Creator Weston Van Soest Finds Inspiration at Disney’s Created in LA

Weston Van Soest, a rising content creator, attended the Created in LA event in September 2023, marking his first experience at a creator-focused gathering. The two-day event, held at the El Capitan Theatre and the Walt Disney Studios lot, was presented by Disney in collaboration with creator Jon Youshaei. Van Soest, who had already built a following through comedy videos and a dorm door-knocking series, found the event eye-opening, as it challenged his perceptions of what was possible in his career.

The event’s structure, combining creator films and industry conversations, allowed Van Soest to network with peers and imagine how his storytelling could align with Disney’s legacy. He was particularly inspired by Zach King’s film, which demonstrated how creators could expand beyond short videos into larger projects. The setting, including a visit to Walt Disney’s office, deepened the experience, making the creative possibilities feel tangible.

Disney’s representatives, including CEO Josh D’Amaro, made a strong impression on Van Soest. He found D’Amaro more approachable than expected and appreciated the company’s interest in collaborating with creators. The event sparked ideas for future projects, such as developing content around Disney films or contributing to Disney Animation’s writing process. For Van Soest, the most immediate benefit was renewed motivation to continue his creative work, despite its emotional ups and downs.