HOW TO: Interview High-Profile Talent (w/ Ethan Shanfeld)

HOW TO: Interview High-Profile Talent (w/ Ethan Shanfeld)

This week, we're joined by Variety TV reporter Ethan Shanfeld. From his early days studying journalism at Northwestern and freelancing for outlets like Nylon and Pitchfork to landing major cover stories at his current employer, Variety, Ethan breaks down what makes a great pitch email, how he prepares for interviews without over-preparing, and why every celebrity requires a completely different approach. We dive deep into his unforgettable SEVERANCE cover story, including the surreal experience of interviewing Ben Stiller and Adam Scott over a 4pm dinner at an Italian restaurant on Manhattan's West Side Highway—without quite knowing what he was walking into. Along the way, we discuss building trust with interview subjects, broaching the tough questions, and navigating the ever-present publicists in the room. Plus: stories from interviewing a silver-handed Benny Safdie, an incredibly candid Miley Cyrus, and the unique challenge of sitting down with Nintendo's notoriously guarded president through a translator.  Welcome to the 50/50 fam, Ethan! Ethan Shanfeld - Variety Page [https://variety.com/author/ethan-shanfeld/] Ethan Shanfeld - Twitter [https://x.com/ethanshanfeld?lang=en] Subit your Horror Short! [https://filmfreeway.com/5050horror]

HOW TO: Create Timeless Movies and Timeless Friendships (w/ Andrew Gerstenblatt & Arthur Goldbart)

Andrew Gerstenblatt and Arthur Goldbart of Silver & Gold Pictures are back on the Pod! The longtime roommates and creative collaborators join us to discuss their latest short film, The Extraordinaries, which recently screened at 50/50 Comedy AND won the Audience Award at NFFTY.  We dive into the making of the short, from crafting its timeless aesthetic to maximizing the possibilities of a single-location shoot inside a treasure-filled antique store. Andrew and Arthur share how extensive preparation creates room for spontaneity on set, and why they're passionate about bringing back the kind of theatrical studio comedies that audiences can't stop quoting. Plus, we talk about what's next for the duo as they gear up to make the leap to their debut feature. SILVER & GOLD PICTURES [https://www.instagram.com/silverandgoldpictures/] ANDREW INSTA [https://www.instagram.com/agerstenblatt/] ARTHUR INSTA [https://www.instagram.com/arthur.goldbart/] SUBMIT YOUR SHORT TO 50/50 HORROR [https://filmfreeway.com/5050horror]

HOW TO: Turn Life Lows into Creative Highs (w/ Mahalia Latortue-Pridgett)

This week, we speak with Mahalia Latortue-Pridgett, director's assistant on ABBOTT ELEMENTARY. She breaks down her journey from interning at Viola Davis’s production company in its early days to now carving out her own path as a writer in television. She talks about starting her career in Atlanta, realizing she needed to make the leap to Los Angeles, and balancing a day job at a management company while quietly dedicating an hour every day to writing. Using the relationships and industry knowledge she gained in talent representation, Mahalia eventually signed a shopping agreement and sold her script — all before many people around her even knew what she was building. We also get into the realities of surviving the entertainment industry, and how hardship and rejection can ultimately sharpen your voice as a writer. Mahalia opens up about working with Randall Einhorn on Abbott Elementary, the value of mentorship, and why strong characters and clear comedic engines are the foundation of great TV writing. Plus, we discuss representation, collaboration, and what it looks like to build a creative partnership with a manager who truly understands your voice. MAHALIA INSTAGRAM [https://www.instagram.com/mahaliapridgett/]  SUBMIT TO 50/50 HORROR! [https://filmfreeway.com/5050horror]

HOW TO: Advocate for Equity in the Studio System (w/ Janie Kahan)

This week , we sit down with Janie Kahan to trace her path through the animation industry — from learning the studio pipeline at DreamWorks on TROLLS WORLD TOUR and CROODS 2, to Nickelodeon’s PLANKTON: THE MOVIE, and eventually Netflix Animation, where she found a creative home working on Charlie Kaufman’s ORION AND THE DARK. Along the way, Janie reflects on gravitating toward more emotionally mature storytelling and the kinds of projects that align with her artistic instincts. The conversation also dives into the larger purpose Janie brings to every workplace: advocacy, allyship, and creating more inclusive environments for disabled creatives in the industry. We discuss practical ways productions can better support disabled team members day-to-day, the importance of communication and adaptability, and how meaningful social change can happen through both art and workplace culture. DISABILITY FILM CHALLENGE [https://disabilityfilmchallenge.com/] THE MIRACLE PROJECT [https://www.themiracleproject.org/] DEAF WEST THEATRE [https://www.deafwest.org/] SUBMIT TO 50/50 HORROR! [https://filmfreeway.com/5050horror]

HOW TO: WIN 50/50 COMEDY (w/ Myles Hodder)

This week, we sit down with 50/50 FESTIVAL WINNER Myles Hodder! We dive into his upbringing in Newfoundland — “straight off the rock” — to becoming an award-winning comedy director. A Second City-trained performer who originally started as an actor, Myles breaks down how a small addition to his commercial directing reel unexpectedly became the project that won him 50/50 Comedy, and why simplicity almost always wins in comedy. We also get into the mechanics of directing funny material — from balancing improv with preparation on set to the importance of timing, rhythm, and why some of the best comedy lives in close-ups. Plus, Myles shares his approach to navigating the wave of industry meetings that followed the festival, including how to take the pressure off generals and build long lasting relationships.  MYLES WEBSITE [https://www.heymyles.co/] THREE COLORS SCREENING: BUY YOUR TIX NOW! [https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/three-colors-pan-african-private-screening-tickets-1986278891634?aff=oddtdtcreator] SUBMIT TO 50/50 HORROR FEST [https://filmfreeway.com/5050horror] RACHEL - John Early/Kate Berlant/Andrew DeYoung [https://vimeo.com/341842996]