ad reads. A majority of the time they let me get away with it. Coming across professionally to them, and letting them know that my audience will respond to the ad read better if I get to keep my jokes goes a long way. But I think you're right, I also get the sense that most creators are just going with the flow, perhaps afraid that if they speak up they may lose the sponsorship.

Makes me think twice about how I do sponsorships. In D&D KZread, most sponsors are indie writers publishing their own books of D&D-compatible content. I only accept ones that I think are making something great, but I totally go with: summarize a few bullet points in 30-60s, pay rent. Recently though, I did a dedicated sponsored video like you described. It didn’t even cross my mind to try a more creative/storytelling approach, so it was basically a 5min ad. The sponsor was happy, it sold a bunch of their books, but I didn’t feel great about it. Plus it was my lowest viewed video, in like, years 😅. D&D KZread isn’t a huge niche, so I can’t pass up on the standard short plugs. But if I have the opportunity for another dedicated video, I’m going to go a more creative route. Thanks Joel. (Also mean comments suck)

@peterbillings3276

8 ай бұрын

Woah! Two of my favorite KZreadrs in the same place-cheers! 🍻

I haven't done any sponsors before, but I did make a review for a drawing tablet many years ago. Without even knowing anything about talking business, I just opened my response email with "I want this and this and this, and I'm gonna do it like this and this, and that's what I want" and they just agreed to it. So I think you are definitely on to something. Not to say that every company will be as agreeable, but it's worth trying.

@ramsoomair

8 ай бұрын

Hey, it's the animations channel.

@KnuckleHunkybuck

8 ай бұрын

I'm surprised that it isn't fairly obvious to most KZreadrs: companies are seeking them out for a reason. If a company specifically contacts you to ask you to advertise for them, you have all the leverage in the world. If you contact a company asking them for money, only then is the leverage on their side. The basic thinking behind responding to a company asking you to advertise their product should always be "If it's entirely on my terms, maybe. If not, don't bother contacting me again." Unless, of course, it's always been your lifelong dream to tell people about what great "champions" are playable in Raid: Shadow Legends...

@DanKaschel

8 ай бұрын

​@@KnuckleHunkybuckunfortunately I think that greatly over-simplifies the issue. Think about the supply and demand situation. If the product is KZreadr ad space, there is an enormous amount of supply and limited demand. Unless a channel has accumulated a large, valuable, and targeted community, leverage will typically belong to the company writing the checks.

@KnuckleHunkybuck

7 ай бұрын

@@DanKaschel Nah, the leverage belongs to the party receiving the request, not the one making it. If someone shows up at your door offering to write you a check, they obviously have a need, and you obviously have something of value to them. It really is that simple. If a channel doesn't have something that a potential advertiser wants, why would they be sending them an email in the first place?

@DanKaschel

7 ай бұрын

@@KnuckleHunkybuck You go to a gas station to buy gas. They have what you want. They have the power, right? Turns out the sign was wrong and the gas is twice as expensive. So you just buy the gas and pay double, right? Fuck no. You cross the street and get it cheaper. They had what you wanted, but they weren't the only ones.

It was always amaze me that your first big viral hit was parody of a Bethesda game and now you make those exact same types of jokes in a sponsored video and people lose their minds. Every sponsored animation so far has been a Diamond Class Certified Joel Haver Banger FIRST, and an advertisement second. Getting to work on a few of them has been a lot of fun too! I think people just feel their tastes moving away from something they once loved and they want to intellectualize it. Just people trying to look smart for themselves, creating problems where they don't exist. That's my two cents! Keep up the great work!

@joeltalksaboutmovies

8 ай бұрын

Thanks Michael! Well said and I’m glad the heart is apparent sponsored or not. I don’t think often enough how poetic it is that it has come full circle like that. The Baldur’s Gate and Starfield animations wouldn’t have been possible without you, thanks for your help animating king❤️

Hey Joel! If you’re experiencing back pain from animating you might benefit from positioning the tablet more vertical and higher up, like a painter on a canvas. I animated flat on my desk for years with crazy back pain until I switched to this way. Maybe it’ll help you too!

KZread takes away the dislike button for creators mental health then proceeds to notify them when they get negative comments. Big brain moves.

I love how Joel literally made a video with step by step instructions on how he animates, and yet he gets called out as using AI to make them. Keep up the great work Joel, your very inspirational!

@colkiwi

8 ай бұрын

i don't know what you mean by "called out" but did you watch the video you're referring to? because he literally showed in it that he does use AI, and explained why that's a good thing. which I think is awesome. not sure why some people would think it's a bad thing.

@CrystalBreakfast

8 ай бұрын

He does use AI, Ebsynth is powered by AI, and it's being used by some AI artists to help smooth out videos. Joel has made several videos that used Midjourney images. There's nothing at all wrong with it. Edit: Oh yeah, and I've even seen AI artists refer to Ebsynth as the "Joel Haver method" XD

When we've grown our channel big enough to get sponsors I definitely wanna do 'em the way you do 'em. Very inspiring stuff!!

@joeltalksaboutmovies

8 ай бұрын

I know you guys will do it, your stuff rocks! Much love and keep creating friends❤️

@Jordan_brothers

8 ай бұрын

@@joeltalksaboutmovies we'll never stop creating ❤️

@sstteev

8 ай бұрын

Joel Haver approved? I'm subscribed now - will watch some of your (101!) videos right after Joel stops yappin

One thing I love about Joel is that he is so charitable in his perspectives and interpretations of others. Like SNL kinda maybe stole his toilet paper bears bit (S+ tier btw, softest toilet paper in the world) and he gives plenty of cover for them by saying that convergent ideas abound and that truly novel comedy is rare. He is so wholesome and understanding and considerate, and then he drops a bombshell that he will die in the trenches fighting comment trolls. I 100% agree and I love it.

I think that's a good point that creators probably don't think they have the leverage to ask for more creative control. But hopefully if they see what you are doing maybe it'll give them the confidence to ask.

The beginning of "Joel Havar Animation Studios". Ain't that the dream? A company with mostly just friends doing the work together, creating art, sharing ideas, having fun (mostly) and making a living. Awesome work, love all your animations. My eyes widened when I saw the nearly 14 minute time for the Lords of the Fallen video. Hats off to you and Mr. Martens.

My girlfriend and I love watching all of your content. Doesn't matter if it's your 1 hour movies or your short skits. We always talk about how refreshing your content is because it's authentic. You really know how to capture "normal" human interactions. I hope your back feels better soon.

@joeltalksaboutmovies

8 ай бұрын

Aw thanks for watching together, that’s really special! Happy you guys check everything out. Wish you both well

Thank you for your continued authenticity and transparency on your KZread journey. That animation is so rad and I love that you got paid to do something you have genuine passion for. ❤

Wait, that was an ad for Starfield? I thought that was an ad for succulents…

You know it's serious when you get Knife-Hand Joel in the thumbnail.

@joeltalksaboutmovies

8 ай бұрын

He’s chopping! He’s chopping!

Joel, you seem to have a big heart for your viewers. You encouraged me to get back into making videos with your oscars challenge this year. I'm back on KZread and making videos. Thank you.

I 100% agree with all of this. I own a small indie game company and I actually did an animation with Trent for one of my games, and we literally just went into it with a slight outline of the story and improvved… improved… improv-ed? The past form of improv… the entire thing and I think it was super fun and turned out really funny. Anyway, point is we just had fun with it and made a creative silly video and I think it’s so much better than any regular ad. So coming from a game studio, thank you for your work in making ads better. You’re awesome, Joel. (And so is Trent haha thanks again for working with me!) Btw the video is called “It’s The BOSS Fight.” By StegTech Games if you want to see it lol

Joel continues to be just the nicest guy on youtube

You gotta build a chest-high wall between yourself and the h8ers

Even when you're at the top you can hear people yelling from the bottom. You're success and valuable relationships should be a loud enough response. Keep creating Joel, keep inspiring. Mush love friend 🍄💚

"you are nobody until you have a well stocked list of enemies" - Jordan Shanks I think

An anonymous troll with a lost soul has entered the comment section. They dish out bad-faith criticism denouncing your authenticity as an artist. What do you do? A. Ignore the troll B. Feed the troll C. Do a loop-dee-loop and pull ~ and your shoes are lookin’ cool

@joeltalksaboutmovies

8 ай бұрын

D. Accept them into my fold and allow them to guard whichever of my bridges they damn well please.

@cambamart

8 ай бұрын

I was hoping for a secret 4th option. May your bridges be well-protected!

I enjoy your sponsored videos. It's easy to recognize that the video is a product integration, and like you said, instead of distracting from an unrelated video or short film, it adds to the art. The ability to set your terms with advertisers is awesome, and it's very cool that there are sponsors willing to let creators run the gamut without infringing. The ads you do are, in my view, a gold standard of how advertisements can be formed on this website, a mutually beneficial interaction between your creativity and art, the sponsoring company, and the audience

Joel is by far one of the classiest artists on KZread. Love your creative vision, Joel!

You give a whole new level to being a "creator", elevated and redefined even.

KZread knows that negativity can drive engagement. Maybe they're actively trying to make their platform more toxic because they want more ad revenue? Anyway, it's nice to have someone as relentlessly positive as Joel around :)

I totally agree with defending yourself against unfair judgements. As long as it’s in a healthy way and not something eating at you.

Integrity cough cough sniper wolf not having it

when i see video titles like this one from channels that i subscribe to, I always worry that someone I thought I liked has now decided to lay down a condescending tirade about some self-absorbed virtuoso vision about how they're right and other people are wrong to approach something a certain way, or whatever - and i always get that brief pang of worry, that if i watch the video, i'll no longer really feel like i'm seeing eye to eye with that person anymore, and that i'll start to feel jaded about it, etc etc. fortunately, with your videos, i never feel that. i'm always concerned when i see it still, but the things you talk about are always genuine and as a person, you're unchanging in your commitment to be a positive influence. i don't know what the point of this comment is, really, but i guess just, thanks for not disappointing me/us, and thanks for being who you are in giving well-thought-out opinions about what it means to have a position like you do.

I love the way you do sponsored videos, its crazy how many big games you've got sponsorships for and the videos themselves are so stand out compared to regular sponsorships that'd just be tacked on, you're great joel you've found the sweet spot of doing sponsored content in a way that really works for you I respect that a lot.

the "AND it's fuckin fun" hahahaha truth

it's nice to listen to you speak about things

This video is just further proof of how Joel is such a good guy and creator for the platform. I found the channel off the animations, but I've had so much fun going through the non-animated content ever since. Just remember, Joel, your fans appreciate you and all your hard work! We'll fight the bastards for ya

I really appreciate all the work you do and the way you go about doing it, Joel

@joeltalksaboutmovies

8 ай бұрын

Thank you Hans❤️

You can stand up for your work without trying to make people feel as bad as they made you feel.

I honestly wouldnt have known it was an ad, thats the level of quality. Both I've watched were excellent videos, that made me curious about the games.

Even if the animations are sponsored, they are still very entertaining and I appreciate the effort you and your friends put into your videos, and not just the animations. I did an animation like yours when you made that "how I made this" video and it took me an entire week to make it, and that was mainly drawing it. I just ignore the haters and make what I want to make. I also do make videos with games and they aren't sponsored but they are technically still free advertising for that game. Overall, keep up the great work, been following since I saw your first rpg video on reddit.

If more creators pushed for more freedom, everyone wins

That Lords of the Fallen video is probably my favorite of everything you've made. I was so genuinely invested in the story and laughing at the absurdity.

The Elden Ring video was how I found your main channel and you've since been my favorite creator on KZread. I had already planned on eventually getting Baldurs Gate and Lords of the Fallen, but seeing that you did "ad" vids for them, makes me even more want the games because it also just gives me a better perspective that the companies aren't the stereotype and actually will work with creators. Keep doing what you do man!

Yo Elden Ring is a great place to start. And the fact that you've *only* done high-quality sponsors means you retain the "if-I-say-it's-good-I-actually-mean-it" vibe that is so rare these days. Really appreciate it and each one of your sponsored vids still made me laugh and cry. One of my favorite KZreadrs. 6/10

Love your stuff and your thoughts on these subjects are very insightful!

everytime i see the faceless dudes in the dead world in lords of the fallen i cant help but think of the one from your vid lol

Thanks for sharing, Joel. You're a beacon of integrity in a shady, compromising world.

@sstteev

8 ай бұрын

amen

I would have appreciated a loud and sudden RAID SHADOW LEGENDS sponsor ad during the Curious George animation

Love your content and it always seems genuine. I really enjoyed all the ad ones ! And all your other videos.

You're a true artist and your transparency and candor is so refreshing. I hope to be able to continue enjoying your work for years to come.

You're a gem Mr Haver! Thank you for making these smart, creative and funny films. Please keep it up!

even more than the creative aspect, I appreciate the transparency you have shown sharing this stuff with us. Makes it feel alot less greasy.

i love you joel, it's such a massive inspiration to see people on this site who care this much about the stuff they create

Thanks for another transparent explanation of some behind the scenes KZread stuff!

Joel you have a heart of gold, I love your art.

This channel is a gem, love this style of video Joel. I really needed to hear this now. Thank you

Always shaking up the space! Love you and your work Joel, keep up the genius!

these videos were so refreshing and fun and to watch. It certainly helps that a lot of those studios are clearly full of great people who get it. I've watched the videos a few times over

so love what you're doing, it's inspirational to me as an artist

It's so nice to hear my feelings spoken much more eloquently than I can manage. Appreciate all your hard work and hilarious videos and especially the honesty. Enjoy your well deserved break!

I feel like there are so few actual artists (not just 'creators') out there that share the same conviction you have for the integrity of your work. Thank you for the work that you do and staying true to your visions!

Joel, you're amazing, thank you for your candidness

Truly insightful Joel, thank you for following your passion! I truly enjoy your work and honesty

Joel, you are such a genuine sweetheart. I'm so glad you are giving yourself a break, but definitely looking forward to what you create next.

Yours and "internet comment etiquette" always put so much work into sponsored content and make it entertaining. Keep up the good work.

Compared to 99% of sponsored videos I love your's. You put so much effort in your videos. I wish people would do more sponsorship videos with your spirit and love.

Well said! love your stuff mate, and listening to you on these types of videos makes everything make sense, on why your content is how it is. Cheers

Needed this, Mr Haver. Thanks.

What really gets me is the stuff about sponsors and things like Better Help- where we know there are major issues with it, but so many people were already locked into contracts and have to do them despite heavy criticism from viewers.

Man I pretty much love everything you do because your passion for what you do leaks through. Keep being you and don't let the world drag you down. You art and entertainment brings joy to so many, you should be compensated if only to give you the freedom to keep creating.

Love seeing this type of integrity, it seems like creators get stepped on way too often and you have a shitload to be proud of. Honestly as soon as you release a video animated or not i cant wait to watch it, they all are so incredible and you never know what to expect other than knowing its gonna be a little part of Joel, I didnt even realise the baldurs gate and elden ring ones were sponsored right away and thats what an ad should be, hope this leads to others making similar changes

I'm just happy for you to do animated videos!

Thanks for being authentic Joel

And yes, fighting back is good. It's also to help stand up for others who might be dealing with the same kind of things.

You and a few other artists and their respective teams are truly champions of KZread. You make the platform beautiful with genuine and unique contributions - including exposition videos like this one. Thank you for everything!

I love the sponsored videos you've done recently! I don't even know I'm watching an ad until the very end when it's announced.

so much respect for you , been a fan a long time , been a sub and super fan since you shared your animation process. Made some fun gifs , but man it's rough to get what you want with that method , love interpolated rotoscoping like the waking life and a scanner darkly , your method lets me do that , if i'm willing to put in the hours , i'm not , but i respect that you gave me this tool. thank you Joel, mad respect brother.

We create boundaries with our close relationships, it’s important to do the same with our workplaces. That just takes numbers and time

Just wanted to say that it's very refreshing to see a genuine creator, such as yourself. Love what you do, man.

I love your videos, fantastic work - and it's an insane *amount* of work. I can't imagine the amount of time it takes to animate a full video like that, you're a crazy person.

This is incredibly helpful and thank you for sharing your opinions on this. A lot of my other artist friends have concerns about this too.

I was super excited to watch you lords of the fallen animation. didn't disappoint

Every one of your more serious videos leaves me with so much hope for this platform as a whole. Your success can pave the way for artists to see there's a way to not sacrifice their artistic integrity and still get their bills paid. And the more creators who take those sponsorships, the more other stricter ones will have to follow suit with creative freedom if they want any takers.

Hi Joel. It's amazing (and definitely a sign of your hard work) the credibility you've built on this platform. Moreover, your integrity/ moral code AND kindness is inspiring. Thank you for giving us hope

Joel, I absolutely love how candid, thoughtful and genuine you are. I did it just sub to you because your skits are entertaining, but because I love hearing what you have to think.

I love you and your work

Man, i completely agree. Your format works for it completely. Seeing rhett and link do a themed episode sounds iffy at first thought. A hello fresh episode would be doable i guess but not slandering at all would sacrifice the point of doing it in a way. I think anthony padilla does get with better health, he does read a script and do what you are saying but the main topics are applied in episode. If he didnt have to read off the script it would be better. I think its such a losing battle but man if it was just connected that would be amazing. I truly wish you the best. Thank you for the countless hours you helped me get through, i feel thankful a shamful amount that i can scroll through videos and just get by and have a good time doing it.

Thank you Joel, your self-awareness on this topic is great. Thank you for talking about this kind of thing, it's really helpful for other creators.

Sorry it’s been tough lately, from this video I could tell it’s been really difficult. You’re the most genuine KZreadr that I’ve watched and it really sucks to see you in pain. I’ve taken a lot of advice over the years from you and it’s helped me a lot. A lot of people like to make great artists hurt because they’re jealous, please don’t give them any validation. Wish you the best Joel.

I am a huge fan of your work Joel! You have an incredibly original style and work ethic. I am currently learning game development in my spare time, and your channel has been a source of encouragement and motivation. Some of your videos have made me laugh so hard that it actually hurt!

Joel you are amazing and a kind soul. You are actually inspiring me to make funny youtube videos with my friends such as yourself so thank you and I hope to see more animations and live action from you in the future. 😁👍 good luck on everything 🍀

Yeah man you really did a great job. And as far as I can see you are one of the most independent thinkers when it comes to video ideas/unique premises. You’re a cool cat

Thanks for sharing Joel!

You do amazing things Joel, and it's okay to feel down about negative comments. I just hope that for each bad one there's a good one to pick you up again.

Your directing and storytelling already elevate indie films on KZread , and yet you still bring these insightful discussions about creating and working as an artist. What a treasure. I hope more creators and filmmakers can be inspired by your works and your words. It's such a balm against the cynicism and negativity that is favored by online platforms lately. More artists should get to hear that they can succeed without compromising their values.

Joel, as the author and only writer for my TTRPG (Eon Legacy) your work has been an entertaining and uplifting boon. I often have your work on a playlist just to retain a mood while working on specific thematic work (me and my hyper focused tunnel vision). Thank you, sir, for your work is a moodsetter.

Great video! My goal when I started YT was the aspect of creative freedom. Doing the script reading thing aint my gig, and hearing your direct experience is inspiring!

Your sponsored animations are, firstmost, hilarious and in the same vein of comedy / style to your non-sponsored ones. That's integrity right there. They remind me of when South Park had a World of Warcraft episode: using the game as a catalyst for commentary on in-jokes with that game's community, rather than a commercial. If the companies paid you, they got their money's value and then some; if you got paid, that's one less obstacle to your other creative endeavors that may have been shelved due to financial issues.