The 50/50 Podcast

This week, we sit down with actor/comedian Natalie Ortega to talk about carving out your own lane in an industry that rarely hands you one. Natalie shares how she found her niche in musical comedy (and why it’s not just because the bar is low), her complicated relationship with stand-up, and why she believes actors shouldn’t sit around waiting for the next audition. We get into her time performing in Wicked on Broadway — including the unspoken rules of the Broadway social scene — and what she learned on set alongside Brett Goldstein and J.Lo, where stand-up unexpectedly became her greatest asset. Natalie also opens up about her evolving relationship with agents and managers, and how taking initiative in your own career changes everything: do more for yourself, and your reps will too. Plus, we dive into her creative partnership with Cam Gavinski on PARTNERS, what’s next for the project, and some exciting TV development news on the horizon. NATALIE'S INSTA (Watch PARTNERS HERE TOO!) Submit Your Comedy Short

This week, 50/50 Festival WINNER Ali Rosenthal traces her path towards comedic purpose; after cutting her teeth in New York City, she forged her voice as a comedy filmmaker at Stanford, where she made ICE QUEENS a self-described “fiercely feminist fantasy.” We then dive into her breakout short TEEN MARY - making the film at AFI while managing the creative risk of approaching religion from a fresh, comedic perspective—and why that very risk pushed her to make the film in the first place. From there, we move to bigger questions: why pitching yourself can sometimes be harder than pitching a project, what truly separates a comedic short film from a sketch, and why a strong director’s statement can be essential to articulating your artistic purpose, especially in comedy. We wrap by discussing the project Ali is currently taking out to town and the process of refining drafts with her manager—plus the perennial question: how do you know when a script is actually ready to pitch? TEEN MARY - Instagram ICE QUEENS (Stanford Short) Submit Your Comedy Short

This week, filmmaker Elijah Davis breaks down how he swung big on his debut feature, Three Colors: Pan African — and what it actually took to get it made. We talk about the influence of French cinema on the film’s visual language, and Elijah’s larger mission: creating real authorship opportunities for Black creatives across every department. He shares how funding the first portion of the project as a proof of concept unlocked momentum — and why fundraising proved to be one of the most difficult stretches of the process. We also discuss representation theory and Elijah’s perspective on the relationship between Blackness and media — who gets to tell stories and who controls the frame. Finally, he opens up about balancing all of this while working full-time as an assistant at WME — and what it means to build a filmmaking career from inside the industry machine. THREE COLORS INSTAGRAM/TRAILER THREE COLORS IMDB THREE COLORS LETTERBOXD SUBMIT TO 50/50 FESTIVAL

This week, we sit down with Chris Rutledge, whose knowledge of animation extends far beyond his own work and into the underground, deeply influential network of visual artists shaping the medium from the edges. What stands out immediately is Chris’s ability to recognize artistic movements before they even have names, mapping out how ideas circulate through communities long before they surface in the mainstream. His perspective reframes animation not as isolated projects, but as a living conversation between artists pushing each other forward. We also break down the fundamentals of various animation software tools and why teaching them has helped Chris re-familiarize himself with the art form, keeping his creative instincts sharp and reinvigorated. The episode traces how he’s organically emerged as a producer, leaning into his natural role as a connector—bringing trusted collaborators into his own projects and opening doors that have led to work on Adult Swim Shorts and even an A$AP Rocky music video. It’s a conversation about community, curiosity, and how collaboration often becomes the most powerful creative tool of all. HELICOPTER (A$AP ROCKY) BABY BRECK (w/ Tim Robinson) STREET RACE (Adult Swim's 'Off The Air') Chris's Other Work / Insta Submit Your Comedy Short

This week, we sit down with director Posy Dixon — currently deep in production on a documentary about cult musician Planningtorock — a project that’s evolved into something far more collaborative than traditional nonfiction. In a rare creative dynamic, Posy's subject is actively writing the film alongside her, shaping a kind of career-long retrospective that blurs the line between observer and participant. We talk about what happens when a documentary becomes co-authored, and how identity sits at the center of Posy’s creative practice. We also rewind to her early days at VICE — a time she describes as chaotic, formative, and creatively liberating — and unpack what it means to be thrown into the deep end with freedom to experiment. Plus, Posy shares stories from her collaboration with former 50/50 guest Luke Keeling on an Instagram campaign featuring Tyler, the Creator. The shoot was unscripted, high-pressure, and built around A-level talent — requiring a different kind of preparation that Posy navigated with clarity and grace. POSY'S WEBSITE LUCA (her prod co) CREATE ANYWAY - Tyler The Creator Instagram Campaign Planningtorock (Musician) BEULAH LOVES DANCING (Planningtorock) Submit to the 50/50 Comedy Fest

This week, we sit down with David Jacobson, marketing director at Cherry Lane Theatre — freshly reopened under A24 — to talk shepherding one of downtown New York’s most historic stages into its next era. David cut his teeth in sports marketing with the New York Knicks and New York Rangers (not to mention a brief, glorious stint working the second floor of the old times square NikeTown — RIP). Along the way, he adopted a simple philosophy passed down from his dad: the squeaky wheel gets the oil. Ask questions. Meet everyone. Be the “dumbest” person in the room. Remain a fan at heart.  David stepped into Cherry Lane just months before its reopening, balancing the theater’s deep, rebellious history with A24’s modern indie sensibility. He says that running marketing there feels more like a startup than an institution. It’s a candid conversation about hustle, taste, and parlaying every job into meaningful relationships.  In classic 50/50 fashion, it's another theatre/film mashup. Buckle your seatbelts!  YOU GOT OLDER at the Cherry Lane Theatre The Cherry Lane Theatre Instagram HENRY WINKLER'S INSTAGRAM (random but relevant) - COMEDY FEST SUBMISSIONS - 

This week, we sit down with 50/50 writer-director duo Aimee Hoffman and Elinor Howells about building a creative partnership that’s as honest as it is motivating. From their first days meeting at AFI to developing a shorthand that allows them to pitch wild swings and terrible ideas without judgment, they break down how trust — and taste — sharpen each other’s work. We talk about walking into every room with reps, producers, and execs armed with ideas, not just ambition, and why they’re unapologetic about aiming big: studio movies, spectacle, scale. They share the origin and on-set evolution of their acclaimed short DADDA (50/50 Horror Official Selection), including how Elinor’s presence as a writer during production fundamentally shaped the film in real time. Plus, they dive into their upcoming Florida-set feature, and why physically traveling, researching, and living inside a world is essential to writing something that feels active and alive. DADDA TRAILER Elinor's Website Aimee's Website Comedy Fest Submissions

This week, we’re joined by Arman Yaghmai, a coordinator at Verve, for a candid, nuts-and-bolts look at how the literary side of the industry actually works. We begin with discussing why coverage is such a crucial entry point for assistants—and how to know when you’re ready to graduate out of it. We then pull back the curtain on the inner mechanics of a lit-forward talent agency, from weekly Open Writing Assignment meetings to how information travels internally and jobs get chased. We also dive into what a signing pursuit really looks like, and why many writers land a manager long before they sign with an agent. Additionally, Arman shares what he looks for in emerging talent, what kind of pitching is most effective, and why the industry’s favorite question—“Why now?”—might be better reframed. We wrap up by defining what makes a great agent (reading, relationships, and genuine passion) and exploring how a shifting industry—and the rise of vertical content—could create new pipelines into traditional entertainment. VARIETY'S 10 ASSISTANTS TO WATCH 50/50 COMEDY FEST SUBMISSIONS

Before Rotten Tomatoes became a cultural barometer for movies and TV, it was just a silly side project built by someone obsessed with community. In this episode, Patrick Lee traces his entrepreneurial instincts back to early adulthood — from reselling computers to launching what would become one of the most influential platforms in entertainment. He opens up about how close Rotten Tomatoes came to disappearing during the dot-com crash, the realities of downsizing, and why the era of canned tuna and instant ramen remains a badge of honor. It’s a candid look at survival, scrappiness, and building something meaningful without a safety net. We also dig into the underrated power of networking — how building out an early professional network could have easily doubled the value of Rotten Tomatoes, and how to approach networking without the usual dread. From there, Patrick lays out the two non-negotiable traits for startup success: irrational confidence and ruthless focus. We close with a conversation about his very real fear of AI (and why we should all give WALL-E a rewatch) and why real-world community and human connection may be the most valuable currency we have left. Patrick's Talk on FOCUS Patrick's Instagram VENN 50/50 COMEDY FEST SUBMISSIONS

This week, we’re joined by singer/songwriter Annika Rose and her manager Alice Dabell for a rare  conversation about what it looks like to grow alongside your management as an artist. Their decade-long partnership is a truly remarkable example of trust, evolution, and shared vision—one that began when Alice first discovered Annika through a now-mythical music video cover of Foo Fighters’ “The Pretender” (seriously, we’ve scoured the internet… if you have it, please send asap). Annika’s early career saw her signing to the Simon Cowell / Louis Tomlinson imprint, followed by years of label deals, hard lessons, and major growth. Now, ten years later, Annika and Alice are fully independent—and happier than ever. Much of this episode unpacks what they’ve learned along the way, and just as importantly, what they’ve had to unlearn in order to build something sustainable on their own terms. From Alice’s perspective, we dig into how she approaches artist marketing in an increasingly congested digital landscape, and her push toward a more three-dimensional strategy. Both Annika and Alice agree: marketing shouldn’t be an afterthought—it should be treated as part of the art project itself. On Annika’s side, we talk candidly about personal accountability, why artists need to stop blaming external forces for stalled progress, and how intention changes everything. We also break down the marketing strategy behind Annika’s recent singles “TAKE OFF” and “I’M GOOD. I’M GREAT,” exploring how community-building, calculated rollouts, and a sense of exclusivity—particularly through print media—have fueled both the music’s success and a deeply engaged fanbase. TAKE OFF Music Video I'M GOOD. I'M GREAT Music Video Annika's Instagram

This week, we sit down with Tessa Germaine (21 Laps) to trace her path through the beginning steps of Hollywood — from an early break as a coordinator on The Real Housewives of Orange County to navigating survival jobs, agency life, and the winding road toward producing. Ever wonder how working at Trader Joes can actually HELP you get a job in the biz? Well, you're in the right place. We talk about the power of setting small, incremental goals, embracing fresh starts, asking questions, and learning to walk into new environments without fear. Tessa reflects on her formative years at CAA, unpacking the stark contrast between year one and year two, and why working in the book department clarified her path toward producing. The conversation widens into the world of literary IP and its role in her current work at Shawn Levy’s 21 Laps, before coming full circle with the phenomenon of Stranger Things — from OG Tessa guarding the Duffer Brothers at Chapman University to now working at the company behind the global hit.  Tessa attended October's horror fest and we look forward to seeing her again at our comedy fest in May! Welcome to the 50/50 Fam, Tessa! 

This week, we’re joined by the 2025 50/50 Horror Festival WINNER, Nishanth Ramasubramanian! Nishanth breaks down how to balance ambitious visuals with economic constraints, how to achieve real catharsis within a short film, and what it’s like co-writing deeply personal material while navigating collaboration. We also dive into the nuances of showing your work to family members (his sister’s husband said WHAT?!) and how feedback can land very differently when it’s close to home. The conversation expands into the evolving landscape of the industry — from the rise of vertical content and why directors should embrace it as a way to get reps (and leave the ego behind), to the importance of not being too precious about your work. Nishanth also shares thoughts on bridging the gap between Indian and U.S. filmmakers, and how to approach marketing your films without getting completely burnt out.  NISHANTH'S LINKTREE INDIAN IN A BOX TEASER/TRAILER

This week, UK-based Senior Creative Director Luke Keeling makes the ad world POP right before our eyes, as he breaks down what it really means to solve business problems through creativity. Luke notes how top agencies chase the narrative of a brand, sustain creativity at scale, and structure teams internally to build long-term, meaningful partnerships with clients. We explore why the strongest brands commit to agencies for the long haul, often seeing a single campaign evolve over five years or more, and how authenticity drives every decision at Uncommon Studio (where Luke works) — to the point where they only take on work they truly believe in. We also unpack Luke’s recent campaign work for Instagram/Meta, examining how advertising can double as a genuine conversation around mentorship rather than just a sales pitch. Along the way, Luke shares insights on building fame as a studio, creating cultural notoriety beyond the advertising world, and why recognizability is key to longevity as a production studio. We close the interview with some of Luke's most powerful takeaways from collaborating with some of the best high-level talent in the world.   TYLER THE CREATOR: ASK IT ANYWAY LUKE'S WEBSITE

This week, we hit the ground running with documentarian/filmmaker Jacob Hurwitz-Goodman. Jacob gives us an exclusive look into his current documentary project, rooted in his deep-dive research on the “Rationalists”—a community of thinkers who live at the intersection of tech and philosophy, and seem to both dread tech/AI's inevitable takeover and welcome it with open arms. Jacob walks us through what it’s been like to study them from the inside, and why their contradictions make them such compelling documentary subjects. From there, we get into why casting is one of the most underrated components of nonfiction storytelling, and how contradictory personalities and sudden left turns make documentaries so exciting to be a part of. Jacob speaks with real passion about documentary filmmaking as a poetic and ambiguous artform. In contrast, we also discuss how some worthwhile documentaries are often overshadowed by the oversaturated, formula-driven true-crime landscape. Jacob's mission: to approach the form with more curiosity, artistry, and humanity. We also unpack his lifelong love for music, how he weaves it into the DNA of his films, and how his eclectic sensibility has shaped his path into commercial work. Jacob shares how he uses the skills, instincts, and aesthetics he’s honed as an artist to stand out—and stay grounded—in a commercial industry that can easily dilute a filmmaker’s voice.  SQUAREPUSHER - DETROIT PEOPLE MOVER FAR OFF SOUNDS

Ladies and Gentlemen, it's a 50/50 BONUS EPISODE! This episode features this week's guest on the pod, Karen Zipor, along with 50/50 Co-Host Wyatt Sarkisian, in conversation with comedian Johnny Marx. For more information on the WORM x FILM BROS Screening, see below:  WORM X FILM BROS LINK JOHNNY MARX (Q&A HOST)

This week, we chat with perhaps the truest definition of a multi-hyphenate, Karen Zipor. We begin by unpacking the uniquely ego-free culture of animation and why its constant collaboration has shaped her entire filmmaking approach. Karen breaks down the big differences between animation and live action — from timing and cost to workflow — and shares the animation-born skills she now leans on while producing and directing live action.  Through Karen's calling-card animated short THE WORM'S EYE VIEW OF THE BIRD, she invited a huge number of collaborators into her vision and found strength in trusting specialists who even exceeded her abilities in specific parts of the animation process. Karen talks about meeting high-level animators, why rising in animation can feel slow (hint: projects take forever), and what being a “real” producer means — from juggling multiple roles on set to navigating relationships with creative leads. Finally, Karen shares how her producorial role on Brittany Broski’s Royal Court has evolved as the show’s rapid success reshaped the scale of production and her responsibilities along with it. ZIPPED UP FILMS (KAREN'S PROD CO) FILM BROS OF GREENWICH VILLAGE (WYATT'S WEB SERIES SHE PRODUCED!)

This week, writer/director (and 50/50 Fest alum!) Eli Staub joins us to break down the instincts, influences, and intensely personal experiences behind his award-winning short, MODERATOR. We dig into how the movie’s horror grows out of the reality it portrays—and why telling this particular story became an essential part of Eli’s own process of unpacking trauma. We then explore with Eli his equal love for horror and comedy—two genres that seem opposite but are secretly siblings. We talk about how both allow you to tackle dark themes through subversion, surprise, and the classic setup/punchline rhythm… whether the punchline is a laugh or a jump scare. Plus: why WEAPONS is somehow one of the funniest and scariest movies of the year, our favorite comedy-turned-horror directors, and some practical “cheat codes” for writing comedy, including laugh meters and pairing characters with clashing worldviews. Lastly, Eli walks us through some big recent milestones: what it was really like getting his first manager, and the spur-of-the-moment international trip that took him (and his film) all the way to Egypt. ELI'S WEBSITE ELI'S INSTAGRAM 'MODERATOR' TRAILER This episode is sponsored by EVIDENCE CAMERAS, official sponsor of the 50/50 Horror Festival! 

This week, we sit down with actor/ singer Lesley Chiang for a fascinating conversation that begins in the heart of the Hong Kong entertainment scene. Lesley breaks down the unique structure of the industry she grew up in—where performers are contracted to a single production company or channel, unlike the freelance, network-hopping model in the U.S. As a third-generation entertainer, she reflects on how deeply acting runs in her blood, and the profound influence of her father, a Hong Kong acting legend whose passion for the craft continues to shape her. Lesley also revisits her public debut as one half of the brother-sister duo Benji & Lesley, unpacking the pressure that came with the public’s awareness of their family legacy, and how transitioning into indie music ultimately gave her the freedom to steer her own creative ship. Furthermore, Lesley speaks candidly about mental health and how going public with her depression reframed her relationship to artistry and vulnerability. She then takes us inside her new life in Los Angeles—why she made the move, the challenges of essentially starting from scratch, and even the questionable acting classes she found herself in along the way (are they stealing her money? We don't know!)... Through it all, Lesley shares the lessons that taught her she could never be just an actor or just a singer, but a true multi-hyphenate. Having Lesley on the podcast was quite the honor, and we're thrilled to have her in the 50/50 Fam.  LESLEY'S INSTA  LESLEY'S YOUTUBE LESLEY'S IMDB

This week, we sit down with editor and creator Jack Lawrence Mayer to talk about the delicate art of receiving notes and navigating conversations with producers and executives. From knowing which feedback sharpens your vision to recognizing when to hold your ground, Jack breaks down how to approach general meetings with confidence, intention, and creative clarity. We also dive into his journey as the editor of TRICKS CAN GO WRONG—and the origin story of how he connected with the film’s singular writer–director, Luke Matthews. Jack reflects on what it means to make and experience art in the age of at-home content: how to cut through to audiences, create a moment around your work, and what it really means to watch something alone. Plus, he shares his experience creating one of HBO’s first digital series, SINGLE LONG, right on the cusp of the streaming boom—and closes the episode with a special treat: a real pitch he recently took around town. JACK'S WEBSITE TRICKS CAN GO WRONG SINGLE LONG (HBO SERIES)

This week on 50/50, we’re joined by producer Josh Folan, whose sharp wit and knack for organization and budgeting have made him a sought-after producer in the indie film world. Josh breaks down his purposeful approach to filmmaking — blending passion with pragmatism — and uses his feature ASK FOR JANE as a case study in how to shepherd an indie project from script to screen.  Josh goes on to share why he believes in "closing your laptop" and speaking from the heart during pitches, how to back nearly any script into any budget, and why collaborating with emerging filmmakers often proves more rewarding than working with seasoned filmmakers. For aspiring producers looking to follow in his footsteps, Josh offers candid advice on staying open-minded, resourceful, and driven by purpose. TRICKS CAN GO WRONG (Luke Matthews' Film that Josh produced!) ASK FOR JANE (as mentioned in the episode!) Josh's IMDB