An interview with writer and actor Dani Jacoby — in conversation with Hey Mate.
Directed by Madeleine Wighton (Bernice, Hopeful Goose Creative), R.I.P. People Pleaser is a darkly funny short film that explores what happens when we bottle up our truth for too long — until it explodes in spectacular fashion. We sat down with Dani to talk about the spark behind the film, her personal journey through people-pleasing recovery, and how laughter can help us face what hurts.

What inspired R.I.P. People Pleaser, and why tell this story now?

“People-pleasing is rampant right now, and it’s wreaking havoc,” Dani laughs. “We silence our honest thoughts to avoid conflict, and our true selves fester into resentful, feral gremlins. This film is a love letter — or maybe a Heimlich manoeuvre — to all the people-pleasers choking on their inner voices.”
She adds that while she doesn’t claim to be Yoda or Esther Perel, she’s certain that happiness comes down to one thing: communication. “We have the tools — we’re just too scared to use them. I want people to feel empowered to speak their truth, set boundaries, and prioritise their mental health. We only get one beautiful life.”

How has your own journey shaped the film’s themes?

“I used to have a 4.0 GPA in people-pleasing,” Dani jokes. “I said yes to everything, ran on fumes, and became quietly resentful — which is an awful emotion to marinate in. Eventually I realised: it’s me, hi, I’m the problem.”
Through the support of honest friends and a lot of self-work, she learned to rest, communicate and let her inner people-pleaser finally ‘rest in peace.’ “Writing this film was my daily reminder that I can’t champion this message if I’m not living it.”

Why tell this story through dark comedy?

“Our minds control how we see the world, but we don’t give them the care they deserve. People often wall off sensitive topics like mental health. Comedy breaks those walls down. It’s the perfect Trojan horse — it helps people relax, laugh, and feel.”
As a former emergency-room nurse, Dani knows that laughter and pain often coexist. “Humour was my defibrillator — it shocked me back into the land of the living. Sometimes the only way to talk about darkness is to let a little light in.”

Why did you choose to partner with Hey Mate?

“I’m deeply passionate about mental-health support, and I love that Hey Mate specifically empowers the creative community,” she says.
“People assume being a creative is glamorous, but it’s often the opposite — long hours, low pay, and a whole lot of heart. Artists pour their bone marrow into their work without always being acknowledged. Yet they keep creating with so much zest. The world needs art, and artists need support — that’s why what you’ve built with Hey Mate is so extraordinary. We’re so grateful to be partnering with you.”

What do you hope audiences take away?

“If this film sparks even a tiny flame of courage in someone who’s scared to speak their truth, that would mean everything,” Dani says. “You deserve to be happy, and even if I don’t know you — I’m rooting for you.”

What’s one wellbeing practice that keeps you grounded?

“Honestly? A hot-girl walk,” she grins. “I love losing myself in the ocean or Centennial Park and remembering how small I am in the grand scheme of things. Flush your phone down the toilet and raw-dog it up in nature — it’s the best reset.”
Beyond that, she credits her friends: “Surround yourself with people who make you laugh until you cry, but who’ll also hold you accountable for your boundaries. That’s the ultimate superpower.”

What’s next for the film?

“We’ve just finished in time for Flickerfest’s late deadline — the start of our two-year festival run,” Dani says. “I’d love to share it both here in Australia and back home in the US.”
R.I.P. People Pleaser also carries a deeply personal dedication. “My best friend’s daughter, Clara, passed away, and I promised myself I’d live twice as brilliantly in her honour. Her bravery gave me the courage to push past fear and write this film. If it can carry her light forward — through laughter, connection, and the support we raise for Hey Mate’s Social Impact Fund — that would mean the world.”

🎬 R.I.P. People Pleaser will soon hit the festival circuit, with a campaign raising funds for Hey Mate’s Social Impact Fund.
Follow @rippeoplepleaser and @heymateproject for updates and behind-the-scenes stories.

R.I.P. People Pleaser: Saying Goodbye to the Inner Yes-Person