Yuba City H.S. Grad & Army Vet Builds Career as L.A. Filmmaker

David Mansanalez, a 2003 graduate of Yuba City High School in Yuba City, is gaining traction in the entertainment industry as a screenwriter and film producer. He also brings a unique background to his work in Hollywood: he’s a decorated Army veteran who fought in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

“Given my experience in the battlefield, it was really easy for me to adapt to the long hours and hectic schedules of the film business,” says Mansanalez, who was initially trained as a Petroleum Supply Specialist. Mansanalez was later assigned to be a Driver and Gunner in an Oshkosh M-ATV Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle when he was in Kandahar.

“Something that always makes me laugh is when movie or TV people get really angry or stressed out when they’re on a set. To me, whatever problems arise during a production can be solved. People in this industry are fortunate to be able to get paid to be creative. They either don’t realize that or they’ve never been in situations that are truly stressful.”

Mansanalez became a film buff when he was a child. Growing up, his favorite movies were “Ghostbusters,” “La Bamba,” and “Blood In Blood Out,” and his favorite directors were John Singleton and Martin Scorsese. As a Latino, seeing the representation of characters in stories and situations that he found relatable was a big influence on his filmmaking vision.

Ater high school, he joined the Army in 2008 and completed his service in 2012 as a Corporal (E4) with a variety of military honors - including a Combat Action Badge (CAB).

Ready to take on his next mission, Mansanalez considered becoming an audio engineer, but pivoted to follow his interest in filmmaking. He enrolled at his top choice, The Los Angeles Film School (LAFS), where he eventually earned two degrees in 2016: an Associate of Science Degree in Film and Bachelor of Science in Entertainment Business.

“If you have ambition, The L.A. Film School is a great place to network and find like-minded individuals to collaborate with,” says Mansanalez, who has worked as a production coordinator on commercials and TV projects for AT&T, Mitsubishi, Google Play, Netflix, Hulu, and many other clients.

“The school’s film and business programs are a perfect combination for anyone who aspires to be both a creator and an entrepreneur in the entertainment industry. Having an academic background in the two areas gave me a great head start in my journey and - along with my military experience - set me up for success.”

Along with his for-hire work, Mansanalez also co-owns a production company called 4 Ways Entertainment, which he started with five fellow filmmakers, including other L.A. Film School graduates. Along with shopping their original scripts for full-length feature films and a TV series, the 4 Ways release “Slipping Into Darkness” is nominated in the Best Drama category at the Official Latino Film and Arts Festival and is a contender in The L.A. Film School’s Military Veteran Film Festival.